d Deveraux ever shown the slightest interest in marrying anyone? This is most interesting. Rafael seeks very high for

say in it

ked down at the large emerald and diamond ring glittering up at her. It was the last of his worldly wealth. The only reason it wasn't s

. She had no choice in it now. Pain seared her insides to see the anguish on his face. Tears scored the backs of her eyelids. Another matter came to mind. She w

ng clenched in his palm before he put it back in his pocket. "What happened to your determina

lle replied in a stronger voice, tears glistening in her e

right, Aubrielle,

rned within her. Her inner voices warned her. Don't tell him! Don't do it! There's no point to it now. It's too late for all that. She sighed, looking up at him with

gambling away his fortune as he has. He thought nothing of you on his way

hin going up at his chiding tone. "He is my only brother! What would

are. It was obvious he bore Sir Rafael Dane little affection, despite having gro

riously as the Earl of Gale. He had no love for Rafael, who was older

us who led the once-responsible young baronet astray. He lured him to London and started his downward s

since her birth, spoiling her shamelessly after their parents died. That too, went to the wayside, as Rafael gambled away

get their money then? No, he lies to get you to agree w

him and shivered from the memory of the uncouth men who'd threatened him that day

le? I would know your price." The pain on hi

him a large sum to keep him solvent," she admi

is features appeared earnest in the flickering firelight. "We will make due, my love. I don't want to mar

h unshed tears. "It's done, Dorian. The wedding

e gazed down at her in stunned anger. "You won't even try to f

le answered him in a choked voice, thick with emotion. "Y

is!" Dorian raged in turn, his arms swinging outward

rom the chair, blue eyes flashing in anger. "You would run away and elope tonight? What of tomorrow, my love? We would be without

ok of disgust as he paced before her. "Forgive me if I t

you," Aubrielle repeated quietly and stiffened as shards of pain