Page 70 of The Rake Desires the Diamond

Anna scurried behind them. “Where do you think he took her?”

Greyson could have taken her anywhere, and when Evan found him, which he would, he’d beat the marquess within inches of life.

Unfortunately, the location that invaded Evan’s thoughts was far off. He spun to face the couple.

“I’d whisk her away to Gretna Green.”

Harrington’s eyes morphed into angry little slits.

The diminutive, sweet Anna squeaked. “Do you think he’d force her to marry him?”

“He took Katrina to Limestone Manor, his mother’s country estate,” someone behind Evan said.

Evan swung around to face a red-eyed Taylor. It seemed the man had entered the manor without a servant’s escort, a forgivable breach of etiquette if he knew Katrina’s whereabouts.

“I fear for the lady,” Taylor said.

A lethal, volcanic rage erupted with Evan’s roar. His eyeballs would pop from their sockets if he did not calm himself.

“That is preposterous. Why would he do such a thing?” Harrington said.

“It has nothing to do with his feelings for Lady Katrina,” Taylor said. “Greyson is incapable of affection. His deplorableactions have everything to do with his ego, Katrina’s rejections, and the numerous times the two of you humiliated him.”

“Who in the hell does he think he is messing with?” Harrington waived his arms wildly. “My brother will cut off his bollocks, and he will do it with His Highness’s blessings.”

Not if Evan got to Greyson first. He would slice them off and then shove them down the shite-fuck’s throat.

“Taylor, you look like hell,” Harrington said.

Not that the man’s ever-deteriorating appearance mattered at that moment.

“My father passed away early last evening,” Taylor said.

Anna gasped. “I am so sorry.”

“As am I,” Harrington added.

Evan was too young to remember his mother’s death, but his father’s passing left his heart hollow for months. Despite their dire circumstances, Evan aimed for a sympathetic expression as he met Taylor’s gaze. There was something heartbreaking about the man’s countenance. Sadness? Defeat? Torment?

Probably torment. He seemed to be experiencing prolonged torture of some sort—probably because Greyson had taken up residency in his summer home.

Still, Evan was wary. “Why are you here?”

Taylor swiped his hand through his disastrous hair. His fingers caught in the knots, and he struggled to free himself. Birds and rats would be hard-pressed to nest in Taylor’s unhygienic mess.

“Mostly because I cannot bear to see him hurt women. And I also hate the son of a bitch and his hideous mother. He insisted I show up today and tell you he is headed to London, sending you searching in the wrong direction. By the time you found Katrina, her reputation would be ruined. If he marriesthe lady, he thinks he will have a hand in the Astleyshire wealth and power. He would also possess the woman Eaton wants.” He slid his gaze to Evan. “He truly despises you.”

The feeling was mutual.

“Bloody hell,” Harrington said.

Evan stared into Taylor’s eyes. “I will ask you again. What information does Greyson have on you?”

Taylor stared at his shuffling feet.

“Out with it,” Harrington said.

“And be quick about it,” Evan said.