Page 26 of Wallflower Gone Wild

The duchess walked away in search of her husband, leaving Letty alone with her thoughts.

She didn’t want to talk to Mac. She wanted to shout and demand he tell her why he would deceive her in such a way. Purposely conspiring with her foul, loathsome brother to take what was hers by right.

There was a part of Letty that no longer wanted her inheritance. If Bertram was willing to stoop to such lengths, perhaps he should have it.

Letty maneuvered her way through the throng of people, avoiding several gentlemen who tried to engage her. Letty made haste toward the ballroom exit, but was surprised by her brother blocking her way.

“Well, well, well,” Bertram sneered at her, his cold hazel eyes taking her in with distaste. “I would say I’m surprised to see you here, but I suppose you need a profession now that father has come to his senses.”

Letty couldn’t stop the laugh that broke free when she realized the power she had over her brother. “You’re so pathetic, Bertram. Your entire life ruined because of me, and you think that gives you the right to ruin mine? Well it doesn’t, and I don’t care if Father gives you every farthing because unlike you, it doesn’t define who I am. Now move out of my way.” Letty tried to push past her brother, but he grabbed her arm, pulling her back.

“It doesn’t matter that Meriweather refused to take my funds. Father knows exactly what you are— a worthless whore just like your mother.”

Along with the other occupants in the ballroom, Letty gasped in shock. Before she could defend herself or her mother, Mac appeared, snatching Bertram away from her and punched him.

Bertram fell to the ground, his hand holding his jaw.

Letty stumbled for a moment before she righted herself. Her heart pounded in her chest, her mouth was suddenly dry, and she could do nothing but stand there and stare at Mac.

“If you ever fucking touch her again, I’ll do more than punch you in the face!” Mac shouted.

Silence smothered the ballroom, everyone staring at the scene in front of them. Letty stood as still as a Greek statue, her gaze on the man she’d thought had betrayed her.

He hadn’t taken the funds. That was the only thought playing repeatedly in her mind.

“Meriweather, step away,” the Duke of Richmore said, pulling on Mac’s arm as the duchess led Letty out of the ballroom.

Once outside the ballroom, Mac cupped her cheek with shaky hands. “Did he hurt you?”

“No, I’m fine, Mac.” She shook her head, basking in his touch. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here because I can’t live without you. Nothing matters but you. Not the print shop, not me, nothing.” He pressed his forehead to hers, tears in his eyes.

“Meriweather, don’t do this. Escort Lady Leticia home so that you can speak more privately,” the Duke of Richmore said from behind Mac.

“I have your father’s carriage. Come.” Mac took her by the hand, and she couldn’t help but feel the rightness in that single act.

Letty’s body trembled as Mac led her out of Pleasure House. She didn’t know how it was possible that he was in possession of her father’s carriage and coachman—all she knew was that he was there.

For her.

CHAPTER 10

After sending a note to Pinerose that Letty was safely at his print shop and that he would return her once they had a moment to speak, Mac made his way up to the apartment he called home.

Letty, a vision in a crimson gown, wandered around the modest room peering at the numerous articles and images from The Hard Truth. His décor was strictly functional: a dark blue sofa with a matching armchair and an expansive bookshelf took up most of his parlor.

He had little spare time, the only person who did visit him was his brother, Gilbert. Neither his mother nor his eldest brother had ever graced his home with their presence. His mother always thought he lived far beneath their station in life, and Mac and his eldest brother weren’t able to occupy the same space for more than a brief moment without a disagreement erupting.

Letty turned from the framed pamphlet—a depiction of a man in chains—to face him, a sad smile on her lips. “I did tell you to do everything in your power to save your print shop.” She waved her hand at the wall, where most of his best work was on display. “This is why.”

It was the only thing he had done since moving into the small space—the only thing he’d ever been proud of was his work. He’d once thought he’d do anything to save the paper.

Unable to keep his distance from her, he closed the gap between them, wrapping his hands around her waist. “I couldn’t do it.” He let out a weary breath.

She took a step away from him, breaking his heart into pieces. Letty sat down on the dark blue sofa, looking out of place in his meager abode in her sinful gown.

She stared up at him, her golden eyes filled with pain. “But you originally agreed to the plan, did you not?”