“Veritas scutumtibi erit, Duke.” Nathan bowed his head.
“Veritas scutumtibi erit,” the duke said. “We are hunted, Raine, Deville. Stay safe, and make contact should you need me,” he added softly, so only Nathan and Gabe heard. His eyes were serious now, all levity gone.
“We are at your service also. Stay safe, Duke,” Nathan said.
The duke moved on. Nathan shot his brothers a look. All had seen the interplay between him and the duke.
Interesting, he thought. Another powerful man was letting them know he was part of Alexius. It seemed danger was indeed closing in on them.
“What did he mean?”
He looked down at Beth. She was watching him closely.
“You both spoke in Latin. What did those words mean?”
Chapter Twenty-Four
“Iam unsure,” Nathan said.
Beth knew better. What had passed between him and the Duke of Stratton was something important, and Nathan did not want her aware of it.
“Why did he say he wanted you to stay safe?” She’d heard that part also. The rest was not clear, as the duke’s voice had lowered.
“’Tis nothing.”
She gave him a look that suggested she knew it was indeed something but said nothing further. After all, Beth did not want him asking her questions so she could hardly do the same. But she wanted to.
“I think you would be better served with Lady Bramble guiding you,” Beth said, intercepting yet another smoldering look from the woman aimed his way.
“Do you dislike me that much then?” Nathan did not acknowledge the woman desperately trying to gain his attention.
“She is very beautiful, and I believe lost her husband and gained a fortune.” Beth looked at the widow. Voluptuous and happy to show it, she had her eyes clearly set on Nathan. Beth should be happy about that. She wasn’t. In fact, she wanted to hurl the egg that had just been handed to Nathan at her.
“And I repeat. Do you dislike me so much you’d wish me to endure a life with her?” The words were said in a lighthearted tone, but the look in his eyes suggested otherwise.
“I don’t dislike you, Nathan.”
“You just don’t want to marry me?”
“Lower your head so I may place the blindfold around your eyes.” She motioned for him to do as she asked.
“Coward,” he taunted.
She pulled it tight.
“Now now, there is no need to hurt me because I speak the truth.”
“You have no notion of the truth,” Beth snapped, tying the ends together.
“Then tell me.”
“I cannot,” she whispered.
“Ouch!” Beth turned at the sound Zach made. “Is there any need to tie it that tight? And catch my hair in the ends also?”
“Sorry,” Mary said, smiling.
Zach muttered something unflattering.
