Page 120 of Ruthless with a Rogue
“We know Lord Wentworth wasn’t open to anything but you marrying to obtain those funds.But Miss Wentworth… Perhaps she’d be open to an alternative.You could propose a loan with an appealing interest rate.”Her pulse ticked up.This could work.This could be the solution.“It’s not ideal, but with the right repayment plan, if we’re frugal in the coming years… If anything, it gives us more time.”
Derek grabbed her head and planted a bruising kiss on her lips.She squeaked, and he laughed against her lips, then pulled away.“Bloody hell, Livy.You’re so god-damned brilliant.That is something.We can work with that.I’ll discuss with Rutledge too.And, God-willing, Rafe.”
The burst of excitement that had just come over her fizzled away.“God-willing.”
Derek swallowed hard.“In the very least, we’ll see justice for him.”
Livy had no doubt Derek would.
60
Derek
The next morning.
Derek snatched up his coat and left his room at Ironcrest House, heading for the stairs.He shrugged into it and hurried down the stairs.
Rogers, the Ironcrest butler, approached the landing.“Your Lordship, you have guests.”
Derek paused halfway down the stairs.“Guests?”
“A Mr.Warren Thorton and Mr.Quinton Sheffield are awaiting you and Miss Forester in the receiving room,” Rogers intoned.“Should I inform them you are not at home?”
Derek let out a slow breath and forced patience.He really needed to get toThe Devil’s Eyeto finalize his plans with Ryker.As long as this was quick.“No, I’ll see them.”And the hell if Mr.Thorton thought he could try to slip in and see Livy alone.The man thought to steal Livy from under Derek’s nose?He scoffed.
He strode into the receiving room.The two men looked up from where they stood by the window, toppers held under their arms.
“Gentlemen,” Derek said stiffly.“I don’t have much time.”
Mr.Thorton’s jaw tightened, presumably at Derek’s rudeness.As though Derek gave a fuck.But Mr.Sheffield’s smile widened.Derek really didn’t like how that no longer made him angry, but after the foundling home… Bahhh.He’d softened toward the pup?Bloody hell.What was happening to him?
“I had wanted to speak with you regarding the Second Chance Home for Foundlings,” Mr.Sheffield said.“And we wanted to ask after Miss Forester’s and Lady Elliot’s welfare.”
Derek let out a resigned sigh and waved his arm toward the settee and armchairs.
They’d just settled into their seats when a soft knock came from the doorway.Livy leaned softly against the door frame, her gaze darting between Derek and the two men.
Both men jumped up, and Quinton was halfway to Livy before Derek blinked.
“Liv,” he said hoarsely and engulfed her.His muffled “Bloody fucking hell.”filled the room.
Her small arms squeezed the man back.“I’m well.Aunt Mellie is well.”
Derek glanced away, swallowing thickly.Seeing the brief flash of fear on Mr.Sheffield’s face, like he was hearing the news for the first time again—it brought the crushing emotions of that night surging to the surface.
Normally, Derek would have had something to say about any man other than himself touching Livy, but he supposed this warranted an exception.Just the once.
It was the first time Derek had seen the man deviate from his jovial, quick-with-a-grin demeanor.He’d thought the man was just…annoyingly affable.Now he wondered if there might be a bit more to the man than the easy grins he put on for the world.
Mr.Sheffield finally released Livy, and Mr.Thorton stepped up to her.He hesitated and stood there awkwardly.He glanced toward Derek.That’s right, pup.Watch yourself.He made an exception for Mr.Sheffield.But Derek wouldn’t forhim.
Mr.Thorton cleared his throat, directing his attention back to Livy.“I’m glad you’re well, Liv.”
Derek growled.
The man stiffened and shot Derek a glare.“I’ve knownLivfor over five years.I have every right to make sure she’s well.I care a great deal about her.”
Derek was on his feet and in front of the fop in two strides.He towered over Mr.Thorton, but the man didn’t cower.“You have no right to use her name any longer.”
