Page 73 of A Kiss Of Lies

He had to play for time and signal Hadley to go and warn Serena to stay hidden.

“I beg your pardon. I don’t believe we have been introduced,” Christian said, trying not to portray any emotion, keeping a grip on the bloodthirsty rage surging inside him. All he wanted to do was leap across the desk and throttle the man with his bare hands. Dennett had hurt Serena—defiled her, abused her, and caused her untold pain. But killing him, no matter how satisfying, would do Serena no good.

“I’m Christian Trent, Earl of Markham, and you are . . . ?” he uttered as if he were unperturbed, extending his hand to the enemy.

“My lord, may I present Lord Peter Dennett from Virginia,” said Hadley, moving forward to make the introductions.

Ignoring Christian’s outstretched hand, Dennett’s steely gray eyes looked right at him. “I don’t have time for this. Where is she?”

“I don’t mean to appear rude, but as I don’t know you, I’m highly unlikely to have had the pleasure of meeting your wife.”

Christian kept his eyes fixed on Dennett, who stared steadily back at him. He could feel the hatred pouring out of the man. Emotion was playing all over Dennett’s evil face—anger, hostility, and, yes, triumph.

Christian took his measure. Dennett was in his late twenties, well dressed and exceedingly handsome. Christian’s mouth twisted in wry surprise. The way Serena had described her husband, he’d thought Dennett would be as ugly as hell. It appeared he was only ugly on the inside.

Christian’s guts twisted at the thought of Serena having belonged to this man. Sickening images plagued his mind. It was as if his nightmares had sprung to life. Dennett couldn’t still be alive and here to claim her. This couldn’t be happening, he told himself, even though his mind knew the truth of it.

“Are you sure you’re in the right house?” He had to buy himself time to think. How long would it be before Dennett learned she was at Sebastian’s house? He had to warn her.

With a sly smile, Dennett ventured, “She told you I was dead, didn’t she? Silly bitch—she only knocked me out.”

Christian offered no comment and watched with satisfaction as Dennett’s mouth grew taut in displeasure.

“Lady Serena Castleton is my wife,” Dennett stated, “and she is legally bound to me. As you are clearly a gentleman, had you known of this, I’m sure you would have sent her home, where she rightfully belongs. Obviously this has come as a shock, and I forgive you your oversight. However, as I have now made the situation clear, would you be so kind as to summon her? I intend to take her home.”

From the look in Dennett’s eyes it was clear he forgave nothing. If Dennett believed they had been lovers, he certainly wouldn’t forgive Christian for sleeping with his wife. Christian swallowed his bile. He knew who would pay for the affront—Serena.

“I employed a Mrs. Sarah Cooper, and she left this household soon after she’d come forward as a witness to help clear up a misunderstanding surrounding me.”

Dennett’s smile taunted him. “Don’t lie. I’m not some stupid lackey you can fool with your status and title. My brother is a marquis. Where the hell is she? Bring her to me!” He thumped his riding crop against his knee-high boots for emphasis.

Thoughts ran wildly through Christian’s head, crashing and sliding and almost tipping him over the edge of sanity. How long could he hold Dennett off before the law would force him to hand her over? He had to get her away from here. He looked at Hadley. Hadley gave a slight shake of his head, as if to say,I can’t help you.

Christian gulped at his brandy, hoping to wash down the bile that was threatening to choke him.

He set the tumbler back on the desk. “I think you may be mistaken,” Christian coolly stated. “The only young female under my roof and protection is my ward. I think, Mr. Dennett,” he almost sneered, “you’d best take your leave.” That was all Christian could think to say on the spur of the moment; he had to get rid of these unwanted guests, and fast. He would die before he gave Serena back to her husband.

“Sarah Cooper is Serena.”

“That hardly seems likely, but as she is no longer in my employ”—that was the truth, she wasn’t—“it does not concern me. If you can’t keep hold of your wife—”

The man standing behind Dennett interrupted, “She was here this morning. I saw her.”

Christian chanced a glance at Hadley, who nodded. Christian prayed he understood his meaning—get to Serena promptly. Hadley, unobserved, edged closer to the door.

“Are you calling me a liar?” Christian said, his tone icy.

Christian knew the law. Serena had no rights here. Dennett could take her; she legally belonged to him. But they would have to go through him to do it. He’d been too young to protect his mother, but he would protect Serena, always.

“Lord Markham, don’t take me for a fool. Serena is my wife and I know she’s here. I have sources, people who have seen her.”

“I’ll admit a Mrs. Cooper was in my employ, but I state categorically that she is no longer employed in this household,” he said in a frigid tone.

“Mrs. Cooper is Serena. I want the woman who is masquerading as Sarah Cooper brought in front of me now, or I’ll have my men search this house from top to bottom.”

Christian didn’t move. He stood calmly, defying Dennett. He would not allow himself to lose his temper and let Dennett get the better of him.

“I have missed her terribly. The nights have been so lonely without her.” Dennett grinned lecherously at Christian. “I have a lot of lonely nights to make up for. . . .”

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