The Secret to Your Surrender by Adele Clee

Author:Adele Clee
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: 0
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Fear should have been the only emotion plaguing Anthony’s tense body. While receiving training in the art of pugilism from a young age, as most gentlemen of his ilk were inclined to do, he had never punched with the intention of seriously maiming.

Although now he came to think of it, that was not entirely true.

Upon discovering the man behind the plot to discredit Lucas’ name, he had hit him with the power of four years’ worth of suppressed anger and frustration.

He had hit to hurt.

The current desire to take vengeance out on any willing party was the motivation behind his sudden eagerness to agree to Thorpe’s outrageous demands.

“Tell me you’re not considering Thorpe’s offer.” Lucas’ agitated tone penetrated Anthony’s thoughts.

Setting foot on the platform would undoubtedly result in a scandal. Gossip was often as debilitating as a bullet to the leg. Then again, society could forgive a gentleman falling prey to reckless pursuits, more than they could forgive a gentleman for abusing a servant girl and then disposing of the problem.

“This is not the same as friendly sparring in a saloon,” Lucas reiterated. “You will be fighting for more than a few words of praise from your tutor.”

Indeed, Anthony was fighting for his life — and the lives of every member of his family for years to come.

With a growl of discontent, Lucas turned his attention to Bostock. “My brother has no experience with street brawlers. They fight without rules, lack integrity.”

Bostock shrugged. “A hunger to succeed often proves to be the only skill a man needs. These are Thorpe’s terms. You can accept, or you can walk away.”

Walk away? There was not a place in the world that would protect him should he fail to pay the blackmailer’s extortionate fee.

Lucas’ expression darkened. “They’re the terms of—”

“I agree to the terms,” Anthony blurted, astounded by his eagerness for them to beat him until his body was but a rainbow of purple and pink bruises. “I’ll step onto the platform. I’ll last as long as I can. In return, Thorpe will assist me until I am free to sleep peacefully in my bed at night.”

Lucas grabbed Anthony’s arm so tight he pinched the skin. “Have you lost your mind? So much for protecting your reputation. You will be the topic of conversation in all the clubs tomorrow.”

The jeering crowd called out for Brutus the Beast. Their hero. Their saviour. Their chants were like that of an audience at a Roman arena. They roused images of weak men posing as gladiators, waiting behind the iron lattice gate knowing they were but a sword slice away from meeting their maker.

Bostock cleared his throat. “I must insist you take your place on the platform. Now is not the time to concern yourself with gossip. You said you were a man in desperate need and now you have an opportunity to show your determination to win.” Bostock stared down the flat bridge of his nose. “Regardless of the cost.”

Anthony faced Lucas and opened his hands in a gesture of surrender.

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