One Moonlit Night (Moonlight Square: A Prequel Novella) by Gaelen Foley Read Free Book Online Page A

avoided the many aghast stares, but when he, too, took a step toward the exit, a hand clamped down on his arm. Still half expecting some attack, he jerked away roughly and pivoted, ready to strike.
    Instead, he found Katrina.
    “What was that about?” she cried, staring up at him in alarm.
    Jaw clenched, Gable shook his head. “Not here.”

    # # #

    Still in shock after what she had just witnessed, Trinny lurched into motion, hastening after Lord Roland. He strode ahead, the stunned crowd parting before him. She followed, her stomach in knots.
    She did not wish to deepen this newfound scandal of his any further by involving herself, but she was panicked by the thought of him dueling. On the other hand, how much more scandalous could it get, considering who he’d chosen for his second?
    Trinny spotted the dark-and-dangerous Netherford waiting for him on the landing outside the ballroom.
    She caught up to Gable there herself, but got hold of him before he reached his friend. “Wait a moment, would you? Please!”
    He stopped and turned to her, his chiseled face taut. “I apologize for that bit of unpleasantness, but I must bid you adieu for now, my lady.”
    “What just happened in there?” she exclaimed.
    “I thought you saw the whole thing.”
    “Does this have to do with the earring?” she whispered.
    Gable looked away.
    Disappointment filled her. How could you?
    She swallowed the reproachful words, but he caught the dismay in her gaze and scowled. “I don’t have time for a lecture right now, so if you’ll pardon me—”
    “Wait. I’m not going to lecture you.” She took a step closer. “Please listen, just for a moment. You gave me your advice the other night whether I wanted to hear it or not, and now I shall do the same for you. We all know this lady’s reputation. Whatever mischief you got up to with her, it’s not worth dying for, surely. You must apologize.”
    When his gaze flicked to hers, she was taken aback to find it steely. “No.”
    “But you’re in the wrong!”
    “Exactly. It would be dishonorable to grovel now and pretend I’m sorry, just because we got caught. So, no. I knew what I was doing. It was stupid, but I did it anyway. I shall delope, of course. That is apology enough.”
    “That doesn’t mean he’ll do the same. You could be killed!”
    “I play for high stakes, darling. If you’ll excuse me.”
    She huffed, at a loss, when he simply walked away, joining his friend. The two rakehells immediately headed for the stairs.
    “Let me know how it goes—if you’re still alive!” she called after him angrily.
    He sent her a sardonic glance over his shoulder, but he made her no such promise. Trinny got the feeling his kind never did.
    As he went striding off with Netherford, she stared after him, then shook her head, throwing up her hands.
    I don’t believe this! I finally meet a nice fellow, and he goes off to get himself killed.
    On second thought, nice fellows didn’t get called out to duel against outraged husbands in the first place. Just another reminder that, as smooth as he was, Lord Roland was a rakehell.
    Please keep him safe, Lord. Yes, yes, I know he’s a wicked sinner and doesn’t deserve it, she thought, but please…
    Surely Gable was sensible enough to swallow his pride when it came down to it. If not, she could only hope the marquess was so drunk, he’d miss.
    Abigail came rushing over to her side just then. “What was all that about?” she asked breathlessly.
    Distraught with worry for her wild new friend, Trinny merely shook her head.

Chapter 3
    The Rake’s Progress

    G able watched the sunrise and wondered if it would be his last. His palms were sweaty, but his pistol was loaded. The medic stood by, and all that remained now was the waiting. He refused to pace, instead standing immobile, arms folded across his chest.
    It was a hell of a thing, he reflected. Nice girls like Katrina Glendon out there, and I’m about to die over a harlot. He