Her Wanton White: Dark Duke’s Legacy

by Tammy Andresen

  Either way, he had every intention of tucking Violet somewhere safe, out of Macklemeyer’s grasp. If her father didn’t consent, he’d have to take other measures.

  He cracked his knuckles and Sayden shifted. “Are you thinking of hitting me or them?”

  “I haven’t decided.”

  “Save it for Parricide,” Sayden returned. “Today is the day we flush that fucker out.”

  That made Justice smile. “I hope so. He’s been damn slippery. I’ve got to give him credit on that account.”

  Sayden shrugged. “Based on what Violet said, this is the last of his resources. He’s banking on the sale of them to start building his business and assets again. So…as long as we destroy that ship, he’s dead in the water. And frankly, it will be fair play after what he did to Dez.”

  “Dez is going to enjoy the poetic nature of our retribution.”

  “And if for some reason this isn’t the final blow, you stealing his girl should do the trick. You won’t have to chase him. He’ll come to you.”

  That made Justice wince. He wasn’t stealing. Violet had never belonged to Macklemeyer. “Don’t say that too loud. I don’t think Violet would appreciate…”

  “Right.” Sayden nodded. “I won’t speak of it again. Besides, best to focus on how you’re going to convince her father to switch allegiances.”

  His frown deepened. “I wish I had that letter from Ben confirming all my accusations.”

  Sayden kicked a foot up onto his other knee. “Your arguments will be strong enough and you can lead the general straight to the goods. Hopefully, that will do it.”

  “Nah, I’m not going to lead the general to the contraband. Instead, I’m going to let Macklemeyer load them all onto the ship as the general and I watch. Then I’m going to destroy the goods and the boat. It has the added benefit of General Wright getting to watch Macklemeyer actually commit the crime.”

  “Good plan.” Sayden chuckled. “I shall miss this when you’re married.”

  Justice gave him a sidelong glare. “Miss what? I don’t plan on changing a bit.”

  “Oh, please. We both know you’re turning into one of those men who dotes on their wives. I thought by coming down here, I’d get away from all that lovey bullshit. See a bit of action. But here you are…” Sayden waved his hand. “Not that I’m complaining. At least some good will come of your match. An end to all this shit with Parricide and a potential new business for us.”

  Justice was silent for the remainder of the trip. He’d seen Violet’s face fall when he’d listed out the practical reasons for their match. She didn’t like it and he had to tread lightly as she seemed ready to strike out on her own. He was proud of her. But also…he could admit to himself that he didn’t wish to lose her either.

  * * *

  Drawing back the curtain, he noted they’d reached the viscount’s home. Even better, Violet stood outside waiting for him.

  His heart skipped a beat to see her.

  Sayden was likely right. He was turning into one of those lovesick fools, but he had to resist the urge. This was a marriage of convenience, a means to several ends.

  And if he kept some distance, Violet would be far safer.

  It was in her best interest.

  He was walking some sort of fine line and if he weren’t careful he’d fall. On one side, a life without Violet. On the other, his heart gone and an emotional connection so strong, he wasn’t certain he’d be able to control himself.

  He stepped out of the carriage and, in a few strides, reached her side. “Violet.”

  She gave him a small smile, the sort that didn’t reach her eyes. “Justice.”

  Shit.

  She was going to say no.

  Sayden stepped out behind him. “Miss Wright,” he drawled.

  “Lord Sayden,” she returned, her gaze still locked with Justice’s.

  “Just Sayden. Especially if we’re going to be family.”

  “I,” Violet started her gaze snapping to Justice’s brother.

  Justice’s gut clenched. “Sayden,” he warned. “Leave her be.”

  “Are you messing this up?” Sayden snorted.

  “No,” Violet said, raising her hands. “He gave me a list of very compelling reasons.”

  “List?” Sayden repeated. “He’s already messing it up.”

  “Christ,” Justice muttered resisting the urge to give Sayden a good hard push right in the chest. “Stay out of it.”

  “I won’t.” Sayden winked at Violet. “He’s not good with feelings. Runs in the family. But trust me, sister, if a lovesick pup is what you want for a husband, you’ve found him.” Then Sayden began whistling, strolling toward the front door like he hadn’t a care in the world.

  Violet’s hazel green eyes met his, hers widening with surprise.

  Justice’s teeth snapped together.

  “Samantha thinks I should say yes, as well.”

  “Really?” he answered. “Why is that?”

  “She thinks I’m too soft to make it on my own and she’s likely right. Most women don’t.” Violet’s gaze cast down. “But I’d like to prove everyone wrong. Somewhere along the way, I decided that I want to be strong, too.”

  “Violet.” His heart felt like it might burst out of chest. “You came to my house in the middle of the night after a man attacked you, to give me the most important piece of information I’ve learned during this entire investigation. Strong, brave, smart and resourceful are just a few of the words I’d use to describe you.”

  She gave him a beaming smile. The sort that lit her entire face and stole the air from his lungs. “Really?”

  He stepped closer. “Have I mentioned beautiful?”

  Her nose wrinkled. “Everyone says that.”

  “You liked the other compliments better.” He understood. When he thought about himself, and the man he wanted to be, he no longer wished to be a fighter. What he’d never admitted was that it was a piece of his father that he’d never wanted to share.

  As much as hitting made him feel better, and he’d justified the ring was the appropriate place, he’d never wished to be the angry man his father had always been.

  But he could see himself as a different man when he was with her.

  And that was the real reason he’d followed Sayden’s plan.

  That and he couldn’t take a chance that the world would hurt her. At the end of the day, he was more afraid of that than of himself.

  “My brother is right. I’m not the best with feelings. But if you’d allow me time to court you…”

  He saw the hesitation cross her face. “I should tell you something first. And then you can decide.”

  He could decide? Hadn’t he been clear, he was already decided. “All right.”

  “I like more than just having an arranged marriage with you. I…” she looked down, frowning again. “I have feelings for you. It’s why I asked for that kiss. I wanted to know just once to feel the lips of a man with whom I felt such a strong connection…”

  Bloody hell. How could she think herself weak? Right now, she was so much tougher than himself. He’d hid behind reasons and logic. He reached for her then, just wanting her close. Her beauty inside and out made him ache with need. A need he wasn’t certain he was ready to share, even after her admission.

  “If that emotion is too much, I’ll understand.”

  Violet held her breath as she waited for Justice to answer.

  But she’d tell him all that was in her heart before she accepted.

  All right. She hadn’t confessed her love, but she’d come close enough. Enough to frighten him off if he didn’t want her heart.

  He stepped closer. “I’ve decided.”

  “Really?” Her chin snapped up as she met his gaze again.

  “It isn’t.”

  Her brow wrinkled in confusion. “Isn’t?”

  “Too much,” he answered with a wink, his hands brushing down her arms. “Let’s go sort your future, Violet.”
>
  “Together?”

  “Together. We’ve got a meeting with your father and your uncle at twelve sharp. We shouldn’t keep them waiting.” Then he offered his elbow.

  Well, that was a relief. Her shoulders slumped as her face relaxed.

  She threaded her arm through his and they made their way up the steps and into the house. They were halfway up the grand staircase when she realized he’d never actually returned the sentiment.

  She looked over at him, her arm tucked into his. Was Sayden right? Did Justice return her feelings, but he just didn’t know how to share them?

  Her lips parted. If that were the case…

  This was one way he might actually need her help. And that…that was wonderful.

  But she put those thoughts aside as they entered her father’s study. He sat behind his desk, his eyes rimmed with red. Her uncle sat stoically across from him while Sayden already leaned against the mantle.

  “Violet,” her father snapped. “This is no place—”

  “I insist,” Justice bit back before her father could say more.

  They didn’t even sit. In clipped words, Justice laid out all that had happened with Macklemeyer. How he’d attempted to kidnap Justice’s sister. How he’d blown up Dez’s ship. How he’d been hiding illegal wine under the castle.

  “Lies,” her father boomed, rising from his chair.

  “It isn’t,” Violet said, breaking her silence. “I heard him scheming last night.”

  Her uncle said nothing, but his face hardened as his eyes travelled over the bruise on her cheek.

  Justice then recounted what she’d learned last night and how they had an opportunity to catch Macklemeyer red-handed. “You won’t have to take my word for it. You can take the general’s.”

  Her father’s mouth twisted as he returned to his seat, rubbing his forehead with both hands. He looked old and tired.

  “I’d also like to request Violet’s hand. I’ll match whatever he offered.”

  Her father’s head snapped up.

  Justice pressed on. “As Macklemeyer is about to go to prison, and the money he paid you was stolen to begin with, you needn’t return it.”

  Her father stood again, and for a moment, Violet wondered what his reaction might be. Was he insulted? Another man might be. But his eyes brightened. “You’ll match his price? How soon?”

  “Soon.”

  Justice looked over to her for confirmation and she gave a silent nod. It meant a great deal that he’d included her in this conversation. In the choices. It helped salve the wound her father was inflicting. Couldn’t he even pretend he was motivated by something other than money?

  Her father waved his hand. “Violet?”

  Her gaze snapped from Justice’s to her father. She wished she still loved him. She swallowed down a lump of regret. “Agreed.”

  “Then I consent.”

  Relief crashed into her like a wave on the beach. She was going to marry a man she cared for, one who’d take care of her and help her to realize her best self. It was more than she’d dared to dream, and yet it was coming true.

  “Now, I’d like to contribute to the conversation,” General Wright said, pushing back from his chair.

  He pointed a finger at Justice. “Why did you tell me none of this sooner?”

  Justice shifted next to her. “I didn’t know if I could trust you, sir. And…”

  “Yes?”

  Justice straightened. “I risked you not believing me. Siding with him.”

  Uncle Albert grimaced. “It’s always a tactic in war, isn’t it?”

  “He’s as slippery as Napoleon,” Justice said.

  Her uncle gave a small smile. “I doubt that.”

  “We’ll find out tonight, won’t we?” Sayden added from his spot by the fire. “But for all our sakes, I hope you’re right, General. We’d very much like to put this drama to rest.”

  “Did he really have a part in your father’s death?” her father asked as he leaned back in his chair closing his eyes.

  “Yes,” Justice returned. “His associate was found with a list of names. Several of them were already dead. Poisoned. We’re attempting to track down the rest.”

  “Including a half-sibling we didn’t even know we had,” Sayden said. “Wouldn’t that be shit if we found him only to learn that Le Serpent had already killed him?”

  “Le Serpent?” her uncle said sharply.

  “Parricide’s, I mean Macklemeyer’s, closest associate.”

  The general looked at his brother. “He’s the one I was telling you about. Attempted an assassination on the Russian diplomat.”

  “Like I said.” Justice wrapped an arm about her waist and to her surprise, no one seemed to care. “He’s slippery.”

  “Well, how many men do you need tonight?” her uncle asked.

  Justice smiled. “How many men can participate in a covert operation? I don’t want him to know we’re there until his neck is in the noose.”

  “Plenty,” Uncle Albert answered.

  “Last order of business,” Justice said, his hand tightening. “Where are Violet and Samantha safest?”

  “Here,” her father answered. “She’s my daughter.”

  Violet shook her head. “This isn’t about your pride. We have hardly any servants here and you’re drinking—”

  “How dare you?” her father demanded without even lifting his head. “I deserve your respect.”

  “For trying to marry me off to a criminal?” Violet asked, her chin coming up. She wanted to say more, but she held back. Now was not the time. They needed to be safe, and Justice needed to catch Macklemeyer. Then she could discuss the past months with her father. “We’ll go to Uncle Albert’s. You may join us if you wish.”

  Her uncle nodded and he gave her the first smile she’d seen on his face in some time. Good for you, he mouthed.

  She did feel good. And for the first time in a long time, she also felt hopeful. She looked to the man next to her. Justice. She’d share her whole heart with him. He’d return it, eventually, she hoped. With time and love, he was sure to see that his heart belonged with her.

  Chapter Eleven

  Night had fallen. Justice’s legs ached with the effort of remaining crouched behind a boulder, but he didn’t move.

  Catching Macklemeyer was worth a bit of pain.

  He flexed his knees, catching Sayden’s eye from the next boulder as sand shifted under his feet.

  They were at the entrance of one of the many caves that dotted the cliffs. Many of the caves, connected by tunnels, had been created by the British military to aid the war effort.

  Of course, they were also popular with smugglers. Dover was a perfect landing spot from Europe and with the cliffs, it allowed anyone who wished to hide goods within its depths.

  Except for today…

  The beach, the caves, they were all currently littered with soldiers, all hiding in wait.

  And out on the water were three small, stealthy vessels. Each had a burning fire, carefully concealed, and an arsenal of arrows, ready to set Macklemeyer’s boat to flame.

  Sayden silently pointed to the mouth of the cave.

  Justice squinted into the dark, noting a small bit of light coming from the entrance. A torch?

  It didn’t grow brighter, and he had a moment’s disappointment, but as he watched, men emerged, carrying crates.

  A wide smile split his lips. Finally.

  Macklemeyer was falling into his trap.

  He would succeed in making Violet well and truly safe. Surely a husband could do no better than that? He’d prove his worth to her and then maybe he could share his heart.

  Man after man came down. Justice counted ten in all as they stacked crates on the beach.

  He saw the general lift his head from the other side of the cave, but Justice lifted his hand, asking the man to hold.

  The general gave a quick nod and then lowered himself down again.

  They continued to watch th
e smugglers at work. While one man stayed with the crates, the other trudged back up the beach, trip after trip until crates were stacked six feet high and nearly twenty feet wide.

  And in the faint light of the moon, Justice saw the outline of a ship. It signaled with three quick flashes of light.

  Another jolt of satisfaction pulsed through him. The vessel sailed in close to the shore.

  Lowering a dinghy, they began loading crate after crate onto the small boat and then onto the larger ship.

  But still Justice held. The need to move twitched through him, but he waited to give the signal.

  He could rush them now. Ensure that he caught most of the cargo.

  It would be enough to cripple Macklemeyer. Without funds, the man would need time and an infusion of money before he could even contemplate starting his business back up.

  But Justice was tired of half measures.

  He wanted all of it this time. He wanted to burn Macklemeyer to the ground. For himself, certainly. For his family, too.

  But mostly for Violet. She deserved the peace that would come from knowing the man was in jail.

  He pictured her face and the dull ache of need made his fists tighten. Damn, he wanted that woman with every fiber of his being.

  He briefly worried that she might change her mind about marrying him when Macklemeyer was no longer a threat but, in her words, that was a problem for another day.

  Today, was about accomplishing what he came here to do.

  Catch Macklemeyer.

  “That’s it. We’re almost done.” Macklemeyer called out into the night.

  “We’ll catch the tide just as it heads out.” Another called back.

  Justice’s blood roared in his ears as his muscles twitched with the effort to hold still. Macklemeyer was here. And stepping right into his trap. It took every ounce of his energy, not to charge ahead and punch the smuggler in the face. But he’d stick with the plan.

  This wasn’t about retribution, or at least not only retribution. This was about delivering the blows that would put Macklemeyer out of business and in jail.