Page 91 of Forever Her Bachelor
Following the commotion, Pippa stared down the hall at three men, all big. One was extremely handsome with light brown skin, and blues with obvious African ancestry. The second was a large man with dark skin. His features were hard, and his nose looked like it had been broken several times before. Pippa’sbreath caught as she took in the last man; she would always recognize the highwayman who accosted them on the road. She would never forget the terror of those moments.
Her eyes traveled back to the formidable man in the middle. He stood tall and confident, his eyes darting to Pippa and Chauncey. Realization pierced her mind, and finally it all made perfect sense. The queue of children and servants all came out to witness the trio as if they were royalty, which meant that the handsome man in the center of the orphanage glaring at Jessie was none other than Reaper.
Chauncey’s headswiveled to find Jessie Lewis standing toe to toe with Reaper, who looked cool and calm under the fierce woman’s anger. Enraged, he released his wife, and marched down the hall, passing wide-eyed children who stared at Reaper like he was the king himself.
His mind was in a murderous haze. He didn’t give one thought to his actions as he neared Reaper. The man had sent armed men after him and his wife, and that was an impertinence he would not allow, no matter how dangerous the man was rumored to be.
“St. Clara, I’ve come to speak to you and your wife?—”
Grabbing Reaper by the lapel, Chauncey pulled the larger man to him and spoke mere inches away from his face. “How dare you send men after my wife?”
Reaper quirked his lips up in a half smile, not at all phased by Chauncey’s anger. His cool response only infuriated Chauncey more. The urge to pummel the bastard in front of women and children was strong.
“Not here!” Jessie barked at them. “The office, now.” She cocked her wild, curly head toward the office Chauncey had met Maggie and Peter in earlier and strolled away in her breeches and waistcoat.
Pippa placed a calming hand on his forearm. Her inquisitive hazel eyes bore into him, soothing his temper. He wanted to whisk her away from Reaper and his companions, not trusting the gaming hell owner.
Taking her hand in his, he squeezed gently, wanting to reassure her that he was calm. “Wait for me in the carriage?—”
“Absolutely not. I’m coming with you.” Pippa tilted her head, challenging him, but he refused to budge, not wanting his wife anywhere near Reaper and the Brotherhood.
“This is not up for discussion, Pippa.”He turned her toward the door. “Wait in the carriage.”
His wife took a step away from him with a look of determination that he’d seen on her face through their years of friendship. “I am not a child, Chauncey, and you will not treat me like one. Now, you may wait in the carriage while I hear what Mr. Reaper has to say.”
She walked down the hall. Chauncey cursed under his breath before he followed her dutifully.
Catching Pippa in three quick strides, he placed his hand around her waist, slowing her progress so they could enter together.
Bending down, he whispered in her ear, “You’re correct, wife. You are not a child.” Kissing her temple, he pulled her closer to him, happy that no one was around to witness their affection.“I’m sorry. Forgive me. I just do not want you anywhere near Reaper and his nefarious ways.”
She gave him a blinding smile, the first he’d seen directed at him since he joined her. “Then it is good that I have a duke for a husband.” Tilting her head toward the door, she arched an eyebrow. “Shall we?”
Chauncey led his wife into the office where Jessie Lewis stood behind the desk while Reaper, Little Jim, and their attacker stood, waiting for them to enter.
Reaper stood up taller, bowing in front of Pippa. “Your Grace, I would like to extend my sincerest apology for my brother Ghost’s behavior.” He waved a big hand in Ghost’s direction.
“Apology? He attacked my carriage, shot and gravely injured my coachman, held my wife at gunpoint, and you think an apology will suffice?” He fumed, refusing to hold his tongue. He wasn’t afraid of Reaper, and he damn sure would not allow anyone to mistreat his wife ever again.
He felt a soothing hand on his chest, stopping him from going after both Reaper and his brother.
“Thank you, Mr. Reaper. I do appreciate your apology on behalf of your brother. However, I do agree with my husband. It was simply a terrible ordeal.” Pippa’s mellifluous voice stayed firm as she stared the gaming hell owner in the eye.
Chauncey had always known that Pippa was one of the strongest people he had ever met. However, seeing her not cower like a simpering debutante before Reaper filled him with pride. His duchess was going to be a force in society.
“Of course, Your Grace. That is why I am here to rectify my brother’s wrongdoings. Isn’t that correct, Ghost?” Reaper slapped his brother on the shoulder.
It was clear to him that the three men were not related at all. While both Reaper and Little Jim were of clear African heritage, Ghost was indeed of European origin.
“I admit I got a little carried away. I didn’t intend for anyone to get hurt.” Ghost ran his hand through his long blond hair.
“Am I to understand that you sent this imbecile after a duke and duchess?” Jessie Lewis asked, rounding the desk.
Little Jim shook his head. “He was only supposed to scare St. Clara, not harm anyone. We’re not daft, Jessie.”
“We don’t answer to Jessie—” Reaper waved a finger between them and Jessie.
“You answer to me when you attack someone under my protection.” She walked over to Reaper and stood in front of him. Not even Reaper’s significant height could match the power that Jessie exuded. Chauncey tried not to laugh at the sight of the small woman intimidating the deadly criminal. “Her Grace is a personal friend of my sister and therefore a friend of mine. She and her family are beyond your touch.”