Page 65 of The Dravenhearst Brides
One breath later, the room was empty. His footfalls were soft, hurrying down the hallway.
When Margot exhaled, she breathed fire. She could almost see sparks and smoke curling from her nostrils. She sat up in bed, drumming her fingers on the mattress.
A liar. That was who she married. A liar and a cheat.
She continued the slow, rhythmic drumbeat of her fingers. She had options. Her mind cataloged them, increasing in order of escalation.
Pack her things this instant and leave.
Lie in wait to confront him upon return.
Storm outside right now and raise holy hell.
Look for his gun, every good Kentucky man had one, and…
And what?
The growl of the roadster roared to life, and suddenly, Margot was running. Bare feet. White nightdress. Hair unbound. Running through the halls of the manor, down the stairs, her nightgown ballooning behind her.
She flung open the front door just in time to see Merrick slamming the lid over the rumble seat.
“Merrick!” She flew down the steps of the portico, blinking in the harsh glare of the headlights.
“Margot?” He froze where he stood, one hand hovering over the storage latch.
She had half a mind to walk over and slap him. Hard, right across his obnoxiously handsome, stubbled cheek. She summoned every ounce of gumption she had, took four leaping bounds, then raised her hand to strike. “How dare you!”
His reflexes were like lightning, catching her hand before it landed.
“You filthy, rotten, lying piece of—”
“Whoa.” He stumbled away from her. “Margot, calm down.”
“Don’t tell me to calm down,” she shrieked, pointing an accusatory finger. “How could you?Tonight, of all nights. When you promised…youpromisedto stay with me. To keep me safe.”
“Margot, I have an obligation tonight. One that can’t be rescheduled.” His tone was measured. Resigned.
“Anobligation?” She laughed sardonically, tipping her head back. “Is that what you gentlemen call it these days?”
“Call what?” His brow furrowed.
“Stop acting innocent. I’m so sick of your lies. You’ve done nothing but lie to me since the night we met.”
