Page 53 of Legacy of Roses

“Don’t worry,” Daphne said with more earnestness than was her usual wont. “I’ll make sure it goes well. You focus on this.” She gestured vaguely around at the room, the chest, and Dimitri. “Once it’s over, your father will have all the investment money he needs.”

“And your family as well,” Rosalie said. “We’ll share it between all of us.”

They all stared back at the coins for a moment before Rosalie shut the lid firmly. It would be better to forget about the gold for the moment. There were still too many things that had to happen before she could claim any more of them.

“If the coins are staying here, then we need to find a different bed chamber for you,” Dimitri said.

“But this one is so beautiful!” Rosalie protested. “Why should I move?”

“You said it yourself.” He was frowning. “That chest is what Jace wants. If he realizes what’s happened and comes after the gold, I don’t want you anywhere near it.”

“You’re planning to just let him take it?” Rosalie cried. “If Jace is going to come for this chest, then we should have someone guarding it!”

“No amount of coins is worth you getting hurt—or, worse, killed,” he said so earnestly that Rosalie’s heart stuttered.

She ignored the sensation, her stubbornness growing stronger.

“I’m not standing aside so he can just waltz in and claim it,” she said before softening a little. “Don’t worry, I’ll lock the door.”

She produced the key she had found on the bedside table. “I’ll keep the door locked whether I’m in here or not.”

Dimitri hesitated before visibly capitulating. He sighed, but she ignored it. She appreciated his concern, but she hadn’t come to the manor so he could order her around. The sooner he accepted that, the easier time they’d have together.

“Do you really think Jace will send his men to invade the manor?” Daphne sounded almost as concerned as Dimitri.

“I think it’s a possibility we have to be prepared for,” Dimitri said. “I’m hoping the Legacy will make them nervous enough totake a cautious approach. But I wouldn’t want to bet my life on it—or Rosalie’s.”

“No.” Daphne shivered.

“You have what you need,” Rosalie said to her. “You should hurry back now.” She pressed her lips together. All the talk of Jace was making her nervous. “I’m sorry you have to go by yourself. I wish I could walk you back…”

Daphne shook her head firmly. “Don’t worry about me. You know you can’t leave or it will ruin everything. You’re supposed to be a prisoner, remember?” She gave Rosalie a stern look.

“Yes, ma’am,” Rosalie said meekly, making Daphne laugh and throw a glance at Dimitri.

“Don’t expect this mood to last long,” she told him.

He laughed. “Don’t worry. I have no unrealistic expectations.”

Rosalie narrowed her eyes at both of them, putting her hands on Daphne’s back and propelling her friend from the room. “Come on! No need to waste any more time in chit chat.”

Daphne allowed herself to be pushed out of the manor, only pausing on the front step to look back. Her expression turned serious.

“I meant it when I said not to worry. Vernon will have paid Jace back by the end of the day. I’ll make sure of it.”

Rosalie nodded, knowing that when it came to things that really mattered, Daphne was completely trustworthy.

“What if Jace seizes you on the road?” Dimitri asked, less easily soothed. “He might be heading this way after those fireworks.”

Rosalie’s fear returned. She should have thought of that possibility.

“Don’t worry,” Daphne repeated. “I organized for someone to meet me and walk me back.”

“You did?” Rosalie stared at her. “Who?”

“Be careful! And try to enjoy yourselves!” Daphne called hurriedly, rushing down the stairs with a cheery wave and disappearing down the drive.

Rosalie blinked after her. Did Daphne have a suitor she’d never mentioned? Why would she be keeping him a secret if so?

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