my lady. I’m a skilled driver.”
She was tempted to crack him over the head with her parasol, but she wasn’t certain she could catch the ribbons fast enough if he lost his hold. She eyed the gun against his side. Perhaps if she could get her fingers around the handle without him noticing…
“Why invite me for a ride? Certainly there are several ladies who would be honored to receive your attentions.”
“Perhaps they have already received my attentions.” He winked. “Calm yourself, my dear. You will enjoy our time together.”
She didn’t care for the sound of that. There was no chance of her enjoying his company. Nevertheless, she had to get closer to the blackguard if she had any hope of reaching the gun.
“I fear I’m going to fall. If you won’t slow the carriage, will you at least hold on to me?”
A smug smile lent his cherub face a grotesque appearance as he held his arm out to the side, inviting her to sidle up to him. How could she have ever thought him handsome?
She lowered her gaze as she scooted closer so he wouldn’t see her repugnance and anticipate her move. Her spine stiffened when his arm wrapped around her back and his fingertips brushed her breast. Taking a deep breath, she laid her head against his shoulder.
His pleased chuckle made her blood run hot. Did he truly believe himself to be such a prize that he could abduct a lady and she would welcome his advances?
Tentatively, she placed her palm against his chest. His muscles twitched. “I knew you wanted me, too,” he said in a husky voice and eased up on the ribbons. The carriage began to slow. She had to grab the pistol before he stopped the phaeton and realized what she was doing.
She slid her hand down his torso slowly, trying not to grimace.
“Don’t be shy, Vivian,” he growled, bearing his teeth. “Put your hand on it now.”
She didn’t wait for further permission. Her hand flew to the butt of the gun and she yanked it from the holster as the carriage rolled to a stop. Pulling the flint back to full cock, she aimed at his chest and scooted away when he froze.
His Adam’s apple bobbed, his gaze never leaving the barrel of the gun. “Be careful. That’s not a toy.”
She carefully climbed to the ground while keeping the firearm trained on him. “I stopped playing with toys years ago, Mr. Collier. Right around the time I took up shooting. I am fully aware of the damage a lead ball would cause to your person.”
With her feet firmly on ground, she backed away on shaky legs.
His face contorted with anger. “Get back in here now.”
She lifted her chin as she took two more backwards steps. “You have no authority over me, sir. I am returning to my betrothed, and if you dare to follow me, I will prove my skill at shooting.”
“You wouldn’t.”
She clucked her tongue. “Now, now, Mr. Collier. You have underestimated me once already. Perhaps you shouldn’t press your luck.”
His lips set in a thin line, and he glared.
“Nevertheless, I think it is likely Foxhaven will be a bigger threat once he learns what you have done. If you are wise—and I fear you are not—you will ride as far away as you can and never show your face at Irvine Castle again.” She shook her head slowly. “I pity you, Mr. Collier. I have seen the duke at target practice.”
The color drained from his complexion. “Now see here. I only wished to take you for a friendly turn about the grounds. Surely you wouldn’t bother the duke over a small misunderstanding.”
“Oh, I would, Mr. Collier. If for no other reason than to protect Miss Truax from you. She has no idea what a blackguard you truly are.”
“Perhaps you are correct, but neither is the lady blameless.”
Vivi pointed toward the lane with the barrel of the gun then aimed it at him again. “Go now before I change my mind and shoot you anyway.”
“I didn’t want you anyway, you stupid bitch,” he spat. “I’ll find another means of getting even with that arrogant prick. Tell Foxhaven—”
“Go!”
He snapped the reins with a snarl. The carriage clattered along the dirt lane, the wheels throwing up dust. She coughed as it filled her lungs, but she refused to turn her back until he had disappeared from sight. Once she could no longer see a speck on the horizon, she began her trek back to the