The resemblance to his father struck him like a blow. He had the same dark hair, though thinner and unkempt. He had the same sharp cheekbones, hollowed by hardship, and familiar dark eyes with a coldness that seeped into Austin’s bones.
“Ryan,” Austin said quietly, “wait outside.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
Ryan bowed reluctantly and withdrew, closing the door behind him and leaving Austin alone with the stranger.
Austin studied him. “Who are you? Really?”
The man smiled slowly and unpleasantly. “My name is Leonard Delves.”
“My father has never mentioned you before.” Austin eyed him suspiciously.
“He ismytrue father, and not yours.” Leonard sneered.
“And how did you find me?” Austin demanded, ignoring his last remark.
Leonard laughed, and the sound echoed around them. “You made it very easy, Austin.”
“Address me properly,” Austin commanded coldly. “You will call me Your Grace.”
Leonard scoffed. “I will never call you by a title you do not deserve.”
Austin’s jaw tightened. The man had the audacity to come and insult him.
“How did you find me?” he repeated the question more sternly.
Leonard began to pace the study confidently. He looked around the room, pausing at portraits and smirking. Austin’s patience grew thin.
“You did not offer me a drink,” he said without looking in Austin’s direction.
“I do not offer a drink to strangers who refuse to answer my questions.” Austin’s jaw ticked.
Leonard turned towards him, his eyes glinting in the dim light of the study.
“Oh, but I am not a stranger. I am your stepbrother.”
Austin straightened his shoulders. He walked to the nearest cabinet and poured himself a brandy without offering one to Leonard.
“I have no brothers or sisters.” He took a sip, glaring at the man over the rim of his glass.
Leonard laughed humorlessly. “Or so you believe. You were quite famous in Paris,” Leonard said lightly. “Like my father.”
Austin set the glass down heavily onto the oak table.
“And not very discreet either,” Leonard continued.
Austin’s pulse quickened as realization slowly dawned on him.
“Why is a Frenchman in London?” he asked.
Leonard’s smile widened. “Because it was time to meet you.”
“Explain yourself, and stop being vague.” Austin felt his anger rise as the man began pacing again.
“It makes sense that my father never spoke of me.”
Austin said nothing.
