Mistletoe and Mayhem - Cheryl Bolen Page 0,120

before he made a run for it.

“I would never stoop to blackmail. I have no need, you see. Money comes to me with very little effort.” She laughed, and even that sounded like a set of melodious chimes.

Those eyes, however, were cold and calculating as they ran over Rory’s body. She yawned, raising one hand to pat her mouth. The other, he noted, held a pistol.

“You do know that it is illegal to hold a nobleman against his will, drug him, and then extort money from his family, don’t you, madam?”

“I have no idea what it is you speak of, sir. Men are enamored by me, and those I dismiss are beside themselves with grief. Mr. Redfern was about to be one of those and extremely unhappy because of it. He merely wished one more night in my arms.”

“This place has a reputation for drugging its patrons and extorting money, but until now no one has been able to supply the proof of what kind of establishment you truly run. I think that is about to change. Even those powerful peers you’ve lured to your side will struggle to get you out of this.”

And just like that, the sultry look was replaced by venom. Her eyes narrowed, and her lips thinned. Ugly rage contorted her features.

“You have nothing on me, only the words of a rambling man and his foolish sister.”

“And me. I am, after all, the one who found Mr. Redfern.”

“I can have you discredited.” She looked smug. “You have no power when compared to mine.”

“Hardly true, considering who I am related to. Shall we see who wins then, madam?”

Anger filled her face with color. “Be careful who you threaten, sir. I am unsure who you are yet, but I will find out, and when I do your family will be in danger, as will anyone who dares to discredit me.”

“I am not afraid of your threats, madam.” But he was. He would be ensuring everyone he cared about left London immediately. “Besides, I doubt even you could get away with murdering a nobleman who is part of a powerful family.”

“Oh, you’d be surprised what I get away with.” Her smile was cunning now.

“I’m sure Squire Paulson and the Redfern family will be happy to help me ensure you are charged for your crimes, Madam Layla.”

“The Redferns are nobodies,” she dismissed, “as are the Paulsons, and no threat to me.”

“We shall see.”

“Tell Miss Redfern to have a care, sir. Virgins pay well in my business.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“As it was likely she who sent you here today, I will make her pay first if you persist in threatening me. I have a long list of men who wish to be the first to bed such an innocent.”

His rage was swift and fueled by the thought of anyone hurting Ivy. “You come near her, and I will hunt you down and kill you myself.” The words left his mouth before he could stop them.

The woman smiled. “Now I understand why you are here. How sweet. It seems more than my clients are interested in the innocent Miss Redfern. I will know exactly who you are and your family connections very soon, sir, and be warned, my retribution will be swift.”

He wanted to shoot her, Rory realized. He could pull the trigger and put a bullet through Madam Layla in a heartbeat because she threatened Ivy. The thought was almost as terrifying as the prospect of being shot by the pistol she now pointed at him.

Chapter Ten

Ivy had sat with her eye pressed to the crack in the curtains the entire time, the tension inside her escalating with every minute that passed. When did she alert someone that they had not returned? Why had she not discussed this very thing with Rory? How long should she wait?

Even now they could be injured or worse, and it was her fault. She’d sent Rory and Timothy in there.

Three figures appeared suddenly, hurrying down the side of the building from the rear, and Ivy did not hesitate: she opened the carriage and stepped outside.

It was Jackson, slumped between Timothy and a young boy. “No!” She ran to her brother. Ivy’s heart nearly stopped as she took in his condition. Pale and trembling, he looked nothing like the man she’d grown up with. Cupping his cheeks, she kissed his cold face.

“You’re safe now. Where is Mr. Haddon?”

“Still inside. You and the boy take your brother. I must go back before they hurt him,” Timothy said.

“Get