‘You know very well,’ he said, straightening and slowly moving towards her. ‘Fifteen years, Rebecca, and nothing has changed, I assure you.’
‘Many things have changed.’ Rebecca smiled, raising an eyebrow in challenge to his approach. The Viscount stopped, acknowledging her newfound strength with admiration. ‘Though one thing has not. I will not be yours. I’m not afraid of you anymore.’
‘I see that. And may I say, it serves only to make you more interesting.’
‘Losing can be a valuable lesson, my lord.’
‘Losing? But I have not lost. This little battle of ours is not over.’
‘I think you’ll find it is,’ Rebecca bit back, her unease growing at his unblemished confidence. ‘Nothing you can do will force my compliance. So I bid you farewell. May we never meet again.’
Rebecca moved to open the door, but in a flash Francis had his fingers curled around her arm and pulled her in close to face him. She tried to wrench herself free, but he simply tutted and tightened his grip.
There was triumph in his eyes, and she felt her heart sink.
‘We are not finished, Rebecca,’ he said.
He was so close she could see every fleck of grey in his watery green eyes. She swallowed hard, trying to conceal any trace of fear he might use against her.
‘I’m not angry.’ Francis smiled soothingly and her stomach roiled. ‘I was, at first, you made a fool of me, but then... I always did love a good hunt, and you’ve been such excellent sport. I’ve enjoyed our game. Only now it is at an end. So I suggest you listen, and that you listen well. Will you behave if I release you?’
Rebecca nodded as defiantly as she could, and Francis shot her another sickening smile before letting go of her arm.
God help me, for no amount of courage shall help me now.
‘You may not fear for yourself,’ Francis said, as though discussing the weather. ‘But I think, you would not see others pay the price for your stubbornness. So, my terms are simple. You will come to me by sunset, or I will end the lives of everyone in this house. Including His Lordship. If you run, I will end them. If you are not convincing enough in your farewells, and anyone comes after you, I will end them. Do I make myself clear?’
Rebecca nodded, her voice and fight gone. She didn’t doubt for a moment he would make good on his threats, no matter that Liam was an earl. There were always ways.
‘Good. Until later, then,’ Francis said lightly, sliding past her and out of the office.
Fumbling, Rebecca closed the door, falling against it as she did so, feeling her entire world crumbling around her.
You knew this was how it would end; no use crying about it now.
She had stood tall, faced her enemy, and he’d won. There was nothing more to be done but to accept her fate, and be glad that she’d been granted the chance at such a happy life, for a time at least. Be grateful for her time at Thornhallow, her time with Liam. There was nothing for it but to pack her things and disappear into the air like some sprite. Disappear before anyone could stop her again.
You can do this, Rebecca. You know the price if you do not.
Chapter Twenty-Three
And you would call me a coward, Liam thought as he stared down at the note on Rebecca’s desk.
He’d come down here with the others, once he’d told them of Mellors, intent on finding some way to convince Rebecca not to leave again, intent on at least apologising to her for the hurtful things he’d said, only to find her gone.
He hadn’t believed it—she had promised she would not go just yet, and still here he was, in rooms empty of all but her scent.
Her scent, her keys and this blasted note.
I am sorry, Liam.
But talking more will not change the fact there is no other way. I will not live another moment in fear, knowing he is circling this house, waiting for a moment to strike.
Forgive me my harsh words. You are the man I thought you were, and more. I hope you find a way to peace, and perhaps some day even happiness.
Rebecca
The note crumpled in his hand as anger, regret and fear pounded through his veins. He dropped himself into her chair and stared unseeing at her desk. He didn’t deserve this—any of it. Not her contrition, not her pleas for his own peace and happiness.
