Page 28 of Lucien's Gamble

“The point is, I do care.”

“If you expect me to pay you out of my own pockets, it will take years.”

“I’m not inclined to wait any longer. Either pay me the money, or listen to my alternate proposal.”

Hugh stiffened warily. “What alternate proposal?”

Remington leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. “I wish to see your sister socially. You will smooth the way for me. For every outing, every dance, every private moment with her, I will reduce your debt by ten thousand pounds.”

Hugh’s mouth fell open. “Bloody hell. This is extortion!”

Remington said nothing.

“Lady Julienne is close to announcing her betrothal to the Marquess of Fontaine,” Hugh pointed out. “Your request could seriously jeopardize his interest in her.”

Remington remained silent.

“She’s a debutante, Remington, not one of your trollops. I won’t whore her out for my debts.”

Remington’s brows rose, and Hugh colored with embarrassment at the silent challenge that said he was doing exactly that.

“Fontaine offers marriage,” he argued.

“So do I.”

Hugh choked. “The devil, you say! This grows more outrageous by the moment. Julienne can’t marryyou!She’s an earl’s daughter, for Christ’s sake.”

“And I am a duke’s son.”

“Well, yes, but you’re … well … you’re … Damnation, you know what the hell you are! It’s not the same thing at all.”

Remington shrugged, not the least bit perturbed. “Marriage is out, so we return to my offer. You may begin this evening. I want one dance with Lady Julienne. Afterward you can deduct ten thousand pounds from your debt to me.”

Hugh ran both hands through his hair before massaging his temples. “She’s marrying someone else, Remington. Why not find some other chit?”

“My motives are my own.” Remington rested his elbows on his desk. “I’m a very busy man, Montrose. Tell me your decision now—the money or ten moments with your sister. What shall it be?”

“This is appalling.”

“Indeed?”

“You’ve gone mad.”

“Quite possibly.”

Hugh was dumbstruck, and damned himself for landing Julienne in this predicament. She was correct. It was time to get his affairs in order. “What if she refuses?”

“Then I will allow her to do so. But she must refuse me each time.”

“Hell’s teeth, this is abominable. You, sir, are no gentleman.”

Remington smiled. “I have never claimed to be one.”

“I have stipulations.”

Remington nodded. “I expected you would.”

“Outings must be chaperoned.”

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