A Bargain with a Beast by Tammy Andresen

Author:Tammy Andresen
Language: eng
Format: epub

CHAPTER NINE

They arrived home and Gris carried Rose back into the house with one arm, his other on Violet’s back.

The day had unsettled him, and he didn’t know what else to do besides keep both of them close to make sure everyone was safe.

Had Violet been jealous of that woman’s offer? He appreciated the emotion far more than he ought, but it was almost laughable.

The other woman had been pretty enough, he supposed, but now…his fingers spread out on Violet’s back. No other woman could fill his life and his home the way Violet had.

They entered the house to find Fulton standing at the top of the stairs.

“What are you doing up?” Gris called. “You should be sleeping.”

“I’ll sleep on the boat,” his brother answered. “I need to speak with you.”

“What for?” he asked as Violet reached for Rose. He handed the baby over, though part of him wished to keep Rose in his arms. It was odd because he was afraid of the future, thinking that Rose might stay, but also, he hated to let her go.

“There are some things I’d like to discuss before I leave.”

He wished Fulton didn’t need to go. It wasn’t that Gris minded being alone, but with all the trouble that had been swirling about, Fulton’s muscles were an asset he didn’t want to be without. And he just appreciated his brother even more, now that the others were gone. Fulton was foul mouthed and full of trouble but he was also dependable and strong.

“All right,” he said as he started up the stairs. He looked back at Violet when he was halfway up. “I’ll find you after I’m done.”

Fulton waited until Gris joined him and then started toward the back of the house and the study.

Gris had taken over the space with all his other brothers gone and Fulton only in-residence part time. When Fulton entered, he sat in one of the side chairs next to the hearth rather than behind the desk. It was a sign of respect that made Gris pause for a brief moment before he continued into the room.

“What do you need to discuss?” Gris moved behind the desk and took a seat.

“You know that smuggling wine is lucrative?” Fulton said, confusing Gris with his words.

“I assumed so.” He rubbed at his jaw. “I know you don’t need to work at Hell’s Corner. You’ve got one illegal business already.”

Fulton waved his arm. “It’s not that.”

“What, then?”

Fulton stared into the flames. “Today, I paid off the baron’s debts.”

“Baron?” Gris asked, his stomach dropping as he leaned toward Fulton, his hands coming to the top of the desk.

“Violet’s father.”

Gris was out of his chair in a sweeping move, and he stood leaning over the desk. “You did what?”

Fulton didn’t flinch. Barely moved. “I paid them off.”

“How much?” he asked, his teeth clenching. He hated that he hadn’t been able to help Violet like that himself.

Fulton shrugged. “Two thousand pounds.”

“You’re jesting.”

Fulton looked at him. “Are you angry?”

“What are your intentions toward Violet?”

Fulton’s face scrunched in question as he stared at Gris.

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