Page 99 of Avenging the Earl's Lady
“Running the Shaldon domestic empire, I believe is how Lady Bakeley sees it.She will gladly surrender the burden.”His hand worked the last of her hair free and he lifted a hank and sniffed deeply.“And in payment, my lady, I’ll give you my name and my worldly goods, at least those that are not entailed.And the painting of course.”
When he brushed her arm, pain shot through her.
He dropped his hand, frowning.“The damn Duque shall—”
“No.”She touched his cheek and made him look at her.“No, Shaldon.You are finished with the Duque.Leave the matter of vengeance to me.”
Frowning, he leaned in to nuzzle her neck.“What are you planning?Will you shoot off another ducal toe?”
“No weapons will be employed.”
He studied her a long moment.“I am enchanted, my lady.Very well.Besides my name and my worldly goods, my heart, my honor, and the rest of my life, vengeance is yours.”
“And the painting.”
“Of course.”
A smile lit his face, and he took her elbow, leading her back to his bedchamber.
And she went.
