Their life of crime had left them obscenely rich. As opposed to their difficult beginnings, they could now buy anything, have anything, do anything, but that didn’t mean they were ready to halt their mischief. John hadn’t yet destroyed all the enemies on his list, and there was still too much revenge to be had. Mildred and Hedley Teasdale were next.
“Was it wise to ride up to the house?” Raven asked.
They conversed in English, practicing it, having to remember that deception was paramount.
“I wasn’t noticed by anyone,” John insisted, “and if I was, how can it matter? People see what they want to see. I’m merely a passing stranger, assisting Miss Teasdale after she’d twisted her ankle. They’d never connect me with the man who’s about to arrive.”
“What if that little worm, Hedley, had strolled by? He’d have recognized you.”
“But what could he have done?”
“You shouldn’t tip your hand.”
“I haven’t.”
John stared at Bramble Bay Manor again.
He’d been waiting so long for this moment, had plotted and conspired and schemed, and he was so close to the end. He was anxious to finish it.
“When the front parlor is mine,” he said, “how grand will I look, sitting on the sofa by the fire?”
“You plan to sit on the sofa by the fire? I thought the idea was to take ownership, then let it go to ruin.”
John nodded. “It’s still the plan, but I certainly intend to wallow in my spoils before I wreck the place.”
“What will happen to Mildred and Hedley when you’re through with them?”
“Who cares what happens?”
“It’s what I like about you, John. You’re the most heartless bastard I’ve ever met, which means I’m not the biggest brute who ever lived. There’s always someone worse than me. That would be you.”
“I’m happy to be of service.”
They scrutinized the house, the grounds, John thinking about the sweetness of vengeance. There was such satisfaction in knowing that Mildred would be sorry, that none of her dreams for Hedley would ever come true.
“What about Miss Teasdale?” Raven asked. “Did you realize Hedley had a sister?”
“No.”
“What’s she like?”
“She’s a tiny sprite. Pretty. Amusing, but foolish—like all women.”
“Too bad for her to be caught in all this.”
“Yes, too bad.”
When he’d stumbled on Sarah Teasdale on the side of the road, he’d been greatly humored by her.
Though she’d been injured and alone, she hadn’t been afraid of him, and she’d exhibited an enormous amount of pluck. She was fetching and funny and refreshing, and he’d enjoyed their chat much more than he should have.
His world was a jumble of sailors and ports and perilous, daring sea assaults that often left him physically wounded. He frequently consorted with females, but they were jaded trollops, the only sort available to a man in his position. His current mistress, Annalise, was typical. She was beautiful, but cunning and treacherous, and she never misconstrued her role.
He kept her because she looked stunning on his arm, because she would engage in any decadent, salacious act he requested without grumbling or nagging.
So he never encountered the likes of Sarah Teasdale, and he wondered about her past, her circumstances. She was probably the girl his mother could have been—sheltered, adored, pampered—if Fate had pushed his mother down a wiser, better path.
He was absurdly eager to see Miss Teasdale again. As he waltzed into the foyer at Bramble Bay, like a king on summer progress, she’d likely faint.
“What will become of Miss Teasdale when you’re through?” Raven asked. “I know you’re not concerned about Hedley or Mildred, but Miss Teasdale is innocent.”
John grinned. “I might have mercy on her and take on another mistress.”
“Annalise might have a few choice words to say about that.”
“No, she won’t.”
“I can’t imagine Miss Teasdale would consent to an indecent arrangement. From your description of her, she seems to be very British. If you mentioned a lewd liaison, you’d drive her into a swoon.”
“There are worse things than being attached to a rich man like me.”
“Yes, there are: having a reckless brother, losing your home because of him, being tossed out with just the clothes on your back.”
“Precisely,” John grimly agreed. “Once she’s faced with catastrophe, I might be exactly what she needs.”
Raven snorted out a laugh. “I wouldn’t count on it if I were you.”
John laughed, too. It was amusing to think of a relationship with Miss Teasdale, but she wasn’t worth the bother. And from his brief meeting with her, he could tell she was quite fond of Bramble Bay. After she learned how he’d ruined Hedley, she wouldn’t be kindly inclined to any continuing acquaintance.
“Let’s go,” John said. “We’re due to arrive tomorrow. I want to double check all the details to make sure we haven’t forgotten anything.”
“We haven’t.”
“I want to be sure,” John firmly stated. “I’ve been preparing for this moment all my life. I’ll leave nothing to chance.”
They turned their horses and rode away.
Praise for New York Times Bestselling Author
CHERYL HOLT
“Best storyteller of the year...”
Romantic Times Magazine
“A master writer...”
Fallen Angel Reviews
“The Queen of Erotic Romance...”
Book Cover Reviews
“Cheryl Holt is magnificent...”
Reader to Reader Reviews
“From cover to cover, I was spellbound. Truly outstanding...”
Romance Junkies
“A classic love story with hot, fiery passion dripping from every page. There’s nothing better than curling up with a great book and this one totally qualifies.”
Fresh Fiction
“This book pulls you in and you won’t be able to put it down.”
The Romance Studio
“This is a masterpiece of storytelling. A sensual delight scattered with rose petals that are divinely arousing. Oh my, yes indeedy!"
Reader to Reader Reviews
“Bravo, Ms. Holt, for continuing to entertain us with your exceptional talent."
Coffee Time Romances
“Holt's powerful descriptive powers allow the reader to step into the story and become an active participant, surrendering to the richness and splendor of a truly outstanding love-story.”
Romantic Crush Junkies
“It is always a wonderful feeling, like comfort food, to read a favorite author, and her storytelling here is just as wonderful as in her first book. I find this to be uncommon. Ms. Holt is this type of author.”
Book Wenches
“Captivating'! A perfect read for snuggling down with your favorite blanket and a nice glass of wine at the end of the day.”
Novels Alive TV