Page 82 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

“My sister needs you. We all need you. And I do not need the kind, gentle Duke.” Jane shook her head. “Rose needs a man who will tear the world apart for her. Who will stop at nothing until she is safe.”

Alexander saw his father’s face in his mind’s eye. Heard his last words.

Keep them safe.

But he had failed his father. And now he was going to fail Rose. He dropped his face in his hands, his fingers brushing against his scar. The mark of his failure.

Rose’s voice echoed in his mind.

It is just a scar. And you are a man. A brave and caring man who did all he could to keep his family safe.

Something within him broke. The despair that had threatened to overcome him vanished.

He was a man. He was not the same boy from eight years ago. He was the Duke of Emberly. He held Jane’s gaze, meeting her steel with his own as he stood tall.

I will not be defeated.

“The Earl is not a foolish man. If he plans to marry your sister, there can be only one place he would take her.” Alexander hardened his heart. “Yet, time will be of the essence.”

Alexander turned to the still-shaking maid, his voice cool and level. “Was it only the Earl and his man who accosted you?”

Abigail nodded, tears welling up once more.

Alexander chewed his lip in thought.

“Gretna Green. That is his only hope for a speedy marriage.” Alexander grabbed a decanter from the table and poured himself a healthy measure. “We are some days from the border, so he will have to stop. If he takes rooms at an inn…”

He felt icy rage spread through his chest.

I will not let that happen.

“We must act fast.” He downed his drink in one go, reveling in the fortifying burn of the whiskey. “Olivia, fetch Mr. Hartwell and have him meet me at the stables.”

Olivia nodded and ran out of the room. Alexander rolled his shoulders and strode out of the room, anger replacing his despair.

So, this man thinks he can harm my family? His arrogance has made him bold, but he will pay the price.

“Ready my horse.” Alexander’s voice boomed through the corridor. “I am going hunting.”

Servants scurried out of his way, and he was half aware of Mr. Hartwell at his side.

I am coming for you, Rose. Nothing will stand in my way.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

All Is Lost

Rose coughed. Her head swam. The world seemed to be rocking from side to side. The sound of horses’ hooves and carriage wheels broke through the fog in her mind.

A carriage?

Something sweet and unpleasant filled the air. There was something in her mouth. Something soft. She went to remove it but found she could not move her hands.

“Oh good, you’re awake,” a voice said.

Lord Verimoor.

Everything came flooding back to Rose in an instant, and her eyes flew open. She blinked, the light dazzlingly bright. She choked again on whatever was in her mouth.