Cocky Earl - Annabelle Anders Page 0,50

that happened to you. Of course, you didn’t do it intentionally, but you will live with the consequences for the rest of your life.” Her gaze dropped to his hands and, not for the first time, he wished he knew what was going through her mind.

He appreciated that she wasn’t trying to convince him it wasn’t his fault. As his mother had done, as both his sisters had tried to do.

Mantis, Stone, Peter, Greys, and Blackheart had all realized that he could never atone for such a dishonorable act, even if Blackheart suspected Jules had been drugged.

Even if he had, it wouldn’t change anything. Jules shouldn’t have been drinking in a brothel the night before a duel. He shouldn’t have believed Lady Casterley when she’d told him her husband didn’t mind that she took lovers.

There were no shades of grey, no extenuating circumstances. Gentlemen lived and died by their code of honor and damn Jules all to hell, he had broken it. Black darkened the edges of his vision, and he jerked himself upright.

He’d never see his father again and this truth pierced his soul.

“You’ll miss him. When he returns to America without you.” Initially silence met his words. Had she heard him?

And then she dropped her palms down on the table and would have sprung to her feet if he hadn’t taken hold of her wrists.

“He can’t leave me here. I don’t belong here.”

Jules rubbed his thumbs along where her pulse fluttered wildly. “You will.” He leaned even closer to her, so close that the heat of her breath warmed his lips. “Because I’ve given your father my word, and I’ll be damned if I won’t honor it.”

Her lashes fell and he knew she was watching his mouth now. She wanted him to kiss her. She’d like it too. She’d more than like it.

“Look at me,” he demanded. As she lifted her gaze to meet his, the black of her pupils edged out dazzling emeralds. “Don’t lull yourself into believing I’m not serious.”

Her breath hitched and then she licked her lips, sending heat rushing through his veins. If not for the table between them, he’d have her clasped against him. He’d show her exactly how serious he could be.

His gaze caressed the curve of her cheek around to the slight tremor of her lips, and he itched to lunge across the table and discover for himself what American mischief tasted like.

“I know you are.” She shivered but then lifted her chin. “But so am I.”

She’d followed him into a dark cellar, tasted his grandfather’s scotch, listened to his sad tale with but a few flickering candles for light, not once considering what would happen if they were discovered.

She believed she had a choice.

What had she said about trusting him?

God in heaven help him. Jules sat back and sighed. And although it meant he would deny them both, he would wait. The anticipation would be worth it. He released her hands and glanced down at the fob hanging from his coat.

He grimaced. “Time I escort you back upstairs. Tea will be served shortly.”

“I do believe, Jules, that you are my new favorite person in the world.” Greys lifted his glass in appreciation from across the table.

Jules had not joined his mother and her guests for tea. Nor had any of the other gentlemen. The Cocksure Gents, as Charley had referred to them—were content to remain in the billiard room from the moment they caught sight of the opened bottles Jules had had brought up from the cellars.

It would prove to be an altogether more satisfying beverage.

As the afternoon wore on, Jules suspected they’d absent themselves from the evening meal as well.

His mother would not be pleased.

The alternative was for him, Greys, Stone, Peter, Mantis, and Chase to present themselves as they were: several sheets in their cups and drowning in their wind. Or something like that. By this point, it was quite likely Jules was mixing his metaphors.

“I’ve always been your favorite, Greystone.” Jules made an attempt to bring the lofty marquess into focus.

“Oh, no, Blackheart is about to become his favorite.” Stone laughed heartily. “I will honestly declare for the first time in my life, I can hardly wait for the Season to begin.”

Mantis dealt the cards around the table and they all anteed up.

As a few servants moved around the room lighting sconces, Jules realized dinner had likely commenced.

Did Charley miss him? Although she’d looked almost crestfallen when he’d put an end to their tête-à-tête in the cellar,

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