Page 9 of Her Beast

“What do you think would happen if Lord Basingstoke learned you’ve been fucking my servants?”

Julia flinched harder at the unexpected word than when he’d struck her. Thomas Harlow was intensely aware of his humble background and had never used vulgar language in her presence. Julia feared his change in behavior could only bode ill for her.

He nodded, as if she’d spoken out loud. “Yes, you are a whore, so from now on I’ll treat you like one. You had better hope that Basingstoke doesn’t hear of this.”

It was on the tip of her tongue to mention that her fiancé kept a mistress, himself, so he’d be a hypocrite to point a finger at her.

Wisely, she kept her mouth shut.

“He is not pleased about this marriage and has only consented thanks to myconsiderableefforts on your behalf, not to mention a great deal of my money.”

Julia already knew all that, and it rankled beyond belief that she was betrothed to a man who despised her. She would have loved nothing more than to refuse to marry the conceited peer, but sheneededtheir marriage because it was the only way she could secure her brother Richard’s future.

There was no denying that her future with such a man would be grim, but at least marrying a duke’s heir would put her above most of theton—a group who’d done nothing but disdain her. As a duchess, thetonwould have to respect her and so would her father and Nadine.

“You had betterpraythat you are not with child—”

“I’m still intact, Papa,” Julia lied. “Solomon and I did nothing but—”

“Because that is all you are to Basingstoke,” her father continued, unheeding. “Nothing but a broodmare—acuntto be bred—and not one with any bloodline to speak of, either.” His lips twisted with distaste as he looked down on her. “If you destroy this arrangement—after all the work I’ve done—you will spend the remainder of your miserable life locked away somewhere remote and unpleasant. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Papa.”

“Your mother—”

“She’snotmy moth—”

This time Julia managed to stay on her feet but her vision doubled from the pain of the blow.

“You don’t deserve to call hermother,” her father thundered, towering over her.

Only when she felt the hot tears on her cheeks did Julia realize that she was crying. But they were tears of rage; one day she would make him pay for each and every blow.

Unfortunately, today was not that day, so Julia kept her head bowed and her blazing eyes downcast.

“It is only because of yourmother’sunfailing kindness that I’ve allowed you so much freedom.”

She bit her lip to keep from snorting.

“But after today she will wash her hands of you, and I won’t blame her.”

Julia wanted to jump and cheer; Nadine was the person she loathed most in the world.

“I am sending you to London immediately.”

Julia’s head whipped up. “But—”

“Your hunting season is at an end. In fact, I’m selling all your hunters.” He gave her an ugly smile. “If your new husband wants you to hunt then he may mount you.”

Julia opened her mouth.

“One more word and I will sell your hacks, too.”

She clamped her jaws shut.

He nodded with grim satisfaction. “Your Uncle Carl and Netta will accompany you. They will go with youeverywhereuntil the wedding to make sure you behave yourself. Every. Where. Do you understand me?”

She nodded.

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