Saving Grace: Fair Cyprians of London by Beverley Oakley

Author:Beverley Oakley
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pronoun
Published: 2017-07-03T04:00:00+00:00

6

“Good God, what den of iniquity have I entered?”

The sound of footsteps crossing the floorboards after the door was thrust open had David instinctively holding Grace to his chest in a gesture of protectiveness.

“Happy Birthday and all that, cuz. Is this the wicked little surprise Aunt Bertha funded for your majority? Let’s have a look at her, then? I’ll give you my verdict. You, after all, have only her word to go on—and your dear mama’s—so neither are exactly reliable.”

Burrowing against David, Grace gripped him as if he were her last hope. Horror clawed inside her like a frenzied beast. She didn’t have to see who their visitor was. Laurence’s arrogant drawl was ingrained in her memory. He was the man who had ruined her life. Ruined the life she and David had planned together. Destroyed her reputation, filled her with fear, sapped her of hope and now threatened to embroil her in his sick, poisonous power all over again.

“Can’t you see I’m entertaining? Get out, Laurence.” David spoke with more authority than Grace had ever heard.

She felt a tiny spark of hope. That she could survive this. Then she heard Laurence’s laugh. Harsh and familiar. He never let anything go.

And he was not about to start now.

“Nice rump. Your mama chose a ripe one. Come on. Let’s see what else she has to offer.”

David’s voice was crisp and Grace felt the effort it cost him to retain control.

“Get out, Laurence!”

She registered his cousin’s advancing footsteps. David did too. And he was clearly concerned for her dignity for he rose from the bed, still holding Grace against his chest as he ordered, “Pass me the dressing gown from behind the screen. I’ll be damned if you think you can thrust yourself in here with no requisite courtesies. Do as I say!”

To her surprise she heard Laurence’s footsteps hesitate. Retreat.

Could she really be granted such a reprieve?

But no, he’d merely compromised to the extent of snapping the dressing-gown off its hook for now he was advancing towards them again.

The hated caramel tones filled her with revulsion as he protested, “No, no, allow me to help the lady regain her modesty.”

The familiar arrogance, violence lurking just beneath the surface, made her tremble uncontrollably.

“I don’t want your help.” Grace buried her head further into David’s chest and he held her tightly as if he really could protect her.

“She doesn’t want you, Laurence.”

“She hasn’t seen me yet, little cuz. Why, I might be her next customer … if I like her. She gets paid by the client, doesn’t she? Tell me, my coy maiden, was he good? It was his first time, though you probably know that already.” He gave a mocking laugh. “I can promise you much more satisfaction.”

David’s fists clenched. For a moment Grace thought he would strike out, leaving her vulnerable, but he continued to hold her close.

She felt the coolness of the silk dressing-gown as it covered her shoulders.

Then Laurence’s fingers digging into her upper arm as he jerked her away, forcing her head up to look at him.

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