“Haveyouproposed to every chit you’ve kissed?”
“That’s not the same,” Deerhurst argued. “Lady Selena is Saville’s sister. You should have known better than to cross that line. Think about how Saville must feel.”
His jaw very much knew how Saville felt.
But this wasn’t about Saville.
This wasn’t even abouthim.
“Well, you can leave,” he looked at Saville, “because I did suggest marriage to her, and she said no. You were there, remember?” Three collective frowns responded in answer. “I won’t coerce any woman into marrying me. Not even if she is your sister.”
“I’m sure she will see reason once Phaedra talks with her,” Deerhurst offered.
Warrick held his ground. “It won’t matter.”
“Why the devil not?” Avondale snapped, his infuriating calm finally cracking. “Don’t let this stubbornness turn you into a fool.”
They hadn’t even spoken to Selena and yettheycalled him stubborn.Good luck, old chaps.
He shrugged. “I’m holding out for love.”
Deerhurst let out an oath, and Warrick directed a steely gaze at him and Avondale. “Since you both have managed to find love matches, you dare rob me of the chance?”
“That’s not to say—”
“Stop,” Warrick cut Avondale off. “You can’t speak of other people’s future feelings, so don’t even attempt it. I’ll say this one last time, I won’t marry a woman I don’t love and most especially not one who doesn’t love me. The end. If you can’t accept that, then I suggest you challenge me to another duel.”
I’ll deal with Selena my way.
Silence fell between the friends. Lengthy. Heavy. The only sound was a door shutting in the distance followed by gentle laughter and the soft patter of footsteps.
Wait.
He knew that laugh.
His back went cold with terror at the same time a soft, familiar voice called out, “Phineas? Is that you I hear?”
Dead.
He was dead.
“What the hell is this?” Saville’s lips finally sprang into action with a bellow. “Selena! Why are you here? And what the devil are you wearing?”
Warrick inhaled a deep breath before he glanced over his shoulder to see Selena exiting the dining room. His eyes widened on the robe—his robe—draping her body. Too big, it swallowed her up whole, the hem dragging on the floor.
What...“Why are you still here? I thought you left.”Why haven’t you left yet? And why the blazes did I just ask that?
“You damn blackguard!” Saville roared. “Selena, get over here!”
Warrick stepped into his line of sight, cutting off their view of Selena. “Run,” he growled over his shoulder.
Saville shot forward. “I’m going to kill you, you blackguard!”
“Run?” Selena exclaimed. “Are you mad? Run where?”
Damn it. Anywhere!
Warrick sidestepped Saville, grateful when Deerhurst and Avondale cursed, both leaping forward to grab Saville by the arms, holding him back.
