Page 44 of The Duchess He Couldn’t Resist

“Well, I live to see the day!” Owen exclaimed.

“I am glad you managed to see the light on the last day of your life,” Brandon threatened.

“You are jealous,” Owen said, and it was not a question.

“I am not!” Brandon protested and poured more whiskey.

“And yet you are. You’re jealous of me,” Owen observed. “Is it because I made your wife laugh?”

“I am not jealous. I am merely protecting my good name and Marigold’s. It’s disrespectful for you to be alone with her, let alone making her laugh.”

“We were in the privacy of your own residence, so her reputation and yours are still intact. Unless you are wound up for reasons that have nothing to do with your reputation.”

Brandon did not respond simply because it was difficult to lie to the man whom he had known since he was thirteen years old. He emptied his glass and left it on the desk, regarding the wall.

“She has provided some very useful information.”

“And this is where you will try to convince me that you see Marigold as a transaction, as an informant. Definitely not as a wife.”

“She is an informant, and we do have an understanding and an agreement in place. It just so happens that she is also my wife. A detail that you would very well do to remember.”

Owen leaned back in his chair, but his eyes never left Brandon’s.

“We have known each other for so many years, and I have never, ever seen you this possessive over anything.”

“Choose your words wisely. I am not possessive of Marigold, I am protective.”

“I agree you are, and it seems that you are doing that job very well. But would it hurt you to admit that you are also possessive of her?”

“No, but it might as well hurt you if you keep nagging me over this.”

Owen raised his hands in surrender, and then he hit them on his knees as he got up to stand right next to Brandon, looking at the wall.

“This was not here before.”

“Like I said. She provided vital and important information. She knows exactly where the current lair of Johnny’s operation is, as well as the heart that pumps blood into his gang,” Brandon pointed at the new pins Marigold had indicated.

Brandon proceeded to explain all the things that Marigold had revealed to him, information he never had, unveiling things obscure in the dark streets of London. For so long, he had tried to unearth these, and Marigold just provided them easily.

“And you say these are all first-hand accounts?” Owen asked in doubt.

Brandon nodded, not wanting to go into details on how Marigold came upon this information. But saying it out loud to someone else, realizing its true value and weight and what it actually cost her, punched holes into his sanity.

“To be honest, I came here worried about the poor lady getting married to a brute like you,” Owen scoffed.

“Watch it!”

“But now I see it,” Owen didn’t pay him any mind. “She’s not just any lady. This one is a daring blade. No wonder you’re so terrified of losing her. She’s one of a kind.”

“I’m not terrified of losing her. I demand respect. She is my wife. You will not be alone with her.”

Owen looked at him, a thoughtful expression shedding all provocative behavior. He then looked back at the map.

“I hope you realize the true treasure that is your wife, Brandon. Do not ruin it. Now, let’s work. I would hate to be late for dinner and disappoint the Duchess.”

Brandon was left there, looking blankly at the map, the work of his life. And he realized that perhaps Owen was right. This mission had just gotten even more important. Now, he had something to lose.

CHAPTER 14