Bronwyn Scott's Sexy Regency Bundle (277 page)

'Don't take him. You don't need to do this,'

pleaded, hoping for a moment his guise as friend was sincere.

'I cannot forgo a clear duty to my country,' Lucien countered. 'In some way that would make me a traitor too, wouldn't it?

type of accessory to

treason, I think. Dishonour comes in many forms in this world, Philippa. There are those who commit the acts and those who stand by and watch them without doing anything.' Lucien smiled and reached out a

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The Viscount Claims His Bride

hand to touch her hair. 'You look lovely today. I've missed you.'

swallowed hard and fought the urge to flinch. How could she ever have thought this man was her dear friend? But Valerian needed her and she would gain him nothing if she lashed out at Lucien now. She did not miss the import of Lucien's message. He had not been talking about his obligations. He'd been

about her. If he dared to

come into a man's home and arrest him in front of friends, he would not hesitate to haul her off too.

She saw clearly the choices he was presenting her with. She could fight for Valerian and find herself facing scandal if not worse, or she could keep quiet.

'I will protect you, Philippa,' Lucien said, divining her thoughts. 'I won't tell St Just about the letter I sent you.'

'He

about the letter,'

snapped out,

but it was a weak play and she knew it.

Lucien easily called her bluff. 'Yes? And the contents of the letter? Does he know those too?' He shook his head. 'I didn't think so. How do you think St Just would feel if he knew? Perhaps he would feel betrayed. Perhaps he'd even think you had a hand in this, that whatever feelings you professed to have were a lie simply to get close to him and steal a confession.' Lucien sighed heavily.

'This will not go down as the best day of his life. I almost pity the man. He's lost his freedom, his dignity-I am sorry about the cuffs, but they are necessary, my dear-and he's lost the woman he loves.'

Scott

Philippa's anger

She'd never wanted to

do violence to another person as much as she wanted to hit Lucien Canton at that moment. She was no fool. She saw all the implications of his subtle blackmail. She'd been right on the terrace. Lucien was doing this because of her. This was all her fault. But she could say nothing without ruining any hope she had of seeing Valerian safe again.

'I will protect you, Philippa,' Lucien repeated.

She wanted to scream out she didn't need his protection. She wanted to scream that she knew why he wanted to keep her separate from this travesty he was wrecking on Valerian. He wanted her mines and he couldn't have them without a legally binding commitment from her and Lucien Canton couldn't be associated with someone under the cloud of scandal.

It would be bad for business. But she could say nothing.

The implicit devil's deal was struck and they returned to the terrace.

was glad to see

Beldon had made his way through the crowd and now stood with Valerian in soft conversation. Apparently, without Lucien to goad them, the men had been unwilling to forbid Valerian to speak with anyone.

Valerian caught sight of her immediately, his gaze roving her face, looking for something. But had nothing to show him. She kept her face as blank as possible. Her little part in all this was embarrassing. As for the rest of what had passed inside, Valerian didn't need to be told. He would be able to piece it all together soon enough. He'd been right from the start about Lucien's avaricious nature.

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His Bride

'Thank you, gentlemen. The lady is understandably overwrought,' Lucien explained glibly to the soldiers. 'Now, if Pendennys will step aside, we can get on with our unpleasant business. It's a long trip to London. I want to make the most of the daylight .'

'Lay out your proof, Canton.' Beldon spoke up this time. 'You cannot haul a man out of his home without a legitimate case.'

'I don't need to answer to you, Pendennys. I have already offered sufficient proof to those in power. I wouldn't have been granted the warrant otherwise.'

He motioned to the men. 'Take him. I am done with all this stalling.'

soldier stepped towards Valerian. Beldon threw a fist to the man's jaw, sending him reeling backwards. It was all the tension on the terrace needed to light the fuse. Beldon was in the thick of it with Valerian, swinging hard rounders. Footmen joined the fray.

stepped backwards, removing

herself from the fight. The last thing Beldon and Valerian needed was for her to get in the way. That was when she saw Lucien draw out a gun. There was no doubt who his target was.

She couldn't let it happen. She would not let Valerian die on his beautiful back terrace under his Chusan palm.

screamed a warning. It was

enough to halt the fray for an instant. 'He's got a gun!' The words rushed out in a hurry.

Valerian took a look at Lucien, immediately taking in the danger. But his fear was for her, not himself. Beldon started towards Lucien. Valerian