She Tempts the Duke by Lorraine Heath Read Free Book Online Page A

Had never even considered it. They’d been children when he was forced to run off. As a woman, she might no longer have anything in common with him. Might be entirely unsuitable to serve as his duchess. Without conscious thought, he ran his hand over his jaw. Stopped. The scars taunted him. It was quite possible no woman would consider serving as his duchess. That path was truly for traveling another day.
    “Establishing ourselves,” he told his brothers, “ensuring that our claim to Pembrook is not questioned—that is where our energies must go. Did you not see the doubts in that room? We are far from done.”
    “Mary might be useful to us,” Rafe said. “She remained in that world that cast us out.”
    “You would use her?” Tristan asked.
    “I would use anyone to get what I want.”
    The cold words sent an icy shiver through Sebastian. Who was this unrelentingly harsh man whom he called “brother”? On the one hand a bond existed between them that could not be broken. On the other was the truth of the matter: he knew very little about him, yet he could not claim him to be a stranger because he trusted him completely. But still there was so much he didn’t know, wasn’t certain he wanted to know.
    Silence eased in around them as though they each needed to ponder the ramifications of their actions tonight. Sebastian had expected a few of the lords to object quite vocally, but they hadn’t. Too dignified perhaps. Or perhaps they cared for his uncle as little as he did. Or perhaps they were just waiting to see how things sorted themselves out.
    “What is your next step?” Tristan finally asked.
    “To take up residence at Easton House as soon as the imposer has scurried away. You are both welcome to reside there.”
    “I will remain here,” Rafe said without hesitation. “It is where I am most at home.”
    “You have comfortable accommodations here,” Sebastian said. “Of that there is no question. But now that you are once again recognized as a lord, you might consider selling this place. Its ownership is hardly befitting a gentleman.”
    “I never claimed to be a gentleman.”
    “But you are,” Sebastian insisted.
    Rafe shot to his feet. “Trust me, brother, I have done things that no gentleman would do. Polite Society would find me . . . not quite so polite. My wealth, my more questionable resources are at your disposal. I have already sent two men to keep watch over Easton House and its current resident. I will do all in my power to ensure you hold your title, but my place is here.”
    He made to leave and Sebastian stood. “Rafe.”
    His brother stopped but did not turn around.
    “I could not take you with me. Not twelve years ago. I can take you with me now.”
    “It’s too late.” Rafe’s voice carried no emotion, yet the words slammed into Sebastian with the force of cannon fodder. “Perhaps you can regain what you lost, but I cannot. Nor do I have any desire to. Make yourself at home.”
    He strode from the room, never glancing back. Sebastian took a step forward. He would catch up to him; he would make him understand—
    “Leave him be,” Tristan ordered.
    Sebastian didn’t want the wounds that marred his relationship with Rafe to fester, but he suspected his obstinate brother was in no mood to listen. So instead, he studied his twin, still lounging in the chair. It was difficult to look at him and see what a handsome devil he himself had once been. With great reluctance, he wandered back to the fireplace and pressed his arm against the mantel. “Do you know what happened to him?”
    “He talks to me as little as he talks to you.”
    “I thought they would keep him clothed, fed, and housed within the workhouse.”
    “Whatever he went through it is not your fault. All the fault rests with Uncle. Which is the reason that I do wish you’d bloody well let me kill him.”
    “So you could hang?” Mary had issued a similar warning, but somehow accompanied by her sweet voice it