Page 54 of Mad Love

I glared at Evan. “Most people would knock.”

Evan nodded at me, ignoring my irritation. “Good, you listened.”

“Fuck off,” I replied with a bright smile.

He frowned but didn’t engage. “Your fiancé is here. Your father wants you downstairs.”

I tapped my finger against my chin. “And if I say no?”

“Then I’ll drag you downstairs,” he replied in an even tone. He shrugged. “Really doesn’t make a difference to me.”

“Why does that not surprise me?” I muttered, walking around him.

He caught me by the elbow. “Look, I get it, okay? You’re pissed off and lashing out. But word to the wise? Gary’s in a shit mood. Don’t push him.”

It was on the tip of my tongue to bite back with a witty retort until I saw the dead seriousness in his eyes. “Helping me? I’m surprised.”

“Believe it or not, I don’t take joy in watching him hurt you,” Evan admitted. “I didn’t like it when he did it to your sister, and I really don’t like participating.”

“Then don’t do it,” I snapped.

He snorted. “Go downstairs before he comes looking, and save us both the headache.”

Sucking in a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and marched down the stairs, pausing when I saw Gary glaring up at me.

“You’re late,” he spat as the doorbell rang. An older man that I didn’t recognize hurried forward to open the door.

I arched a brow. “Sounds like I’m right on time.”

He grabbed my wrist off the sleek banister and ripped me forward. I cried out, losing my footing and tumbling down the last few stairs to drop in a heap on the landing.

“What the hell?” Charles’s shocked voice rang out in the large foyer. “I told you not to touch her again.” He hurried forward and helped me up.

“She’s clumsy,” Gary drawled. “And besides, I told you that until she was paid for, I would do whatever the hell I wanted with my property.”

Charles glared at him. “I won’t have you damaging her. I’m the future Duke of Blye, the current Marquess of Perring. She’s going to be my wife, and she’ll look the damned part.”

My knees and hands stung where I’d hit the marble floor, but I was more embarrassed to have them discussing me like I was a sweater they were haggling over.

“And, as it stands, I’ll have that money to you by the end of tomorrow,” Charles added.

Gary stiffened at the same time I did.

“What?” I whispered, praying I hadn’t heard him right.

Charles ignored me. “My associate freed up the funds an hour ago. We’ll be transferring them by the end of the week, provided everything is set in motion for our marriage.”

Gary inclined his head at the stairs. “Evan is ordained. We can perform the ceremony now.”

My heart slammed painfully in my chest.

Charles gave a mirthless chuckle. “Unlike you Americans, I won’t simply settle for a quickie marriage in some backyard. It will be done in England over the winter holiday, but I plan on taking Maddie home with me to meet my family first.”

“When?” Gary asked, tilting his head as his gaze flicked to me.

Charles smiled benignly. “Tonight. Why wait?”

CHAPTER 21

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