Page 122 of Ruthless with a Rogue
“We are thrilled to have you join us.”And bloody hell, was that disturbing feeling sincerity?He tried to tamp it down.“However, we cannot accept your entire inheritance.Let’s find a time to sit down with Rutledge, and we can discuss finances and what makes sense.”
Sheffield was already shaking his head, but Livy stepped in and thankfully tried to talk some sense into her friend.“Quinton, you need money to live on.Whatever will you do if you give it all away?You cannot live with your mother and father forever, as much as Lady Huntingdon might wish it.”
Sheffield’s roguish grin was back, and Derek found, this time, he was much less inclined to punch it off the man’s face.“Don’t worry, Liv.I don’t need the money.I have other income.”He reached forward and tweaked her nose.
And that was when Derek truly grasped what Sheffield was to Livy.That Livy, who much like Derek, had grown up alone, had found her own family with Quinton, like he had with Rafe and Dorothea.Damnit.He did not appreciate this invasion oftenderemotions today.
“Well, we should be going,” Sheffield said.“Don’t want to keep you.”
Derek nodded.“We’ll talk soon.”
“Thank you both for visiting,” Livy said brightly, popping up from her chair.
“And we’re exceedingly grateful you and your aunt are all right,” Mr.Thorton said.
Sheffield gave Livy a quick squeeze and then the two men took their leave.
Derek collapsed back into his armchair, his mind spinning.Livy settled on the arm of his chair, her fingers tracing the edge of his jaw.
“I can’t believe it,” he said, staring blindly into the room.
“I know,” she murmured.“Between that and the money you and Lord Rutledge had been able to gather, you almost have enough for the home.”
He looked up at Livy.“We can resume building with this.It’ll cover the first installment.It gives us some time to raise the final amount.”
“And there’s still the possibility of Miss Wentworth.”
Derek dropped his head in Livy’s lap and let out a half laugh, half sob.Could this really be it?Could they have done it?Was fate finally shining on them?
Fingers drifted softly through his hair, and he let his eyes slide shut.Just a moment longer.Then he really did need to meet with Ryker.
61
Derek
“Areyouready?”
Derek nodded and took the small tincture from Ryker.
Green and blue eyes glittered back at Derek from the man leaning casually against the brick building on the London docks.“I’ll be here waiting to celebrate once you’re done.”
Derek’s lips twitched, and he pocketed the small vial.“What in the bloody hell did you do to your hair?”
Ryker ran his hands through the long jet-black strands at the top of his head.He’d completely shaved the sides.“You don’t like it?”
“It’s…strange.”It definitely made Ryker’s sharp features more striking.“A bit unnerving.”
“Well, I’d say it’s serving its purpose then.”The man grinned, his oddly sharp side teeth flashing.Those fangs had always been somewhat alarming, especially considering the man’s bloodlust.But with his new haircut?The cove resembled a vampyre more than ever.
Ryker ran his tongue over one sharp tooth.“You’re staring, Dunmore.The ladies and gents love them.Want me to show you why?”
“You know?I really,reallydon’t.”He pulled out his pocket watch.“Best be off.”He turned toward the shipping warehouse.It was time for his meeting with Wentworth.
“Don’t fuck up!”Ryker called cheerily.
Derek shook his head and made his way to the entrance.
Derek walked side-by-side with Lord Wentworth through the warehouse.It was a large open space, with towering ceilings and wooden beams.They were by the rear of the building now, which had a ramp that led out to the dock for easy access to shipments.Multiple wide aisles were formed by stacked crates and barrels, or sacks and bales.
