Page 47 of A Mistake of Identity
He opened the heavy door to find a striking woman in her early twenties on the doorstep. Her cream designer suit probably cost more than Ellis used to make in a year, and her jewelry sparkled with obvious wealth. Her professionally styled blonde hair framed a face that might have been beautiful if not for the hint of cruelty around her mouth.
“Yes?” Ellis asked politely.
She barely glanced at him. “I’m here to see Henri Rohan. I know he’s been spotted here.”
“I’m sorry, but Henri isn’t here. We haven’t seen him in several days.”
Her perfectly manicured hand shot out, shoving the door wider as she brushed past Ellis into the foyer. “I’ll wait.”
“Excuse me,” Ellis said, letting his anger sharpen his voice. “You can’t just—”
She turned, really looking at him for the first time. Her eyes widened slightly before her lips curved into a cruel smile. “Ah. You must be the little whore everyone’s talking about. Ellis, isn’t it?”
Ellis felt heat climb his cheeks but kept his voice steady. “I’m sorry, who are you?”
Her perfectly painted lips parted in shock. “You don’t—” She recovered quickly, lips curling into a sneer. “I suppose a gutter rat wouldn’t recognize refinement if it walked up and introduced itself. I am Élise Dubrule, Henri Rohan’s fiancée.”
“Funny,” Ellis said. “I didn’t think Henri had a fiancée.”
Her smile went razor-sharp. “Of course we’re engaged. There was just some unpleasantness with the papers. Though I suppose someone of your background wouldn’t keep up with society news.”
Color flooded her cheeks. “Now, where is Henri? I know he’s been seen here.”
“Like I said, he’s not here. And you need to leave.”
“How dare you? Do you have any idea who I am? Who my family is?”
“Do you have any idea how little I care?” Ellis crossed his arms. “Henri isn’t here. You need to leave.”
She laughed, the sound like breaking glass. “Oh, that’s adorable. The little prostitute playing at being lady of the house.Tell me, does Gabriel make you answer the door often? Or were all the real servants too busy to do their jobs?”
“I’m not playing at anything,” Ellis said quietly. “This is my home. Gabriel is my partner. And you are trespassing.”
“Partner?” She practically purred the word. “Is that what you think you are? Oh, you poor thing. I suppose no one’s told you about Gabriel’s history with pretty little diversions like yourself.” She stepped closer, voice dropping to a mock whisper. “Did you know about Christian? Or Thomas? What about dear sweet Jamie? They all thought they were special too.”
Ellis felt a sting in his chest, but he refused to let it show. “I know exactly who I am to Gabriel. And I know exactly where I stand in this house.” He lifted his chin. “Which is why I can tell you to get the fuck out and know that Gabriel will back me up completely.”
“Such language,” she tsked. “Though I suppose we can’t expect better from someone of your profession. Does it bother you, knowing that everyone who sees you with Gabriel knows exactly what you are? What you’ve done? The society papers have been having quite a field day with your history.”
“You seem very interested in my profession,” Ellis said sweetly. “Are you looking for career advice? Because honestly, from what I hear about your social climbing attempts, you might actually make more money on your back than you do trying to marry up.”
Her hand shot up, but before she could slap him, another voice cut through the foyer.
“I wouldn’t.” Gabriel’s quiet warning carried clearly from the stairs. “Not if you ever want to show your face in PDC society again.”
Ellis hadn’t heard Gabriel approach, but he felt the warm press of his body as Gabriel descended the stairs and movedto stand beside him. Gabriel’s arm slipped possessively around Ellis’ waist.
“Gabriel.” Élise’s voice dripped honey. “I was just looking for Henri. I heard he’d been seen here.”
“And Ellis informed you that Henri isn’t here,” Gabriel said coldly. “Yet you chose to enter my home uninvited and insult someone under my protection.”
“Protection?” She laughed. “Is that what we’re calling it now?”
“We’re calling it exactly what it is,” Gabriel’s voice carried dangerous quiet. “Ellis is my partner. He lives here. This is his home. And you have exactly thirty seconds to leave it before I call the police and have you charged with trespassing.”
She opened her mouth, probably to argue, but something in Gabriel’s expression made her think better of it. With a sharp laugh, she turned on her heel and strode toward the door. At the threshold, she paused.
“When he gets bored of you,” she said to Ellis, “don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
