“I won’t do it!” he snapped, spittle flying from his mouth where his face was crushed against the hard wood beneath him.
In turn, she stomped down even more firmly. “I don’t believe that you are in any position to argue about my terms.” He made a noise between a grimace and a growl, but she kept her foot firmly in place.
In the next instant, the door slammed open, splintered on its hinges as a harried, handsome looking man in a lovely dress, wig askew, pushed his way through. He took one look at Constance and reached up to toss aside the rest of his ruined headpiece.
He was the most magnificent man she’d ever seen as he stalked toward her purposefully. But then, she realized he wasn’t focused on her, but rather on the man beneath her hold.
Devin stopped before them and glared at his nemesis with bright, murderous eyes, although he demanded of Constance, “Did he hurt you? If so, I would be glad to deal with him right now.”
She reached out and gently touched his arm. “There’s no need for violence. I think there’s been enough of that tonight.”
He glanced at her, and she swallowed the emotion that wanted to leap out of her chest. However, she knew now wasn’t the appropriate time to spill out the yearnings of her heart. Unfortunately, he must have caught the slight wince she made, as his focus dropped to her neck, which was still pulsing with the remnants of her nearly fatal attack.
Devin’s expression hardened to granite as he bent down to stare at the baronet. “I should kill you for what you’ve done to her. To Annalise. And to me. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s that there are actually things more important than revenge.”
“What’s that? Forgiveness?” Sir Isaacson taunted.
“No.” Devin shook his head and looked at Constance. “Love.”
Devin saw the tears shining in Constance’s eyes and wanted nothing more than to take her courageous, lovely body into his arms and show her with actions, not just words, how much she meant to him.
But first, they needed to take care of a few problems. While Granelli and his comrades had been subdued outside, thanks to the assistance of Count d’Orsay who had arrived at the precise moment to lend a hand, the countess chose that moment to sweep into the room. With a commanding air, she led the charge as a handful of men entered to trail behind her. They were dressed in uniform and each carried a truncheon at their side. What’s more, every single one of their expressions were hard and unforgiving.
It nearly made Devin smile. He had no idea how they had managed to arrive so quickly, but something told him this little episode had been prearranged.
“Take this man into custody at once!” Lady Blessington said, hands on her hips and appearing to wear her men’s clothing with pride. “He has disrupted my household entertainment this evening, and I will be pressing charges against him!”
Constance stepped back from her captive, but the baronet’s relief didn’t last long, for the police walked forward and dragged him to his feet none too gently. Sir Isaacson turned his head to glare at Constance, one of his eyes already swelling shut, but she merely blew him a kiss and said, “Remember our bargain. If you choose not to comply, I’m sure allowances can be made for a transfer to a far less welcoming accommodation within the penal system. Perhaps the colonies in Australia?”
He instantly blanched at this suggestion and clamped his mouth together tightly.
Once the police had departed the room, the countess walked over to Constance. She must have spied the injury around her neck as well, because she winced. “Oh, my dear, girl! I’m so sorry it took me longer than necessary to arrive. Are you well?”
“I’m fine,” Constance assured her.
Her shoulders slumped slightly in relief. “I daresay you are a genius to have contrived such a fitting end for that cad! Rest assured I will do what I can to ensure he does not leave police custody a free man.” She sniffed. “I honestly think the noose is a fitting end for someone of his abominable character and now that I shall have the ear of the king, I will make sure he is aware of all of the man’s misdeeds.” She looked at Devin. “Granelli will also not be a problem any longer. I instructed the police to see to him as well before they headed out, and I made particular note to tell them that he is just as guilty as Sir Isaacson when it comes to threatening members of the peerage.”
Constance reached out and hugged her. “Thank you for all your help.”
“As if I would ever say no to you.” She winked as they parted. “As for you, Mr. Blackmore, I see you went with my suggestion of silver thread for your costume. It’s nice to see a man will actually take a lady’s advice.”
With a saucy glance to Constance, the countess left the room. When she was gone, Constance turned to Devin and crossed her arms. “You never said you had planned to come to the ball.” Her lips twitched. “Although, I suppose that explains why I saw you with a box on Bond Street. I shall have to speak with Luke about keeping such secrets from me.”
Devin gathered her against him. “I didn’t want to spoil the surprise, because what fun would that have been?” he murmured.
She sighed dramatically. “I suppose it was worth it to see you attired thus.” She slowly looked him up and down and he could feel his cock rise to attention beneath all the layers of fabric. Even dressed as a woman, he didn’t appear feminine in the slightest.
“Does that mean you approve?” he teased.
“Very much so.” She reached up and threaded her arms around his neck, her nails scraping lightly along the length of his neck. “Although I’m relieved that you got rid of that horrible wig.”
“Indeed,” he returned softly. “It was a travesty to cover up those luscious locks of yours.” He lifted a brow. “But I’m definitely keen on those trousers and how you fill them out quite deliciously.”
“Hmm.” She rose on tiptoe and pressed her lips to his. “Let’s say we get out of here and into something a bit more… comfortable?”
He grinned slowly. “I like the way you think.”
Chapter 24
