Earl of Exile Read online

  Chapter Five

  Exile closed his mouth to keep the string of curses from falling out. Rage beat at his chest. He didn’t know who the man was, but he was going to kill him slowly.

  Granted, Exile had also taken liberties. He knew that. But he had a genuine affection for Diana. A little voice in his head argued that the end result was the same. Only not entirely because he and Diana had stopped well before all the liberties had been had. “Who?”

  Diana squirmed a bit and he ignored the tightening of his groin. The time for passion was past. “I can’t tell you that.”

  “Minnie will tell me if ye don’t,” he said, giving her a bit of a squeeze. It was true. If the man had been a suitor then any of the Chase women could identify him.

  She gasped then pushed at his chest. “You wouldn’t.”

  “I would,” he answered. “Tell me the truth. Why are we in this carriage right now?”

  She stopped pushing. “I…” She nibbled at her lip

  His chest tightened as he resisted the urge to kiss her again. “I’ll make ye a deal,” he said. “Ye tell me what I want to know and I shall do the same for ye.”

  Diana paused, her cheek twitching. Finally she answered. “Charles Crusher.”

  “That egit?” He knew the man. Yes, he had swagger but no real meat to back all his pomp. “He’s not even a lord.”

  She shook her head. “But he is married to a widowed marchioness. One who is rather wealthy.”

  Callum growled. “I understand.” The man had tossed Diana over when a fatter purse had presented itself.

  She shook her head. “Your turn. What did Jack say?”

  Callum grimaced. “Well, that he had an affair with Lady Abernath and he was the man that Daring actually caught in bed with our fair countess.”

  “Oh dear.” Diana tapped his shoulder. “That is sticky but doesn’t explain anything about why Lady Abernath is so angry or what she plans.”

  He nodded. “He also said that Harry was conceived around the time both Daring and Jack were involved with her.”

  Diana stopped tapping. “So Harry could be Jack or Daring’s son?”

  Exile winced. He’d agreed to share this information because he’d needed to know that name. Something inside him had to right Diana’s wrongs, but he might have just made a terrible mistake. “Ye can’t tell them. Promise me ye won’t share this information with Minnie or Emily.”

  Diana let out a long sigh. “You likely should have made me promise that before you told me.”

  “Woman,” he rumbled.

  She rolled her eyes. “Don’t start. I’ll keep yet another secret. It’s becoming a habit. But you should know, I’m only staying quiet to give Daring and Jack the opportunity to sort this all out before my family is hurt.”

  “If it makes ye feel better, Harry’s been claimed by Abernath and he’s the spitting image of Pennington, her fourth lover of that particular time period.”

  Diana slumped against him. “That makes me feel much better, actually. And it also explains Lady Abernath’s anger. Both Jack and Darlington left her when she likely felt she needed them.”

  Exile shook his head. “She was sleeping with four men at once.”

  Diana wrinkled her nose, frowning. “We can’t all be pillars of virtue.”

  He blinked. Was she comparing what they had just done to what Lady Abernath had? “What just happened between us is completely different.”

  “How?” she asked sitting up higher to stare into his eyes.

  He wasn’t sure what to say. It came to mind that he had a real affection for her and yet, the end result was the same. He had a fiancée already. He’d never hated the idea more. “I would never leave ye to fend for yerself if ye were carrying my child.”

  She quirked a brow. “I see.” But her frown didn’t relax. “But if I didn’t become pregnant, you’d be comfortable ruining me with a physical relationship?”

  His mouth opened and then closed. He tried to speak again but no words came out. “That isnae what I meant.”

  She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. Whether or not Lady Abernath is justified in her anger, I am sure she feels abandoned by the men who left her. I’m beginning to understand her motivation at least.”

  The carriage rumbled to a stop. Had they reached Daring’s house already? “This conversation isnae over.” They had so much more they needed to discuss. What had happened between them, and why he couldn’t marry her.

  She held her face in his hands and placed a soft kiss on his lips. “It definitely is. Good night, my lord.”

  She’d used his formal address again. No more Callum, rolling off her tongue. Good night had sounded a great deal like goodbye.

  Diana slumped against the front door of Minnie and Daring’s townhouse listening to Callum’s carriage roll away. What had she just done?

  She dropped her head into her hands. She couldn’t believe that she’d allowed another man to kiss her, touch her intimate places. Callum’s touch was so much more exciting than Charlie’s had ever been. Her first lover had been thrilling in idea. A man not intimidated by her and willing to pursue her relentlessly. But somehow the act had been disappointing. Not just when he’d taken her maidenhead but even the kisses, the touches, they’d been…tolerable.

  Callum, however, made her body sing. She drew in a deep breath, vowing never to be alone with the man again. With Charlie, she’d somehow thought by giving herself to him, he’d offer. He’d been pulling away and she’d hated that. Now she knew he’d found a new romantic interest but at the time…

  The circumstances were completely different this time around. Callum was not going to offer for her hand. Unless of course, she ended up pregnant. Not that she would. She’d have to take great pains not to end up alone with him again because if she did, she might very well be tempted.

  She knew who Callum was. He was the owner of an illicit club, a man who would have to be dragged into matrimony.

  Then again, Daring and Jack had succumbed. Even Lord Malicorn had married Cordelia and that man seemed far darker than Callum ever could.

  And Callum already knew her secret. The one that had convinced her she’d never be able to marry. How would she explain to her husband that she’d fallen so short of purity?

  Callum was attracted to her and protective? Was he her future?

  She pushed off the door just as Minnie came down the stairs.

  “How’s Daring?”

  Minnie wrinkled her nose. “Terrible. The big lout.”

  Diana pressed her lips together to keep from smiling. “Terrible?”

  “He’s emptied his stomach and then dropped into sleep like a stone sinks to the bottom of the lake.” Minnie stopped in front of her. “I expected you to take longer. Did you behave yourself?”

  Diana shrugged. “More or less. A man tried to rob us in the back of the club.”

  Minnie gasped, “What?”

  “Don’t worry. Callum had the situation well in hand.”

  Minnie raised her brows. “Callum?”

  “Stop repeating one word with a question mark. It’s annoying.”

  “Sorry?” Minnie crossed her arms. “When did Lord Exmouth become Callum?”

  Diana rubbed her temples with the tips of her fingers. “About the time he sliced some man with his short sword to protect me.”

  “Oh.” Minnie reached for her hand. “No wonder he brought you straight here.”

  Diana grimaced as she gave Minnie’s fingers a squeeze. The two began to walk up the stairs together. Part of her wanted to tell her cousin what she’d learned about Daring and Lady Abernath but she held her tongue. “Any thoughts on what the countess will do next?”

  They reached the top of the stairs and Minnie stopped. “That’s an abrupt change of conversation.”

  Not in her mind. “Apologies. The entire reason I wanted to take Callum home was to learn what Jack had said. I feel if I understand the Countess of Abernath better, I’ll know her next
plan.”

  Minnie nodded. “Did you learn anything?”

  Diana’s insides wriggled with discomfort. “Not much.”

  Minnie let out a loud sigh. “It’s good that we’re keeping Ada and Grace out of society. The woman is clearly capable of anything.”

  Lying to the ones she loved? Being morally corrupt? She gave a shiver as she realized how she herself was a lighter shade of Lady Abernath. “I feel sorry for her.”

  “What?” Minnie asked as they rounded the corner. She opened a door and gestured for Diana to enter. A maid already waited to help Diana undress.

  Diana shrugged. “I know she’s deranged but what happened to make her that way? I mean it, Minnie. I feel like we’re more alike than everyone wants to acknowledge. She’s strong and tough. What would happen if someone took a woman like that and broke her?”

  Minnie shook her head. “You’re making a few large leaps there. How do you know she isn’t just evil?”

  Diana sighed. She couldn’t prove her theory but she sensed Lady Abernath hurt deep inside. No Diana didn’t have four lovers at once, but she had allowed more than one man access to her and she knew the pain that came with being rejected. What if Lady Abernath’s past was far darker than hers? “You’re right. I have no proof. Just a feeling.”

  “Ok, so what does your feeling tell you?” The maid began unbuttoning Diana’s dress.

  “She’s growing desperate. Now she’s out of her home, her son is gone, nothing has happened to the men she’s tried to hurt. Whatever she does next, it will be big and it will strike hard.”

  “Who?” Minnie’s voice had a breathy quality that expressed her fear.

  Diana winced. “Honestly, either you, because you are Daring’s wife, or me.”

  “Why you?” Minnie asked clutching her own neck.

  “I’m bait. We’ve tucked Ada and Grace away.” At least until the season started in a few short weeks.

  Minnie closed her eyes. “Do you have any theories on what she might do?”

  Diana bit her lip. The truth was, she did. They’d gone from verbal threats, to kidnapping. The next logical bridge was physical violence. But how far would she take that, and would she come at them herself? With Cordelia, she’d sent a lover to do the actual snatching. Lady Abernath’s most significant quality was her ability to manipulate men. “I have some ideas…” But she didn’t want to tell Minnie. Because Minnie would then tuck Diana away with Ada and Grace. “But they’re nothing you should be worried about.” Lie. It was a complete lie.

  Chapter Six

  Callum stepped out of his carriage into the dark alley behind the club. After what had happened, he had no intention of going home. Instead, he wanted to look about the area where they’d been attacked and warn the men about the attacker.

  The sun would start to rise soon enough but for now, the night still shrouded the city in darkness. He was only able to find a few spots of blood. Whoever the man had been, his coat had received the worst of the blow. Exile unsheathed his short sword. Only the very tip had a staining of red blood. He grimaced. The man had only received a scratch.

  Scrubbing his face, he entered the back door of the club using his key. The gaming hell had shut down hours before and the guards had all retired for the night. As he made his way down the hall, however, he realized that Bad and Vice were still here. Their voices floating down to him in the darkness. Then he heard another male’s voice, his deep timbre unrecognizable. Drawing his blade again, he stalked down the hall.

  The narrow passage opened into their back room. Bad sat with his feet upon the table while Vice casually shuffled cards.

  Exile’s eyes narrowed. A third man sat next to Vice as though he owned the place. Who the hell was he and why was he back here? “I don’t believe we’ve met,” he growled out in his deepest voice.

  “Exile.” Vice dropped the cards. “You came back. I…I’m surprised.”

  “Obviously,” he answered, still staring at the newcomer. The man was ridiculously handsome, though rather pale. He looked back at Exile with weary eyes, his head cocked to the side. “Who is he and why is he here?”

  “He’s my second cousin.” Vice stood. “And he helped Bad out of a scrape this evening.”

  That got Exile’s attention and he turned to Bad. “What sort of scrape?”

  Bad looked Exile up and down. “Why is your short sword drawn?”

  “I also had a scrape in the alley. A man attacked me and Diana.”

  “Fuck,” Vice blurted out. “No wonder you’re back.”

  Bad gave a single nod. “Sin here caught a man trying to steal.”

  “Sin?” Exile turned to the fellow. He didn’t like him. Wasn’t sure why. Perhaps it was just the other man had encroached into his territory.

  The man stood, rather slowly and carefully. “The Earl of Sinclair, at your service.” He gave a stiff bow.

  “You’ve given him a nickname in keeping with the rest of us?”

  Vice held up his hands. “Hear me out, chap. With Daring, Effing, and Malice all married, we need help. Bad has had to work the floor every evening for the past fortnight at least.”

  Exile grimaced. That was a good point. “Yes, but no one has sold their share. Ye need to ask the group first before you go inviting new people into our secret. If it still is a secret.”

  Vice winced, rubbing the back of his neck. “That’s fair.”

  “Worry not.” Sin held up his hands. “Your secret is safe with me.”

  Exile crossed his arms, still holding his short sword. “I’ve heard that before.”

  “And so far it’s been true.” Bad pushed back further in his chair.

  Exile pivoted to stare down at Bad. “Perfectly respectable women are being attacked in their own homes and behind our club since learning our secret.”

  Bad shrugged. “That is not my problem. Sin isn’t a woman, he won’t need our protection. I, however, could use some help, and we can’t stop talking about the Chase women long enough for me to actually ask for it.”

  Grimacing, Exile dropped his arms. “Ye’ve a point there. But next time, write a missive first, before inviting in someone new.”

  Vice cleared his throat. “The attack in the alley. Do you think it had anything to do with our lady enemy?”

  A wave of shock coursed through him. Why had he not thought of that? Should he have stayed with Diana? Was she at this very moment in danger? Darlington was likely passed out cold. No man could match a Scot in his drinking. “Bloody hell, I shouldn’t have left her.”

  Bad rolled his eyes. “Come on, then. We’ll lock up and check on her. But I was right to bring Sin in. You’re six steps from the fucking altar.”

  “I am,” he answered truthfully. “But no’ how ye think. Matrimony won’t change my involvement in the club.” Just thinking about his faraway fiancée made him churn with dread.

  “Sure. That’s what they all say.” Bad set his glass on the table. “Let’s go, in the wee hours of morning, to check on the woman you are definitely not marrying.”

  Sin coughed. Was the new guy laughing at him? He looked over at the man, who was even more pale.

  “Are you coming, Sin?” Vice asked. Then he noticed Exile’s stare. “He’s my family. We can trust him.”

  But Exile ignored Vice, his eyes narrowing. His distrust of Sin intensifying. “You’ve a stain on your coat.”

  Sin looked down, his hand covering the dark spot. “Someone must have spilled their drink on me.” Then he cleared his throat. “Much as I’d love to learn the details of what you’re discussing, I should take myself off to bed.”

  Vice narrowed his gaze. “You’re going to have to improve your drinking.”

  Sin gave a nod. “Clearly.”

  Exile gave the man one last look then decided he was another day’s problem. What he needed to do now was make sure that Diana was safe.

  Diana woke to a noise, but she’d been so deeply asleep, she couldn’t remember what the noise had
been.

  “My lord,” the butler said. Was he just outside her door? “You can’t go—”

  The door banged open and Diana rose up, blood pumping through her veins even as her head spun with the sudden lurch.

  “Diana,” Exile’s voice boomed through the room.

  She swayed again pulling the covers up over the night rail that Minnie had allowed her to borrow. “What is it?” Bad and Vice came skidding in behind him and then the fogginess in her brain cleared completely. “What are they doing in my bedroom?” Yanking the covers from the bed, she wrapped them about her and stood. Being in bed made her feel vulnerable.

  Exile looked back at both of them. “Out!” he boomed.

  Vice grimaced. “And miss the tongue-thrashing she’s about to give you? This is the reason I came.”

  Bad gave a slow smile. “What he said.”

  Diana brushed her hair back over her shoulder. She and Minnie had stayed up so late she hadn’t bothered to braid it and now it hung down her back in what was likely a tousled mess. “Get out.” She started move toward them. “Both of you. Now.”

  Vice gave her a wicked grin. “You look lovely like that, with your hair down. I can see why Exile is so—”

  “If ye dinnae get out, I am going to break open yer skull. Dinnae think I won’t.” Exile gave Vice a shove.

  Bad did something she’d never seen before. Just as he was leaving, he winked. Her mouth dropped open. That was the most expressive he’d ever been. Then both men exited the room and her gaze shifted to Exile. “I was asleep.”

  “I can see that,” he answered, crossing over to her. He reached for her face and cupped her cheek.

  “Have you slept?” She narrowed her gaze. Why was he here?

  He shook his head. “I’ll let ye go back to bed. It’s just that Vice mentioned that the attack in the alley might somehow be connected to Lady Abernath and I was suddenly concerned for yer safety.”