Between the Devil and Desire by Lorraine Heath Read Free Book Online Page A

would be a good time to spew a few. Jack Dodger appeared larger than before, and more ominous. She liked him even less and decided she’d had quite enough of him for the evening.
    â€œWhat are you doing here?” Olivia demanded, in her most officious voice, the one she used when she caught servants slacking at their duties.
    â€œThe question, Duchess, is what are you doing? According to this book”—he tapped the ledger he held up as though its contents were gospel—“this coach is my property. Are you seeking to steal it from me?”
    â€œHow can it be your property? It bears the ducal crest.”
    â€œI suppose you make a valid point. I should have the crest removed posthaste as it does create confusion.”
    â€œIt was the duke’s coach.”
    â€œBut unfortunately for you, it was purchased with non-entailed funds.”
    â€œYou read that in the dark?”
    â€œNo, I read it in the library. I have an astonishingly good memory. I have but to read something once and it is as though a picture is drawn in my mind. But I doubt you truly have any real interest in my talent, so let us return to my original question. Are you seeking to steal from me? Do I need to send ’round for a constable?”
    â€œDon’t be ridiculous. I was just taking Henry to the countryside.”
    â€œIn the dead of night?” Mr. Dodger asked.
    â€œIt’s a cooler time to travel, and Henry is prone to sleeping when we travel at night. As I don’t then have to keep him entertained, it makes for a much more pleasant journey for all involved, and I’m not sure why I’m explaining myself to you.”
    â€œI’ve found people usually go to the bother of explaining when they realize they’re at fault.”
    â€œI’ve done nothing wrong.” But her words sounded defensive and weak even to her own ears.
    â€œHere’s the problem as I see it. I’m Henry’s guardian. If he’s in the country then I cannot effectively guard him.”
    She could have sworn she heard humor laced through his voice. Did he think this was all some grand joke, that tonight’s revelations had been designed for his amusement? She bit back harsh words that would gain her nothing except his anger. “As guardian, you don’t have to actually guard him. You simply oversee his welfare, and you can do that by entrusting him to my care and letting me take him to the country.”
    â€œI’m not certain that’s in his best interest.”
    â€œHow can it not be?”
    â€œYou’re raising a pansy. He screamed louder than you did.”
    â€œI resent that implication. You frightened us, lurking about in the shadows where you weren’t expected—like some miscreant. Why weren’t you standing outside the coach, as any decent person would? I think you deliberately sought to unsettle me.”
    â€œI think you’re well aware that I’m hardly decent .” He had the audacity to smile, all the while tapping that blasted ledger.
    â€œYou find this situation amusing?” she snapped.
    â€œI find it vastly challenging.”
    Challenging was an understatement. “You and I can compromise. Take everything. Say you are his guardian. Let Henry and I leave.”
    â€œUnfortunately for you, Duchess, I’m a man of my word. I promised to see to the care and upbringing of the child, and so I shall. And I will do it here in London as that is where my business interests lie. Now, you are correct. Compromises need to be made and matters between us settled. I suggest we retire to the residence, where we may discuss them in more comfort.”
    â€œIt’s almost ten o’clock, long past a decent hour for visiting. Surely you’re not implying that you intend to stay in the residence.”
    â€œIt’s my residence. The child is my ward. So, yes, I will be moving in.”
    He spoke so casually about something that was