Page 31 of To Ensnare a Duke

"Are there any debts you need to collect on before we go?"

"No, Your Grace," I murmur. "All is as it should be."

"Then follow me."

The low din of the establishment quiets down until I can't hear a thing. All I can hear is a strange whooshing noise as it floods my ears and threatens to shut down my brain. My pulse pounds under my skin, driving me to scratch at my wrists. But I don't dare draw attention to how he's making me feel.

I'm hot and cold all at once. I'm clammy, yet feverish. I've seen Portswell angry before, but nothing like this. There's a calm quiet about him, like the dead before the storm. Have I bitten off more than I can chew?

Once we step through the doors and into the road, the cool air of London kisses my cheeks, bringing me back to the present. Should I run? Should I try to escape? It's not as if he'd hunt me down and thrash me in my own home. His honor would forbid it.

As if he can guess the tenor of my thoughts, he grabs my arm and hauls me next to his side. "One false step, and I'll haul you over my shoulder like I threatened earlier. Now be a good little minx and honor your promises."

Blast. I don't want him to think any less of me than he already does. I fall in step with him, walking through the streets to parts unknown. Perhaps if I plead my case, he'll be more lenient toward me.

"You must understand-"

"I care to understand nothing," he growls out. "You will walk in silence. There will be plenty of time to speak your fill when I strap you into place."

Blood drains from my face. "Where are you taking me?"

"Somewhere you will never wish to return."

As we walk by, women lean outside of doorways, wide grins on their faces. "Oi. Care to sup at Sally's? Only the best for gents such as yourself."

"Thank you for the kind invite," Portswell says while tipping his hat. "But we are expected elsewhere."

"Come then," she cackles. "You'll find no better meal. Nice and warm. Ready to eat."

At that moment, my stomach begins to growl. Tugging on the duke's shoulder, I attempt to stall for time once more. "I am a bit hungry. Perhaps one bite won't-"

"There now! A lad who knows what he's after."

"Forgive us, kind lady," the duke answers, hauling me backward. "But we cannot tarry."

"But-"

He gives me a murderous glare. "The only thing on her menu is pussy. And I don't think you wish to sample any of that tonight."

"Cat? They serve cat?" My lips curl up in disgust as I try to put distance between us.

The woman cackles, her laugh bouncing around the streets. "Get you a green one there, did you? No harm in letting Sally be his first meal."

"Again, I'm afraid we must away. His first meal is spoken for."

"Who in their right mind eats cat?" I hiss, the sound of her maniacal laughter following us.

"Bloody innocent," he grumbles, pulling me along until we're in a far more acceptable area.

We stop short in front of a beautiful house, but it's not one I recognize. "Is this your place of residence? I thought you were taking me elsewhere."

"No. This place is your perdition."

CHAPTER 16

BENEDICT

The lamp lights illuminate the omega's face as she stares up at The Rose and Thorne. It was daft of me to bring her here, but in truth, I wasn't sure where else to go. Her earlier assessment of it being dangerous for me to take her in hand at either her house or mine is correct.