Page 101 of The Rogue's Last Scandal
“Deep and easy breaths, my love.”
My love. The words were like hartshorn, making her gulp in air, bringing her around until finally her vision cleared.
Charley’s gaze burned into her, a mask of concern.
Concern he could easily fake. He was a consummate actor. He had used her to go after her father. He had secured access to her money, permanently.
And yet, and yet…how could she believe this Duque over Charley? Charley had never even hinted an interest in her father’s last quiet words.
She didn’t believe that anyone knew what Papa had said to her, or that they would understand. She certainly didn’t.
But she could bluff. She must learn to be as good an actor as Lord Shaldon and his son.
“You betrayed me,” she whispered, and it was not hard to fake heartbreak.
“No. Never.” He glanced at the two villains, his eyes blazing as she had never seen them do.
“No,” she said, and turned his face toward her. “No duel. I beg you, Charley,” she whispered, and then said more loudly, “Everyone can see how little honor is in these men. And,” she returned to a shaky whisper, “I shall kill you myself when we are home.”
