Mary Reed McCall by The Crimson Lady

Author:The Crimson Lady
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Braedan stiffened, aching to drive the point of his blade home, but his common sense battled against the move. While he was more than willing to risk his own life for the pleasure of removing his corrupt relative from the face of the earth, it was another thing altogether to sacrifice Fiona, Will, and Rufus in the process. He narrowed his eyes on his uncle, his jaw tightening over what his own better judgment was going to lead him to propose next.

“It seems that we will need to reach some sort of agreement.”

“Oh?” His uncle sounded cautious, though a glimmer of triumph shone in his eyes.

“Aye—your life for the others. Order Giselle’s release and command your men to stand down from their captives. When it is done, you and your soldiers will be allowed to board your coach unharmed.”

Draven made a scoffing sound. “A delightful plan, de Cantor, but for one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“There will be nothing to stop you from killing me once Giselle and your cohorts have been released.”

“You have my word that I will abide by our agreement, if one is made.”

“The word of an outlaw?” Draven mocked.

“I am less of a criminal than you are, Draven, and you know it. Decide.”

Draven went still, looking supremely annoyed at having been placed in the position, and Braedan felt a surge of satisfaction in witnessing his discomfort. But the feeling faded a bit when his uncle spoke again. Draven’s jaw looked tight, his elegant, dark brows pulling together in a scowl as he muttered, “It seems I have little choice; I will have to accept your offer.”

Braedan’s disappointment swelled, part of him still yearning to feel free in making a corpse of the man. But the agreement was struck, and he couldn’t go back on his promise now, not if he wanted to live with himself afterward.

“Order your guard to release Giselle from the coach, then. Once she’s free, he can see to those of yours who have fallen and load inside any who are not dead, the others over the backs of the two mounts behind, with the help of one of those over there,” Braedan ordered, glancing at the soldiers guarding Will and Rufus. “After that is done, the last of the three can drive the coach while the others go inside with the wounded. You will be led over last and secured inside with them, at which time you’ll be allowed to turn around and make your way back to London.”

A charged silence settled over the area, Draven’s expression as black as the thunderclouds that were passing overhead.

“You honestly expect me to trust that once your men are released and all of my men are unavailable to me, you will nonetheless escort me, unharmed, into my coach and allow me to leave?” he asked in final, quiet resistance, his eyes glittering with anger.

“You know the de Cantor name, Draven. Long before you married my mother’s sister,” Braedan answered tightly, his own enmity simmering just below the surface, “you knew my father, God rest him, and cannot deny that he was a man of his word.

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