been said.
Malcolm looked down at Ella. The concern in her eyes soothed him. There was a deep level of frustration bubbling up in him, but not for the reasons others might think. He wanted his father alive and able to suffer for his crimes. Only one of which was killing his mother. There had to be others.
“I’ll…”
“I’ll go in with you,” she volunteered.
Relief surged through him. He hadn’t wanted to ask. After this morning, he wasn’t sure where their relationship stood. But with her standing beside him at this particular moment, he knew how he felt about her without any doubt. He loved her.
Bending, he kissed her. Just a brief brush of his lips against hers, but it was enough. For this moment, it was enough. Later, he promised himself a longer taste of Ella. He’d make love to her until neither of them could move.
Straightening, he eyed the doorway of the hospital room. He really didn’t want to go in there.
Stepping through the doors, he looked in at the man lying in the hospital bed. His skin was almost the same shade as the sheets. He had an oxygen tube going to his nose and an IV running into his veins. There was a heart monitor, but other than that, nothing. Apparently, he didn’t want anything else going into his old, withered body.
“It’s about time you got here,” Edward Reynolds grumbled.
His eyes flickered open and he glared at Malcolm. But the old, rheumy eyes didn’t have the same impact that they’d had decades ago.
Malcolm’s fingers tightened around Ella’s hand. “I understand that you’ve refused heart surgery.”
“No surgery,” he insisted firmly. “I’ll be fine! I just need a bit of rest.”
Malcolm nodded his head. “I understand. Ella is another witness to your refusal of medical treatment.”
The man’s eyes shifted, taking in Ella.
“Who the hell is she?” the old man sneered.
“My fiancée,” Malcolm said firmly, his fingers tightened on Ella’s hand, silently asking her to not argue.
“Over my dead body!” he gasped, obviously trying to yell. “You haven’t gotten my approval to marry, you heartless son of a bitch!”
Malcolm felt Ella move closer to him and wrapped his arm around her waist. “As I understand it, you’ve given me legal authority to maintain the estate and your businesses, but not your medical decisions. Is that correct?”
Edward chuckled. Sort of. “Yeah, you were an ungrateful son, but you’ve got a hell of a head for business. Do what you need to with the estate.” He chuckled. “Why don’t you weave your financial magic over my accounts? I’ll come out of here a wealthy man.”
Malcolm inwardly cringed at his words. “So, you’ve run through your inheritance and want me to take over and replenish the family coffers, is that it?”
“Hell yes! You’re wealthy enough for the two of us. Besides, you owe me! It’s about time you took over and fixed everything.” He smiled smugly, and closed his eyes. “Go away.”
Malcolm glanced down at Ella. She shrugged, obviously confused by the old man’s words. “Let’s go,” he murmured.
As soon as they left the room, the doctor stepped forward. “I heard,” she sighed. “I’m sorry, my lord. If he changes his mind, I’ll have my staff call you.”
Malcolm nodded, his hand taking Ella’s again. “Thank you,” and he headed for the exit.
The chief of police was walking in just as they were walking out. “My lord!” he called out, nodding his head politely. “I understand that you asked for my presence?”
Malcolm stared at the man for a long moment, then shook his head. “False alarm. I apologize for calling you here.”
“No bother,” the man replied cheerily. “If there’s anything I can do to help you in this time of need, please feel free to contact me.”
Malcolm nodded curtly, then left the hospital, Ella in tow.
Chapter 11
Ella stared at the enormous, stone house as Malcom drove up the gravel driveway. She hadn’t seen the house in years, and it looked a bit more worn than she remembered.
“He hasn’t taken care of the house or grounds in forever,” Malcolm muttered, mirroring her thoughts.
“Yeah, it looks pretty desolate.”
He parked in front of the house and, immediately, the front doors opened. An older woman stood there waiting, her fingers twisting at the apron in front of her.
“How is the Duke?” she asked as Malcolm approached. “Will he be coming back?”
Ella watched the woman’s expression as Malcolm shook his head. “I’m sorry, Beth, but he’s dying and he’s refusing medical treatment. So, there’s nothing the hospital can do for