Page 79 of The Duke's Bartered Mistress

Georgia frowned.

Sophia smirked.

Then the Duchess shook her head. “I merely wanted you to know that I can see what’s blooming—or perhaps has bloomed—between you. And if Demon is coming to care for you, then you need to ask him about the details of his past with Rourke. But I will tell you that yes, due to the way they were manipulated, Rourke believed Demon had betrayed them all, and thus tried to kill him. He is responsible for the scars Demon wears—well, actually, no, he isn’t. Demon is the reason Rourke limps, but Rourke didn’t set off the firebomb—” She cut herself off with a sigh. “I’m failing at this whole not giving away anything, aren’t I?”

Georgia was staring, incredulous. “Firebomb?”

That’s what Demon had said.

He’d said a firebomb had collapsed his train car around him, trapping him beneath burning wreckage. He’d said nothing about his partner being involved, nor it being retaliation for a supposed betrayal.

Not for the first time, Georgia remembered the calluses on Demon’s hands, the nicks from blades and the tiny scars across his knuckles. She’d wondered why a reclusive baron might have such scars, but had dismissed it because she was so focused on the wonders those hands could achieve.

But now…

“Who was he?” she whispered, wide-eyed. “The true traitor?”

Her friend shook her head. “You’ll have to ask him. I’m sorry, it really is up to Demon. If he trusts you, I’m certain he’ll tell you. But I’ll tell you that the three of them—Rourke, Demon, Thorne—have been working together since they learned of Bl—” She halted mid-sentence, then started again. “Since they learned of the betrayal. That’s why my husband suggested a ride to Endymion, although we had no idea the weather would turn so nasty.”

Vaguely, Georgia nodded.

She’d been excited to meet new people, excited to spend time with Sophia and her family. But now, as the children tumbled over one another in their return to their aunt, Georgia bit her lip.

Now she only wanted the chance to be alone with Demon.

Chapter 17

As they stood on the front steps, watching Rourke’s family bundled together in the sleigh, Georgia slipped her hand into his. Demon glanced at her in surprise, but she continued to wave enthusiastically at their departing guests.

“Do you think they will reach home before dark?” she asked without looking at him.

Demon snorted softly. “Aye, they have over an hour to go a short distance.” When they’d been partners in Blackrose’s service, Demon had no idea Rourke’s family estate was so close to his own. Of course, Rourke hadn’t been the Duke then; just the fourth son of an arsehole father. “He’ll send the sleigh back tomorrow.”

Tomorrow. Christmas Eve.

Rather than watching the road, he tipped his head back and studied the sky. Christmas Eve? Once, he’d dreaded the date, dreaded all the revelry and forced gaiety which came with it. Hell, last year, he hadn’t even acknowledged the holidays, except to pull out a new ledger on January 1st.

But this year…this year, he didn’t hate the thought of Christmas. Because he knew whatever Georgia subjected him to, he would—in some way—enjoy it. There would be no noise, no excitement, no bustle.

He’d even purchased her a gift, which had arrived and he’d already wrapped in brown paper Mrs. Kettel had found for him without too many questions.

After Christmas, it’s only a week ‘til Hogmanay.

Until their contract was up, their bargain over.

Until she left.

And goes back to her father.

He wished she’d stay here, instead.

Tilting his head to one side, Demon studied her surreptitiously from under the brim of his hat. Bilious turd-turnips, but she was beautiful, each strand of her thick hair perfectly placed under that silly bonnet, the cold making her cheeks rosy and eyes sparkle.

The only reason a woman like her allowed a monster like ye to touch her is because of that bargain, ye lucky bastard. Ye cannae ask her to stay with ye beyond what she agreed to.

“Oh,” sighed Georgia, and it wasn’t until she settled against him that he realized she’d been on her toes. “I did enjoy meeting them. Sophia is lovely, as are the children.”

He grunted. Not in agreement, just acknowledgement. “That’s only the second time I’ve met them.” The first time, he helped save their lives. “Rourke never brings them when he visits.”

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