Page 100 of Seducing the Knave

Elle’s smile was full of relief. “I’m so glad that you’re all right.”

Their impulsive embrace was interrupted by the arrival of two men striding into the room.

Expecting one of them to be Max, Elle was acutely disappointed to see a tall, dark-haired man with bright blue eyes followed by a younger man who gave a quick, careless tug of his forelock before skirting the perimeter of the room to take up a casual position leaning against the wall beside the windows.

The first man’s striking gaze swept the room, pausing briefly on Elle before he grinned. “Ah, we’re all here then.”

The earl stepped forward. “Lady Elvina, allow me to introduce my brother Roderick Bentley and his man Bishop Black.”

While the man by the window just gave a short nod in acknowledgement, Mr. Bentley stepped forward with a charming smile to execute a short but proper bow.

“I’ve heard a bit about you, Lady Elvina. I only wish we could be introduced under more pleasant circumstances.”

“As do I,” Elle replied. “Though at least it would seem the danger has been fully resolved,” she added with a slight question in her tone.

Bentley glanced to the earl, who nodded, before replying. “I’ve no doubt Max will ensure that Gill Rook and those who assisted him are properly dealt with.”

Elle noted there was no mention of the authorities, but she wasn’t terribly concerned with that. In all honestly, she just wanted to go home. “Will Max be joining us soon?”

At her inquiry, another quick look passed between the brothers. A cold dread washed through Elle, but before she could insist on a response or question further, Caillie interjected in a firm tone.

“You two had better share whatever it is you’re obviously so reluctant to say.”

The earl came forward. “Max will not be joining us, I’m afraid.”

Elle’s spine stiffened as more dread churned in her stomach. “What do you mean? Has something happened to him?”

“No,” Bentley replied quickly, “not at all. He’s well and good, I assure you.”

“Then why won’t he be coming for me?” Elle asked pointedly, not at all concerned with what her inquiry might imply.

“Instead of returning you to St. Giles,” the earl replied, “he felt it best for you stay with us for a while.”

“You’re more than welcome, Lady Elvina,” the countess added earnestly. “We understand you’ve had some challenges since your parents died and we’re happy to add our full support in your endeavors to reenter society.”

“Reenter...” An icy understanding slid down Elle’s spine. “I see.”

She did see. Perfectly.

Max was getting rid of her. He’d decided she didn’t belong in his world and he was ensuring her final departure.

Damn him.

“Well, it’s been a trying day and I reckon some rest is in order for us both. I’ll show Elle to a guest room,” Caillie said as she linked her arm through Elle’s and started from the parlor without awaiting any response from the others.

Elle’s initial dread slid briefly into a deep and aching pain before anger took hold, saving her from the hurt claiming her heart.

By the time they reached the gorgeously appointed guest room, she was properly furious.

She was only half listening to whatever Caillie was saying to her as her thoughts and emotions raged unheeded inside her. When the door finally clicked shut, she couldn’t hold it back any longer.

“Fucking arse,” she muttered vehemently.

A burst of feminine laughter erupted from behind her and she spun around to see that Caillie was still in the room.

“Oh,” she exclaimed, “I’m sorry. I thought I was alone.”

The younger girl waved off her apology as she held her other hand to her abdomen in a failing attempt to restrain her humor. “Dinnae fash yersel,” she said with a gasping laugh. “I couldnae agree more.” Then she waved Elle toward the bed. “Come sit with me.”

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