Page 78 of Trapped with her Cruel Duke

“Then what you are telling me is that Christian owns the deed because of a bet that you lost. Which means,” she said angrily, “that you do not deserve to have it back.”

“He is hanging the sword of Damocles above my head, Louise. Would you have it so for the rest of my life?”

“You would honestly ask me tostealfrom my husband?”

The Earl’s face twisted into a snarl as he pointed an accusatory finger at her. “Yourhusband?I am your father. You honor me above all else, and youwilldo this, or I will be forced to take matters into my own hands.”

Louise froze, staring at the twisted, angry face of a stranger. Here stood a man she no longer recognized. Her father was gone, and in his place was a frightened, ruined creature who would stop at nothing to get what he wanted.

“And what do you mean by that?” she asked, dreading his response.

Her father cast a glance behind her, his jowls wobbling as he jutted his chin arrogantly. For a horrible moment, he reminded her of herself.

“You are aware of the rivalry between The Devils and Orions. It has existed since they started their club. The Duke has encouraged it, I think, for better or worse.” The Earl sniffed and cocked his head, a mocking little smile on his face. “I relished the challenge, at the beginning. I enjoyed the competition, but this is my entire fortune we are speaking of. I cannot delay any longer.”

He took a menacing step toward her, his nostrils flaring.

“If you will not collect the deed, then give me some money so I can pay off my debts. I know the Duke is well off.”

“Papa,” Louise gasped, horrified, “how do you expect me to do such a thing? This is monstrous.”

“I can destroy him, you know.” She watched a sinister smile spread across his face. “I can destroy everything he has built in an instant if I choose to.”

“What? How?”

“I do not think you realize how precarious the Duke’s position is,” the Earl stated coldly. “Apart from his brother’s odd disappearance and reappearance, they are by no means as respected as he seems to believe. I could click my fingers and steal away every member of Orions if I choose. One word from me and he would be destitute.”

Louise had never felt such rage before. Her father was truly mad if he was willing to pursue that course of action.

She stepped away from him, matching his posture. “Papa, are you suggesting that you would deliberately ruin my husband’s life?”

“Two weeks ago, he was a stranger to you. Stop pretending you care for him—it is tiresome.”

“The only reason I have him in my life is because ofyourshortcomings, Papa.” She surprised herself by the icy tone of her voice, and her father’s face paled considerably. “Youhave brought all of this upon yourself,” she hissed. “I believe Christianmade it clear to you how he felt about you being in his home, and I second it now. You are not welcome here. Please,leave.”

She stood to her full height, pushing down the guilt that rose in her chest at his expression, and glared at him, determined to see this through.

I do not owe him anything. If he had his way, I would be someone’s mistress, to be used and thrown aside to pay off his debts.

The Earl’s face contorted with anger, and he sneered at her, his lips twisting unpleasantly.

“The Duke is in your life only because he wishes to exact revenge on me. That is all. He might be interested in you now. He might even convince you that he cares for you. But do not be foolish enough to believe it. Men like him are out for what they can get. He has a marriage that will serve him well—that is all he has ever wanted from you.”

The chilly March air seeped through Louise’s gown, making her shiver. Her father’s words cut deep, right to the bone, as she thought of the past few days. Christian’s distance, his absence after they spent the night together. His obsession with his club and only ever wishing to possess her.

Her father was right—her husband did not care for her as she cared for him.

She stepped back, preparing to return to the others.

“That may be true,” she relented, the words tasting like ash in her mouth. “But my loyalties lie with my husband now. You have ensured that more than you ever could with your conduct. Now, I wish you to leave.”

The Earl watched her, his calculating gaze hardening as he glanced at the house. “Are you expecting me to leave without saying farewell to your precious Duke?”

“I expect you to leave regardless of your wishes, but you will not be setting foot in this house again today,” she said vehemently, before opening the door to the terrace to return to Christian, her body vibrating with anger.

I cannot believe that I once assumed if I did his bidding, he would one day treat me as an equal. The only person my father cares about is himself.

CHAPTER 31

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