“It was not an attempt.”
Peter’s fist nearly shattered his cheek.
“Do you even care that I love her?”
“Have you told her that?”
“No. I thought to wait. I thought…”
Peter’s fist caught his mouth this time, splitting his bottom lip and loosening a few teeth, or so it felt like. “Because it is a lie and you are just trying to save yourself.”
Those words were followed by another punch to his gut. Peter had protected his sister’s honor, when it had not been necessary, but Percy was done taking a beating.
“You will leave here and never return. If you so much as look at Deborah again, you will be meeting me at dawn.”
Bloody hell! How had everything gone so wrong? He would explain but his friend was in no state of mind to listen to reason. The fact that he loved her should be enough for Peter to stop hitting him, but he didn’t seem to care.
“A servant will pack your belongings and I will have your carriage brought around.” He grabbed Percy’s arm and practically dragged him to the front of the house, avoiding the inside. “Remain here.”
Peter marched inside and Percy sought a small bench to slip down to with a groan. Everything hurt from his head to his middle and he could only imagine what his face looked like.
Would he have reacted in the same manner had he come across either of his sisters being so thoroughly kissed?
Undoubtedly, and for that, he could not blame his friend. He just wished Peter would allow him to explain his intentions.
Peter returned a moment later. “You will leave as soon as all is ready and I will make your excuses.”
“I had hoped to remain to speak with Kenley.”
“I will tell my brother all that he needs to know.”
“You do not even know what that is.” Percy raised himself up. “I had intended to ask permission to court Deborah.”
Peter snorted. “If that were true, you would have waited to kiss her. Instead, you thought to seduce her.”
“I did not.”
“I saw you with my own eyes.”
He truly could not argue what he and Deborah had been about. Yes, he had wanted to seduce her, but he would not have.
“I care for her.”
Peter snorted. “It was love a few moments ago.”
“I do love her!” Percy insisted.
“If that were true, you would not have pulled her onto your lap as if she were a lightskirt but showed more honor and respect.”
Maybe Peter had never been overcome with desire, so much so that it overtook all reason.
“I apologize,” he muttered and wondered if his friend could even see reason now or if he was too blinded by anger.
A moment later his carriage arrived and the driver hurried to open the door as a footman exited with his trunk.
Percy stepped inside only because trying to reason with Peter would only see him further injured.
“Do not ever go near my sister again.” Peter slammed the carriage door. “I am not certain that I can even call you friend anymore,” he sneered just as the carriage pulled away.
