Page 79 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

Something cold and hard dug into the small of his back, and every muscle in him tensed.

“On your knees, dog,” a voice behind him growled. “And keep your hands where I can see them.”

Alexander did as he was told, trying not to jostle whatever was digging into his back as he raised his hands above his head.

“You thought you could escape,” the voice scoffed. “But you were wrong.”

Alexander swallowed. “It appears you have caught me off my guard. Well done.”

“Did I say you could speak?” Something prodded him hard in the back. “Silence, you curr!”

Alexander held his tongue and carefully shifted his weight to the balls of his feet. Whatever had been digging into the small of his back was now pressed between his shoulders.

This calls for speed.

He pushed himself up onto his feet, whirled around, and scooped his would-be assailant into his arms, laughing maniacally. His little brother, Peter, let out a squeal of delight and dropped the object in his hands. It clattered to the ground with a metallic clang.

“Cook will have your hide for stealing one of her ladles,” Olivia’s voice remarked from the door, a hint of mirth in it.

Alexander placed Peter back on the floor and ruffled his hair good-naturedly. “You best return that to her, or even I will not be able to save you.”

Peter rolled his eyes, but he did as he was asked and sprinted out of the room. Olivia swatted him as he ran past, but he avoided her and stuck out his tongue.

“Olive, you look as though you have something on your mind.” Alexander grinned at her as he dusted himself off.

“You have a visitor, Brother dearest. Shall I show him in?” Olivia asked.

“Oh, yes. Of course. Thank you.” He frowned. The florist had already delivered the gift. “Who is it?”

“Mr. Harwell, one of the local magistrates. Apparently, he has urgent news for you.” Olivia gave him a quizzical look.

“Why did one of the footmen not come to deliver this message?” Alexander’s heart rate quickened.

The magistrate must have some news.

“He did, but he did not get an answer. Did you not hear the knocking?” Olivia laughed.

Alexander flushed. “No. I was distracted by Peter. But please, show Mr. Hartwell in. And have the cook arrange some refreshments. Have them brought to the drawing room, and I will send Mr. Hartwell there once we have spoken.”

“Of course.” Olivia nodded. “Have you seen Rose this morning?”

“She and her maid went for a walk in the park. I am sure they will return soon.” Alexander’s heart soared at the thought of Rose, though it was eclipsed by his fear of the news the magistrate was bringing.

A short moment later, a thin, muscular man appeared in Alexander’s study. His heart thundered in his chest as the man bowed to him.

“Your Grace. We apprehended your assailant.” Mr. Hartwell’s voice was grave. “And in doing so, we learned of a most frightful plot.”

“Tell me everything.” Alexander indicated the chair across from him.

Mr. Hartwell nodded. “The man was supposed to kill you, though not until today. His name is Dominic Smith, and we have been looking for him for many years. Yours would not have been the first life he has taken.”

“He was one of the men who killed my father.” Alexander clenched his jaw. “But why would some common thief want me dead?”

“He is not a common thief. He is in the employ of a very powerful, wealthy man. He is a hired killer.” Mr. Hartwell shook his head.

“And who hired him?” Alexander asked.

“The Earl of Verimoor.” Mr. Hartwell’s words were full of disgust. “And it would appear this is not the first time he has tried to do you harm.”