The Earl's Outrageous Lover Page 0,5

his uncle. “I’ll handle her and get her married off quickly. Just heal up and I’ll see you for the wedding.”

“I knew I could count on you. She’s on her way already and should be there soon.”

“I’ll have Tim pick her up at the airport then.”

Charles chuckled at Edward’s offer. “Don’t worry about picking her up. She can get to your office easily.”

Edward grimaced, picturing several things in his mind on how she would obtain a ride from the airport to his office. “That’s fine. What’s her name?”

“You might even know of her,” Charles replied. “She was much younger, but I know your father and hers socialized occasionally. Her name is Jessica Mallory and she’s an absolute delight! Be kind to her, Edward. She’s been through a great deal, losing both of her parents just over eleven months ago. Apparently she was very close to her mother even though they were very strict and possibly a bit old fashioned, but she’s moved on with grace and dignity, embracing life with both arms.”

Edward refrained from rolling his eyes. “Understand, Uncle Charles. Send over her parents’ will and I’ll ensure that she fulfills the obligations of their provisions.”

“I know you will, dear boy!” he chuckled. “The documents should already be on the way. Good luck! Remember, two weeks and she has to be married.”

“Understand,” Edward repeated. “I’ll check in with you this weekend.”

Charles shook his head as he hung up the phone. His plan was in place and he almost laughed out loud at how easily Edward had fallen into the trap. It was all for his own good, he told himself. Jessica would breathe some life into Edward’s dreary existence if his nephew would just allow her to work her magic. She’d definitely done it for him and he already thought of Jessica as an angel. One that he wanted in his family more than anything.

The only obstacle was Edward’s monumental stubbornness, he thought with a small kernel of concern. But he knew that Jessica was perfect for Edward. If anyone could break through that tough, hard exterior Edward showed to the outside world, it would be Jessica’s kind, gentle and loving touch.

Chapter 2

Edward picked up his phone and looked at the number. He didn’t recognize the number, but answered it anyway.

In response to his abrupt greeting he heard, “I’m sorry to bother you, my lord, but are you awaiting the arrival of a Ms. Jessica Mallory, by chance?” the voice asked.

Edward glanced at his watch impatiently. “Yes. Are you her boyfriend?” he asked whoever it was that called for her.

The man chuckled. “I wish. But no, my lord. I am calling on her behalf to tell you that she’s at the police station at the moment, a bit detained but she’ll be there as soon as she can.”

Edward closed his eyes and sighed inwardly. The woman had been arrested? Good grief! He hadn’t even met her and he knew she was going to be trouble. “Where is she being held?”

The man shook his head. “She’s not really being held at the station, my lord.”

“Just tell me where she is,” he snapped, already thinking of acquaintances who owed him favors so he could extract a pitiful rebellious woman from a prison sentence which she probably deserved.

“She’s down at the Seventh Street Station, my lord. She’s perfectly fine. She says she will meet you as soon as she can.”

“I’m sure she thinks so. Tell her I’m on my way and not to do or say anything until I arrive.” Edward didn’t wait for a response before he snapped his phone shut, cutting off the caller. He pulled on his jacket and walked out of his office. “Tell Tim to meet me downstairs immediately. I also want Tony Davenport at the door waiting as well. Tell him to drop everything now!”

Edward had barely raised his voice, which made his commands so much more terrifying. Alice took it all in stride though. She was already on the phone with Tim conveying instructions and by the time Edward reached the elevators, she had Tony, Edward’s corporate attorney, on the phone with instructions to be in the lobby in thirty seconds for some crisis.

Edward could not believe that Charles had spoiled this woman for so long. Right now, all he wanted to do was spank the woman who had disrupted his day and caused several meetings to be rescheduled.

“What’s going on?” Tony asked as he stuffed papers into his briefcase, breathing heavily as he raced to