Page 11 of The Rogue's Christmas Gift

“I’m not your sister,” she said, reaching him.

“No, you’re not. That will be evident when I have you on your back like the whore you are,” he sneered.

“I see that you’re still delusional. Now please leave my business Pierre?—”

“See, that is where you are wrong, my dear. I have been informed that soon it will be my business.” He gave her a triumphant smile that caused fear to seize her in place.

No. It couldn’t be possible. There was no proof.

Kitty knew that Pierre had no proof that he had given Jacques the funds to open the business. Jacques himself had informed her that he was gifted the large townhouse from his grandfather, and that the funds used were his own.

The Court of Chancery could not be so cruel. Or would they?

“I just wanted to inform you of your choices.” His eyes perused her person, and she suddenly felt ill to her stomach. “You can stay and work as my whore. It’s what my brother should’ve done with you. Why he ever married you, I have no idea.”

The triumphant gleam in his eyes unnerved Kitty completely, and all she wanted to do was rush to court and demand answers.

Taking several deep breaths, she centered herself, refusing to allow such a man any power over her. It didn’t matter what Pierre thought he knew; the truth was that Pleasure House was hers and she would not relinquish it to him.

She took a stepped toward him, looking into his eyes. It was an easy feat, as they were the same height. “I will never be your whore. You couldn’t pay me to be in your bed.” Kitty turned to address security but was suddenly grabbed.

“Don’t you dare turn your back on me.” He jerked her to him.

“Get your fucking hands off me,” she said, pulling her hand from his grasp as Siegfried and his team took hold of Pierre. “Escort him out, please.”

Siegfried grabbed Pierre by his lapels, dragging him toward the door. A small crowd of guests had come out to witness the commotion.

“Yes, Madame.”

“I’ll be back and when I do, you’ll be on your knees begging me to let you stay.” Spittle ran down his chin.

“I’ll never beg.” Kitty held her head high, but inside she was shaking. “I’ll destroy you.”

It didn’t matter what the outcome of the court was, she would never allow such a man to destroy everything she had built.

Pleasure House was her legacy, her home, and she would always have it, no matter what.

CHAPTER 5

A weary Harrison ran his hand down his face. He never wanted to look at another damn number again. His account ledgers were spread out across his desk, he and Richmore on either side glaring at page after page. The numbers made absolutely no sense to Harrison at all, but he was thankful for his friend’s help.

Harrison did not want to be a burden to anyone—not even a wife for that matter—but staring at the state of his finances made Harrison want to accept any offer of assistance.

He had ignored his estate and his mother’s spending habits for so long that now he was in fear of losing everything that was not entailed.

“I really wish I could assist you, but with my other investments and our growing family …” Richmore peered up at him from across the large wooden desk.

“You’re helping me resolve my own negligence. There is no need for you to give me money. Besides, you’ve already assisted McCloud. I couldn’t accept your help.” Harrison shook his head before he fell down in his chair unceremoniously. “Focus on your growing family. You’ll have a new addition soon.” Harrison couldn’t stop the smile that spread across his lips.

Both Richmore and Winnie deserved happiness, and although he was a tad bit envious, another godchild did sound appealing.

Richmore had come to the aid of their friend Mac McCloud, who had been about to lose his abolitionist printer earlier that year. Harrison could not possibly ask his friend to aid him as well.

“At least write to Aberdeen. I know he would gladly lend you the blunt,” Richmore said, mentioning their other friend, the Marquess of Aberdeen.

Aberdeen was currently at his home in Wales with his wife and children. Harrison wouldn’t dare write to him and beg for money.

Harrison shook his head. “No. I cannot impose on my friends’ generosity. Besides, Aberdeen has more children than you.” He waved his fingers at Richmore. “Surely you have to be able to provide for those little people.”