Ballad of the Innocents by Monroe Jennifer

Author:Monroe, Jennifer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-09-06T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

A sense of power surged through Hugh as the carriage carrying him and Juliet made its way to Scarlett Hall. Two years it had taken him to exact his vengeance on those who had crossed him, and now his life had been returned to him.

He reveled in the display of loyalty Juliet showed him when they spoke to Daniel. It was not that he had not trusted her but rather that he had his doubts about her sincerity. After her actions at the prison today, all doubts disappeared, replaced with nothing more than pure joy.

Her enjoyment of his gift at the picnic had also pleased him, for it had been his final test of her alignment. The fact she had accepted the contract without hesitation told him everything he needed to know. She was finally his.

In all honesty, he had expected the girl to change her mind, to somehow wiggle her way out of their agreement. Yet, she had proven herself to him. And to herself. She was never meant for the simple life that stable boy had offered her, he had always known this, and now he was pleased she had come to realize it herself.

Her point about the possibility of Parker returning had been unsettling. How could he not have considered this problem? He had never thought himself dull of mind, but even the most inept person would have considered it. Juliet had never made such a statement, but having a woman believe him to be incompetent would never do.

He nearly laughed when she suggested that he should rid himself of her uncle. She was proving to be much more like him every time they were together! And who would be better equipped, more adept, to speak to Parker about his true intentions than his niece?

Yet, despite his delight in her change of heart, he kept his senses honed. How did one trust a woman who had tricked him in the past?

That was the reason he had the contract prepared. She was far too crafty for him to accept her word outright. If she signed the document, it would prove once and for all that he had nothing to fear from her, and she would have no means of escape this time.

A sigh from Juliet broke him from his thoughts. When she leaned her head on his arm, he opened his eyes wide in shock.

“It was such a lovely picnic,” she said dreamily. “Wine, talks of marriage, another gift. If every day is like this, I will never ask for more.”

Hugh raised an arm and slipped it over her shoulder, and to his greater surprise, she snuggled in closer.

But why should he be surprised? She no longer fought him. In fact, she may have become interested in him as more than a man who gave her gifts. He was not a homely man - many women vied for his attention. Yet, it had always been Juliet who he had wanted since he first laid eyes on her.

Still, something in the back of his mind tickled at him.

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