Once Upon a Temptingly Ruinous Kiss - Bree Wolf Page 0,117

what was to come, and Drake saw her eyes linger upon her mother’s, something unspoken passing between them. Then she moved her gaze to Gillingham. A wide sneer appeared on the man’s face that had Drake clench his hands at his sides. “It is not,” Leonora said loud and clear.

Instantly, that smug smile slid off Gillingham’s face, his features contorting into a hideous snarl.

While Lady Christina and Lady Harriet knew very well what was going on, the rest of Leonora’s family remained in the dark. Puzzled expressions came to their faces as they stood in a circle around Leonora. Drake felt her brother’s gaze move to him, a question in his blue eyes that Drake answered with a sideways glance at Gillingham.

“May I remind you, my dear,” Gillingham stated firmly as he moved toward Leonora, “what you said to me earlier this afternoon? You did in fact agree to marry me.” His brows rose, reminding her of the threats he had uttered and all that she was risking by not taking them seriously.

Again, that urge to pound the man into the ground rose within Drake, and he linked his hands behind his back to keep himself from doing so.

Out of the corner of his eye, Drake began to notice that the circle of women at the opposite end of the room was no longer unaware of the drama slowly unfolding in their midst. Their heated argument turned to whispers, muttered behind fans. They craned their heads, trying to see what has happening. Something that promised to be more interesting than whatever they had been discussing amongst themselves. Drake could see that they were straining to hear, knowing that each word would be carried from this room and repeated many times over to any willing ear.

Indeed, Leonora was risking everything by not bowing her head and agreeing to Gillingham’s terms. Still, what kind of life would she have as his wife? The thought alone turned Drake’s stomach, and he was proud to see her stand tall, her gaze unflinching as she met Gillingham’s challenge.

“You are mistaken, my lord,” Leonora said, her voice loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. “In fact, I told you quite clearly that I would never marry you.”

An audible gasp went through the women, and Drake saw Gillingham grind his teeth together as humiliation washed over him. Fury and retribution burned in his eyes, and he moved toward Leonora.

Again, Drake’s self-control was severely tested.

“Is that so?” Gillingham snarled, his eyes narrowed into slits as he came to stand in front of her. “I suggest you reconsider, my lady. After all, is it not true that…?” He paused, his brows rising, urging Leonora to change her mind before it would be too late.

Drake could see a tremor snake its way down Leonora’s spine. Her hands were clamped together, and her chest rose and fell with each agitated breath. Yet, she did not avert her eyes and kept her chin up. “Is what not true?” she challenged him, making it absolutely clear that she would not allow herself to be intimidated any longer.

More and more people passed by the drawing room, pausing in their step, lingering nearby to listen. Voices outside in the hall died down to whispers as glances were cast inside, taking in the unusual sight. Drake could hear whispers, suspicions muttered from one to another. He knew that gossips loved nothing more than the suggestion of a scandal, perhaps even more than the scandal itself. Suspicions provided opportunity, and here, tonight, the opportunities were endless.

“What is going on here?” Lord Whickerton asked as he stepped toward his daughter and wife. He cast a wary glance at Lord Gillingham, then looked over at Drake.

Drake held the man’s gaze, wondering what thoughts were currently going through her father’s head. He clearly had his suspicions, and it was unmistakable where his loyalties lay.

With society watching, Gillingham cleared his throat and drew back his shoulders. “Well, to tell you the truth, Whickerton, your daughter met me in secret at the Hamilton masquerade last night.” Another gasp, this time louder, went through the small crowd. “There, she agreed to become my wife.” A smug smile came to Gillingham’s face.

Whispers erupted around them, and Drake knew that this was a scandal that would be discussed for many years to come.

For a moment, Leonora eyed the growing group of people surrounding her warily. Drake could tell that she had never been one to favor large crowds or be at the center