Page 98 of Just About a Rake


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The only thing he was in the mood for was seeing with his own eyes whether Leonora was laughing along to a play with another man after she seduced him the night before.

God help her if she was.

God helphim.

Chapter Nineteen

Leonora had asecret.

A secret shared by only two people in the entire world. And it hung on her lips like a teasing whisper that would never reach the ear of even the most careful listener, and it danced in every step she took. How long would the thrill of it last? The most thrilling part had certainly been the actual moment of being ruined—or rather ravaged—by one of the most notorious rakes that had ever roamed London. But also, the morning after had still been thoroughly thrilling. Even stepping into the splendor of Drury Lane on Heart’s arm, walking about the swarming hallway to their box, the thrum of the thrill bubbled through her veins with no signs of stopping.

Until she entered the box.

She started, two lines forming between her brows as she stared at a man she’d never expected to meet here. She glanced at her brother, and his smile sent a chill down her spine.

Something was wrong with this picture.

In a Duke-of-Calstone sort of way.

What was he doing here? She turned to Heart and lifted a brow.

Heart pretended not to notice and nodded at Calstone before retreating a step toward the door. “You will have to pardon me for a bit.”

“Heart.” Was this not supposed to be a bonding experience for the both of them? “What are you up to, dear brother?”Though a monkey could wager and guess correctly. But nothing could justify him leaving at the moment! “And where are you off to?”

Calstone, who’d had a smile on his face when they’d entered, had also formed a slight crease between his brows, which told her all she needed to know.

He hadn’t expected her brother’s duplicity either.

Heart, you sly fox.

“I’m not up to anything diabolical, I assure you,” Heart said with a wave of a hand. “I merely forgot about a commitment. I’ll be back by the second half of the play.”

“So you are just leaving me here? Alone?” She pointed at the duke. “With him?” Unbelievable!

“I cannot believe I’m saying this,” the duke said, joining her side, “but I share the sentiment.”

Heart inclined his head. “My apologies, Calstone. I’m afraid I shall still have to rely on you to keep Leonora company while I see to my commitment.”

Leonora’s hands settled on her hips. “What commitment is this, exactly?”

“It’s business.” His chest puffed up. “Nothing to concern your precious head over.”

Really? “Whatbusinesscan be done this time of night?”

“Personalbusiness.”

Hah! “Personal business? With a certain duchess, I imagine.”

His entire body jerked in response, and Leonora inwardly scoffed. So obvious. So predictable.

“Why the devil would you stay such a thing?” Heart demanded.

“Why would you tell me tonight is for sibling bonding and then leave?” Leonora countered. “It seems to me that you are leaving me to bond with the duke while you are off bonding with someone else.”

“Leonora,” he bit out.

She stood her ground. She would be raked over the coals for mentioning the duchess later—she could tell by Heart’s molten face she wouldn’t be able to escape her fate. If she were choosing, she’d much rather be raked over Rake.