Page 77 of The Rake Desires the Diamond

Evan clucked his tongue. “Seventy-five.”

“Fine,” Greyson mumbled.

“But you will not approach her. Taylor’s office will handle the payments.” Evan slid his gaze from Greyson to his mother. “Both of you will cease with blackmailing. IfI hear one word that you are attempting to extort anything from anyone, from chambermaid to duchess, the truth of Francis’s dubious parentage will be made public. If you think I am bluffing, start one little rumor and see what happens.”

Using the sleeve of her garish gold gown as a handkerchief, the marchioness swiped at her tears.

“Taylor will draw up an agreement stating all of this, and Harrington and I will approve it,” Evan said.

Harrington swathed Greyson in a shite-eating grin.

“I believe that is quite fair,” Taylor said. “Think of it, Francis. You will keep your title and lands and make recompense to those you have harmed. Truly, ’tis a good deal. I’d take it.”

Greyson groaned. “How do I know you all will keep your word?”

“It will be a legal document,” Taylor said, “and I will oversee it.”

Evan nodded. “One copy will be placed with the Duke of Astleyshire for safekeeping, and the other will be with my brother, Alistair, the Earl of Trent.”

“I think Kitty should have her own chamber. Could you add that to the contract?” Katrina asked.

Who in the dickens was Kitty?

“Done.” Taylor drew an imaginary check mark in the air. “Does anyone have anything else to add?”

There were two more people that Greyson had the power to ruin.

“As far Lord Wellspring—”

“Bloody molly,” Greyson mumbled under his breath.

The marchioness brought a hand to her mouth. “The Earl of Wellspring beds men?”

Taylor gagged. “A butler, no less.”

Evan fought to keep his fist by his side. “Greyson, you will make it your life’s work to stop the raids on molly houses.” Evan might also take on the project. Surely, a man with his connections could do something persuasive.

“I will do no such thing. I’d stab my eyes out first,” Greyson said.

Katrina lunged in Greyson’s direction. “I will stab them out for you.”

Evan’s uptight princess had become a brave warrior. Together, they would change the old-school prejudices of their class.

“And shove them down your bloody throat,” Evan added.

The marchioness’s hysterics having tired her out, and her skin now a pale shade that almost matched her wig, she collapsed onto the bed.

A profusely sweating, red-cheeked Greyson fought back one last time. “You will never get away with this. You will be arrested for conspiracy against the Crown for knowing about my decepti…” His words trailed off as he realized he’d been beaten. He crumpled to his knees and dropped his forehead into his hands.

“Stand up, brother.” Taylor pulled Greyson onto his feet. “Face this like a man. It is what our father would have wanted. And look at it this way. You get to keep your title, and you can become a better man and do something for the greater good.”

Greyson was only on his feet for a moment when Katrina stomped toward him, hiked her skirt to her knees, and kicked him in the bollocks. He groaned as he crumpled onto the carpeting.

Katrina swiped her hands back and forth. “Remember, Kitty gets a private chamber. May we please go now?” Shesashayed to the door, her hips swaying in the most delicious taunt.

Looking thoughtful, Harrington hooked his thumb beneath his chin and tilted his head. “When did my sister become so brave?”

Katrina peeked back into the room. “The second I saw Evan Eaton in a mask.” She winked at Evan and curled her finger, calling him to her.