Page 44 of Marquess of Fortune

“Because…” Ace understood their frustration. Not only did they know that East had the power to destroy Ace but they also had their own reservations about the earl. “He’s our partner now and we might need his favors in the future.”

“Fuck.” Gris pushed out through his clenched teeth as Tris punched the palm of his own hand.

They were each hard and strong in their own way and Ace knew this was difficult for them. But there wasn’t a choice here. They could not work against him and undo all that he’d accomplished. “Tell me you understand.”

None of his brothers looked happy with his words but they each nodded, acknowledging that they’d do as he wished.

Pivoting to the desk, he scrolled a hasty note to East and then started out of the room again, turning just before he reached the door. “Take care of yourselves.”

Rush gave a quick jerk of his chin in acknowledgment. “Take care of our sisters.”

Gris craned his neck. “And the pretty brunette. Miss Boxby, was it?”

Ace took one step back toward his brother, his finger lifting. “Not now, Gris.”

But Gris only smiled, his trouble grin, the one he gave when he intentionally stirred the pot.

Ace ignored the look and pivoted to return to the entry.

It was time to save the women he cared most about. All of them.

Emily looked across the carriage for the hundredth time in less than an hour as they rumbled down the road, out of London toward their estate in Amesbury. Ace sat across from her, his gaze unwavering.

Next to her, Mirabelle chatted amicably while on her other side, Anna sat silently, her head dipped and her hands folded.

But she didn’t have the ability to wonder about the young woman with Ace’s eyes so fixed on her.

Heat filled her cheeks as she realized they’d be in the same house for…how long? Days? Weeks?

And would her brother allow him to court her?

Ken had been more receptive. Allowing the outing in the park. Taking Ace and his sisters out of London.

They’d left Ace’s carriage for his brothers to use while they’d all climbed into Ken’s vehicle. It was a bit tight but they’d stay at an inn tonight, finishing the journey tomorrow. But the lack of space wasn’t what had her the most uncomfortable.

By far, Ace’s unwavering gaze is what had her shifting in her seat yet again as her eyes skittered from his once again.

Emily nearly breathed a sigh of relief when they finally reached the inn, had a simple stew, and retired to begin travel early the next morning.

She climbed the stairs, exhausted but well aware that she’d hardly sleep knowing that Ace was just a few doors away.

She turned to find him just behind her, Mirabelle on his arm.

Her brother showed her to her room and she watched as Ace did the same for his sisters, who’d be sharing a room.

Since the events in the park this afternoon, she’d not even had a chance to say thank you nor had anyone tended his arm.

The moment she reached her room, she rang for a maid and gathered up the supplies she’d need for first aid because his wound still hadn’t been wrapped in anything to stem the flow of blood.

As quietly as she could, she slipped from her room and made her way down the hall to knock on Ace’s door.

“Who is it?” he called, sounding muffled.

“It’s me,” she whispered back, knowing full well she could not be discovered in the hallway.

There was silence for a moment before the door opened a crack.

“Emily?” he whispered, but she didn’t respond as she understood his hesitation in responding. He’d already removed his blood-stained shirt.

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