Page 11 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“It would only be the truth,” she shot back.

“Just as it is the truth that you are one ball gown away from your creditors going to Italy in search of your husband.”

She drew in a sharp breath. “You would never repeat that?”

“You created the situation. I simply do not intend to be one of your casualties.”

“You did not consider yourself a casualty when I let you fuck me.”

“Be sure to remember it was you who reduced our connection to such lowly depths,” he said.

“How dare you?” She drew back her hand and Erroll caught her wrist before her palm reached his face.

“What is going on?” he demanded. “This is dramatic, even for you.”

Laura yanked her hand free and took a step back. “Nothing that need concern you, my lord.” She whirled and stalked toward the door.

For an instant Erroll didn’t move, then he reached her in three quick steps and seized her arm, swinging her around to face him.

“Let me go,” she hissed.

“Sit down,” he ordered.

She looked up and he saw tears rolling down her cheeks. He urged her two steps to the chair. Her mouth tightened in rebellion and she didn’t sit.

“If you want my help, do as I say,” Erroll said.

She hesitated, then sat down. Erroll went back to the sideboard, poured a second brandy, then picked up both glasses and returned to Laura’s chair.

He shoved one drink in front of her. “Drink this.”

She took the glass and drank half the contents in two gulps.

“You have many vices, Laura, but drinking is not one of them. What happened?”

“Henry has returned from Italy.”

Erroll sipped his brandy. His head was starting to pound, but he knew it was due more to being shocked from the relaxed state of alcohol and arousal than an impending hangover.

“So your creditors do not have to go in search of him, after all.”

She shot him a dagger-filled look.

Erroll lifted a brow. “I take it he is none too happy with your peccadilloes?”

“Oh fie,” she said. “If that were all, I would be able to handle him without trouble. No. He has seen a few of my bills and…” She sighed and took another gulp of her drink.

“I see,” Erroll said. “The viscount does not mind that his wife is seen with every rake in Town, but he will not countenance his money paying for her lovers.”

“That is not the worst part,” she said. “When he discovers I pawned my emeralds, he will shut me up in the country.”

“Pawned your emeralds? Those have been in Bentley’s family for generations. You will be fortunate if all he does is lock you up in the country.”

She tossed her head. “If he does that, I will make him pay.”

“I think he is paying now, my dear.”

“It is no more than he deserves.”