Condemned & Admired: The Earl's Cunning Wife (Love's Second Chance Series: Tales of Damsels & Knights Book 3) by Bree Wolf

Author:Bree Wolf [Wolf, Bree]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-08-13T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Two

A Taste of the Past

Glancing back at Violet, Oliver froze when he saw her speaking to his father.

Even from a distance, he could see the hatred in the old man’s eyes. Instantly, a deep desire to protect her rose in Oliver’s heart, and he immediately excused himself.

Long strides carried him forward, his heart skipping a beat when he saw Violette grow pale, her eyes widening in shock. Cursing under his breath, Oliver increased his efforts without drawing attention, wishing he had never left her alone in the first place.

Then he saw his father lean in and whisper something to her before he marched off, leaving Violette to stare after him. “What did you say to her?” Oliver demanded in a hushed snarl as they met halfway across the ballroom.

A murderous glint came to his father’s eyes as he sneered at him. “If you do not rid yourself of this harlot, I shall be forced to take action.” He leaned closer, and his voice dropped to a dangerous low. “Heed my word, or you’ll be sorry.” Then he marched off, cursing under his breath.

Rushing to Violet’s side, Oliver reached for her hand, his eyes searching her face as she blinked, trying to shake off whatever thought had robbed her of her colour. “Are you all right?” he asked for what felt like the hundredth time that night. “What did he say to you?”

Inhaling a deep breath, Violet turned to look at him. Then she sighed. “He renewed his sentiments about our marriage,” she said, her eyes troubled. “I’m sorry. I never thought about what this charade would do to your life. I–”

“Don’t believe a word he said!” Oliver urged her, concerned by the sudden loss of light to her eyes. “He’s a bitter old man and–”

“And yet, you allow him to dictate your life,” Violet finished, a question in her eyes, not pressing but gentle. “I understand,” she finally said, placing a gentle hand on his arm. “He’s your father, and…you’ve grown up with him. It’s not easy to free yourself of such an influence.”

Oliver swallowed, unwilling to have this discussion here out in the open for the ton to watch. Deep down, he knew she was right, yet, he could not help but feel as though his hands were tied. “What else did he say?”

Violet shrugged, though her features tensed. “He asked about my maiden name,” she whispered, glancing around the ballroom. “I fear he might have known my mother and sees a resemblance he cannot place.” She sighed, her dark blue eyes gliding over his tense features. “Other than that,” she laughed as though trying to ease the tension, “he merely insulted me.” A disbelieving laugh escaped her throat. “I’ve spent almost my whole life on a ship with sailors who tend to…be very expressive in their use of language, and I’ve never been insulted by anyone in a harsher way than your father. I’m afraid he truly doesn’t like me.” She said it lightly, but Oliver could see an apology in the way she looked at him.

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