Ruining the Rake (Wright Bastards, #5) by Amy Sandas

Author:Amy Sandas
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: steamy historical romance, sexy regency romance, fake relationship, grumpy sunshine, Wright Bastards
Publisher: Amy Sandas
Published: 2023-07-18T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-one

As Reginald’s twin brother, Nicholas, drew his spirited mount to a halt just far enough away to keep the stallion’s heavy hooves from threatening their feet, Reginald looked up into the face so like his own, yet also so very different. “Good day, brother. I didn’t know you’d returned to town.”

Nicholas didn’t reply right away. His blue glare slid pointedly to Miss Fairclough, who stood still at Reginald’s side, her hand tucked into the bend of his elbow. Looking back to Reginald, he said in his customary growl of annoyance, “It seemed a good idea.”

Realizing that news of his recent encounters with the lady beside him must have reached his brother even as far as Northumberland, Reginald flashed a grin. “Allow me to introduce Miss Fairclough and her cousin, Miss Spencer,” he said with a nod and a smile, fully aware that the entire interaction was being intently observed by several bystanders in the area. “Ladies, my brother, Mr. Nicholas Vane.”

Nicholas didn’t bother acknowledging either woman. “I’m surprised to see you taking such a sedate stroll through the park, Reg,” he noted gruffly. “Not your typical diversion.”

Reginald held his brother’s stare as he gave a light shrug. “On occasion, a change of scenery can be rather delightful.” Then he grinned. “Surely, even you must occasionally desire a change from all the mist and fog surrounding Glenwood Manor?”

Nicholas grunted and cast a scathing gaze over their small group. His attention snagged for an odd moment upon Miss Spencer. The shift in his dark expression was subtle and extremely brief, but for a second, he looked distinctly unsettled. Reginald hid a smirk of amusement. No doubt, Nic felt as unnerved by the lady’s owlish stare as Reginald did on occasion.

His twin’s discomfort must have transferred to his steed as the animal sidestepped in agitation. Nic’s sharp, low command calmed the beast immediately.

When this brother looked back at Reginald, there was a flash of dire warning in his flat stare before he repositioned the reins and adjusted his seat, clearly intending to ride off again without another word.

“Mr. Vane.” Cecily’s firm, commanding voice instantly brought his brother’s attention to her.

The forbidding glare he gave her would have crumpled a lesser woman. But Cecily simply tilted her head and narrowed her gaze. Her next words were carefully tempered. Strong and forceful in tone, yet low enough to be heard no farther than the four of them. “Do try to manage your hostility, at least in appearance, while in my company and that of my cousin. Though I can understand your”—she paused to give a tight smile—“surprise at the current circumstances in which you find your brother, such blatant rudeness will not be tolerated beyond this moment.”

Reginald didn’t bother hiding his grin. When Cecily Fairclough wished to bring someone to heel, her skill was a wonder to behold.

Nicholas clenched his jaw, it was clear that he wanted to respond in his typical manner, with a harsh grunt or some grumbled refusal. Instead, he arched a questioning brow at Reginald who gave a quick nod and another half-smile.

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