Page 54 of The Scoundrel and the Lady

And yet, he had still published the article. He had put his business dealings above their relationship. So, no, he had not betrayed her. He had merely revealed how little he truly cared for her.

He may not have betrayed her, but he had destroyed her.

For the rest of their visit, Iris barely heard anything her friends said. They were trying to help, but eventually they gave up and left for their own houses, vowing to check in with her later.

She needed to remember her life before Merritt. Before she’d lost her heart. Or maybe she needed to thank him for waking her up to the fact that she’d never be able to change her brother. Jasper would behave like the man he was, or he’d continue to squander his life and fortune until he had nothing. She could do nothing save take care of herself.

Planning her future trip was precisely what she needed to remind herself that she was more than Jasper’s sister. More than the sad girl who never had a real debut, never had any marriage prospects until a rake of an earl seduced her to save her reputation. She rolled her eyes at the thought.

Chapter Twelve

Iris was still reeling from Merritt’s article when her brother came in. Blood had caked around his nose and mouth, and swelling had nearly closed his left eye completely.

“Good heavens, Jasper, what happened to you?”

“I had a run-in with your friend Lord Ashby,” he said.

Iris’s heart thundered. “I don’t believe it. Why would Lord Ashby do this to you?”

She rang for a servant then requested they bring her a basin and rag. They were quick about it and rushed the supplies straight in.

Jasper held the damp rag to his nose and winced as he wiped at the blood. “I may as well tell you, because I’m certain that Ashby will eventually. He discovered I was blackmailing him.”

And just like that, it was as if he’d pulled the rug from under her feet. Her knees buckled, and she sank onto the sofa behind her. “Jasper,” she said, her voice barely a whisper. “Why would you do that?”

He shrugged. “I needed the funds.”

“And you did not think to simply ask me?” Hurt and anger and confusion collided inside her, swirling into a storm that threatened to consume her.

“You said the last time was the last time. I did not think you would give me the necessary funds to pay off my debt.”

“Perhaps you should stop making wagers you aren’t equipped to pay,” she snapped. “You are no longer a child, Jasper. If you want to be a man, a gentleman of the ton, you should behave as such.”

“As your Lord Ashby does? By pounding on a man in need?”

“He is not my Lord Ashby, and you quite obviously deserved a good pounding.” She folded her arms over her chest and allowed her anger to course through her. She’d been worried about him for so long it was nice to feel something different, even if she was mad enough to box his ears.

“I cannot believe you would say such a thing,” Jasper said.

“You admitted to blackmailing me, and you’re offended with what I said?” she asked. “Honestly, Jasper.”

“Why were you dressed as a man at the theater?” he asked.

“That is none of your concern.” Damnation, if he hadn’t been the one to get her into this mess. Were it not for her brother’s selfish and reckless ways, she might not have ever met Merritt Steele. She wouldn’t be lamenting the fact that she’d lost her heart to the man and, in the process, likely everything else she held dear.

“We are not done with this discussion,” she told him. She grabbed her reticule.

“Where are you going?”

“I shall return. I have someone I need to see.” How could Merritt not tell her that Jasper was the one who’d sent the note? He’d seduced her with deception and continued to hide things from her. And she should be angry that he’d hit her brother, but she couldn’t quite muster up the sentiment since she still firmly believed he’d deserved what he’d received. Jasper was just proud enough that having a swollen face would keep him home for a few nights. Precisely what he needed.

The carriage ride to Merritt’s offices passed in a blur as she went over in her mind what she’d say to him. Rand looked up as she entered the outer offices, and his brows rose when she swung the door violently open.

Then the man’s lips quirked in a grin. “Right this way.”

She followed him into Merritt’s office, then she leveled her gaze at the man now standing behind the enormous wooden desk.

…

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