Page 106 of Ruthless with a Rogue
“Come on, make haste.I heard whispers of a curricle race in Hyde Park later tonight.”Rafe rubbed his hands together.“Let’s kill a few hours and then perhaps I can win a fat purse to help with the foundling home.It’s been too bloody long since I’ve raced.”
Derek turned toward his friend.“Don’t you think you’ve had a bit much to drink to partake in a race?”
Rafe chuckled.“Do you remember who you’re talking to?It’ll take a lot more than this to take a behemoth such as me down.Plus, we can sober up atThe Devil’s Eye.”
Derek snorted.Sober up at Ryker’s establishment?Sure.“Apologies.What could I have been thinking?What could possibly take down the Iron Duke?”
Something flashed across his friend’s face.But then it was gone, swallowed by a sardonic grin.“What indeed?”
52
Livy
Livygazedoutatthe crowded Montgomery ballroom, a blur of soft ivories and pastels of the ladies’ dresses interspersed with the blacks and navies of the men’s coats.The jovial atmosphere was at odds with the sinking feeling in her stomach.The one that had gnawed away at her insides as the evening had progressed, and she still hadn’t seen any sign of Derek.
Aunt Mellie had tried her best to reassure Livy.Her aunt was sure he’d be here; it was probably just him having a small case of nerves.Very typical of men.But the same disappointment that had at first come over Livy was now showing on Aunt Mellie’s face.There was only one set left for the evening.Derek was to have danced two with Livy.Declare to the ton he’d set his cap for her.
Now it took everything in her power to keep her feet rooted to the floor and not leave right this moment and seek him out.She lost herself in visions of when she’d visited his townhome all those nights ago, him sitting on his study floor, despondent, imprisoned somewhere inside himself.Disappointment was long gone, worry firmly in its place.She needed to make sure he was well, ease her mind that he hadn’t fallen into that dark place, and if he had, remind him she would be by his side until he got through it, that she’d help him get through it.
“I think I’ll fetch some lemonade.”She needed to dosomethingor else she was going to expire from the restless unease burning under her skin.She glanced longingly at her aunt’s glass of punch—which she knew Aunt Mellie had generously topped off with brandy when no one was looking.Livy would much preferthatover the tepid lemonade.
Sadness glimmered in Aunt Mellie’s light blue eyes.“I’m sorry, Olivia.”
Livy’s smile tightened, and she shook her head.It was fine.It would be.As soon as she made sure he was all right.Though if he was well and nothing was wrong, and he hadn’t shown up… No.Not thinking those thoughts.She believed in Derek, inthem.
I plan to marry her.
She repeated it like a litany on her way to the refreshment table, all through pouring her lemonade, all while she stood there and stared blindly at the muted yellow liquid.
“Miss Forester.”
Livy jolted, and her drink sloshed over the rim of her glass and onto her gown.She winced.Blast.
“Apologies, Liv,” Warren murmured, pulling out a handkerchief.“I hadn’t meant to frighten you.”
She smiled weakly at him.“Not your fault, Mr.Thorton.”
“I—” He hesitated, his gaze darting away as he blew out a breath before meeting hers again.“I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time.Speak to you privately.”He indicated toward the terrace.
“I’m not certain that’s a good idea,” she said carefully.
“Please.”His eyes begged her, the vulnerability in his expression making him look so much like the young man she’d grown up with.The one who’d been a friend to her, the one she’d laughed with, had freely shown her affection.The one she thought still existed beneath this version that had bowed to the rigid expectations of their world rather than defied them.
“I owe you an apology,” he whispered.
She bit her lip and nodded.
Warren led them down the terrace.The cool evening air was a welcome reprieve from the stuffy ballroom.Though with the way Warren’s strides ate up the terrace, she would be overheated again soon.Warren’s head jerked back and forth, his gaze hastily scanning, and he ushered them into the shadows, discreetly passing by the other guests deep in conversation.
“Warren, I’m sure we have gone far enough…”
They reached the end of the terrace, where three steps led down to a garden.She stopped dead in her tracks, but Warren continued forward, his body dragging hers along.She yanked violently, tearing free and stumbling backwards, her gaze fixated on the dark garden below, the shadows reaching for her.
Her heart frantically fought against the confines of her ribcage.She wildly shook her head, the haunting visions of that night assaulting her.Someone grabbing her from the shadows, a hand smothering her scream.Lord Pennington atop her, his weight pinning her down, helpless.No.Air, she needed air.Gasping, she struggled to fill her desperate lungs.
“Liv?”
Warren’s concerned voice drifted to her ears, but she couldn’t move, couldn’t look away from the shadows of the garden.
