Page 86 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

“Alexander?” Her voice was soft and cracked. “Is it really you?”

“It is.” Alexander kissed her hands softly. “It is me.”

“How did you find me?” Her eyes filled with tears.

“Your maid. She told us everything.” Alexander pulled her to him. “Hush, you are safe now, my love. I will always keep you safe.”

“Oh, Alexander. I thought… I thought he had killed you.” Rose sobbed into his chest.

“He planned to, but I caught his man just before the ball.” Alexander cupped her face in his hands. “The magistrates have him now.”

He held her close to him, breathing in her citrusy scent.

Rose.

He heard horse’s hooves behind him and whirled around to see Mr. Hartwell riding towards them.

Lord Verimoor appeared to have recovered and lunged at Alexander. Rose screamed, but Alexander was ready. He caught Lord Verimoor and slammed him against the side of the carriage.

“Go on. Kill me.” Lord Verimoor’s face was red with fury. “Kill me.”

Alexander shook. He stared into the angelic face of the man before him. He turned to Rose and saw the mark on her cheek. It would be so easy to kill the man. No one would say he did not deserve it.

Alexander was a duke. He had a right to defend his lands and his family.

“I could snap you like a twig.” His voice was soft, dangerous. “I should snap you in half, end your life the way you did my father’s.”

“Then why don’t you do it?” Lord Verimoor choked out.

Alexander’s eyes met Rose’s. He saw the fear and anger. He saw the pain this man and his violence had caused her. He finally understood what it was like to be a monster.

“I am not like you.” He flung the Earl to the ground as Mr. Hartwell leaped down from his horse. “I take no pleasure in violence.”

“Then you are a coward,” Lord Verimoor spat as Mr. Hartwell bound his hands behind his back.

Alexander shook his head. “No, I am not. I simply know that death would be too good for you.”

Lord Verimoor’s eyes widened. “What do you mean?”

“We have your man, your letters.” Alexander grinned. “We know everything, and I have my wife and her maid as witnesses to your debauched nature.”

“You’re going to spend the rest of your life behind bars.” Mr. Hartwell smiled. “But first, I think you will spend some time in the stocks. I hear the people love pretty faces there.”

“But I am an earl!” Lord Verimoor paled. “You cannot do this to me.”

“Oh, but I can.” Alexander drew himself up to his full height. “I am a duke, and you have done me and my family a great harm. It is well within my right to decide on your punishment.”

“Then send me to prison.” Lord Verimoor struggled against his captors.

“We will.” Alexander looked at Rose. “How long do you wish him to remain in the stocks before his sentence begins?”

Rose looked at Lord Verimoor with such fury that Alexander was surprised the man did not burst into flames.

I hope never to make her that angry.

“Eight days.” Rose smiled and turned to him.

“Eight days. You heard her, Mr. Hartwell.” Alexander smiled. “I believe the kitchens have some food that needs disposing of. Perhaps you could send a few runners to collect it for me.”