“Why not?”
“It’s all the same to me, and I didn’t see the point of it because I was not looking for a wife.”
Deena barely heard him. Austin was smiling at her now. His shoulders flexed beneath his shirt as he stalked towards them. Deena swallowed.
“Although,” Dominic continued, “there was that one time I made an exception.”
Deena frowned at him. “Who did you make an exception for?”
“For Selina.”
“Oh, of course! How silly of me to even ask that.”
“Honestly, Dee, it’s like your mind is elsewhere all the time.”
“Mmm,” Deena murmured, eyes fixated on Austin.
Dominic glanced at her. “Proving my point.”
She blinked, dragging her gaze to him. “Sorry. What?”
He studied her for a moment, then followed her line of sight towards Austin. He was stopped by Lady Amelia, who seemed to be forcing him to take her lace handkerchief. Dominic frowned, and Deena’s heart stilled until he turned to her with a wide grin.
“I recommended the winning chestnut,” he said proudly.
“I should’ve known.” She smiled back. “Dominic…I need to ask you something.”
“Ask away,” he said eagerly.
Deena lowered her voice. “What’s the truth about Austin’s title?”
Dominic’s smile vanished. He glanced around, then drew her a step farther from the crowd.
“Keep your voice down,” he said quietly.
“I did. I’m sure no one heard me,” she whispered.
“You never know who’s listening.”
“Why does it matter if anyone hears?”
“It’s a…sensitive topic. What did you hear?” Dominic frowned down at her.
“I’ve heard whispers that his title is in danger. That there are questions about… legitimacy.”
Dominic cussed under his breath. “There have been murmurs, but it cannot be true because Austin is most definitely the late Duke’s son. The resemblance is uncanny.”
Deena agreed, but even so, a rumor that huge would have its consequences. “Who do you believe started the rumors?”
“I wish I knew, Dee. That way I could help my friend.” He looked out at Austin and smiled.
Deena’s heart softened with understanding.
“Nothing is certain yet. There’s no proof. People will doubt he is the late duke’s son if this rumor spreads.
Deena briefly thought about using this information in her next article. It was the perfect scandal, the one the blackmailer must have been searching for, and it could end all her troubles. But her empathy held her back.
How can I betray him?
