Page 84 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

The clerk gestured for her to follow the stranger. Unease filled her. The clerk started to take her elbow again and she gave him a look that stopped him in his tracks. Caroline turned and went up the staircase, the clerk trailing behind her. She caught up to the scarred man and paused as he opened a door.

“Go on in,” he said.

She did as he asked and heard the door close behind her. Straight ahead, a man sat behind a desk. He was in his mid-thirties, with dark hair already graying at the temples and a cruel mouth.

“You’re not Netherby,” she said, wondering where the bookseller was.

“I actually am, Lady Caroline,” he said affably.

Understanding dawned on her. “You’re Netherby’s son. The one who didn’t follow him into the book trade.”

“That’s right. He said you were sharp. We have that in common. I didn’t see the point in selling old, smelly books when I could make a lot more in other ways.”

“I’m here to see your father,” she said stubbornly, tamping down the anxiety running through her. “Since he’s not here, I’ll be on my way.”

Turning, she went and opened the door. The scarred stranger blocked her way. He took two steps forward, forcing her back into the room. She wheeled and faced the younger Netherby, hearing the door close again behind her.

“I would like to leave now, Mr. Netherby. I have an engagement.”

“I’m afraid you’ll have to cancel that, Lady Caroline. Father has asked a favor of me. I’m always eager to have him in my debt.”

“What kind of favor?” she asked warily.

“One involving you.”

“Where am I?” she demanded.

“My gaming hell.”

That explained the long table she’d seen. It must be something used in gambling.

“I demand to leave at once,” she said again. “Tell your man to step aside.”

Netherby stood and came around from behind the desk, stopping in front of her. “You’re spirited. I’ll give you that. I’m afraid to tell you that you won’t be leaving here until tomorrow evening. You see, one of my side business—beyond gambling—is running a very special auction each month. Tomorrow night is the upcoming one.

“You’ll be on the block, Lady Caroline.”

Numbness filled her. She thought she must have misunderstood him.

“You see, Father sees you as a threat to his business. Already, your store has flocks of patrons. He’s afraid if you remain in business, he’ll be ruined.” He smiled. “He’d rather seeyouruined. You’ll be sold to the highest bidder. A blond, virgin beauty from thetonwill draw a high price. Perhaps the highest price I’ve ever received.”

“You’re joking. You think tosellme?”

His gaze bored into her. “I never joke when it comes to money.”

Caroline flung herself at him, knocking them both to the ground. She raked her nails across his face as he shouted. Suddenly, she was yanked up, her arms pinned to her sides. She screamed as loudly as she could but the arms tightened about her. She couldn’t breathe and began kicking her heels at the shins of the man who held her.

Netherby dragged himself to his feet. He took a handkerchief and wiped the blood from his face and then nodded. The arms relaxed and she was free. She whirled and slapped the scarred man. He struck her quickly, knocking her to her knees. Caroline fought for a breath as pain spread across her cheek.

“I’ve told you to handle the merchandise with care, Coswell. No bidder wants damaged goods.”

“Sorry, Mr. Netherby.” The man latched on to her elbow and jerked her to her feet, keeping her in place.

“No more screaming, Lady Caroline. It doesn’t do any good. No one will come to your aid here. It’s a true hell for ladies such as yourself. Coswell will take you to a room where you’ll stay until the auction.”

She began trembling. “You truly peddle women?”

“You’d be surprised at the dark taste of some gentlemen of theton. Only beatings and torture excite them sexually. My father assures me that you have no living blood relatives since your father was murdered. You have no fiancé. With your disappearance, your bookstore will quickly fail.”

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