No problem. Correct?
***
Julien didn’t damn well tarry. He used the beauty’s distraction and headed directly for the window, shoved the thing up with enough force that it rattled in its frame, the cool night air rushing in like absolution itself, though there would never be any for him.
Without hesitation, he vaulted through, his boots hitting the ground below with barely a sound. The corner of his lips hooked up in a cold smile at the disgruntled cries from inside the drawing room.
Served them right.
He would not forget the stunt they pulled today. Casting one last glance at the window, he strolled off before those madwomen could jump after him.
“Now there’s a sight I never thought I’d see.”
Julien glanced sideways to find the Duke of Wrath peeling from the shadows and stepping in line with him, their strides perfectly matched as they made their way to the carriage. “Where areyoucoming from?”
“Nowhere near as fun as you.”
Julien arched a brow.
“A garden mishap, if you must know.”
Julien gave a low snort. “Offended another lady, I see.”
“What of you?” Wrath countered, a deep chuckle rumbling from his chest. “Fleeing through a window like some thief? Judging by the wails, you seem to have offended your lady much more than I mine.”
“Not my lady,” Julien muttered. “Narrowly escaped a bloody trap laid out for me.”
Wrath burst out in laughter, and Julien scowled. Wrath could be considered one of his closest friends, as close as anyone could get to a man like him. The heavens must really be in a damn mischievous mood to have countered such rotten luck twice. No doubt Wrath would never let him live this damn debacle down.
“Who was it that almost ensnared you?” Wrath asked after he had his laugh.
“Lady Gabrielle.”
Wrath whistled. “That could turn into a nasty affair.”
“Why is that?” Not that it mattered. The woman had nothing to do with him.
“Her uncle is the Marquess of Dansbury.”
Ah. “An arse.”
“Yes, but an arse with powerful connections, unfortunately,” Wrath pointed out. “So what do you plan to do about the chit?”
“Ignore her.”
Wrath chuckled. “Not wise, old chap.”
Julien clenched his fists. Not wise? The chit had tried to traphim. That entire family could go to perdition for all he cared. “They don’t have proof, and I don’t have to tolerate them.”
“You have business dealings with Cranbrook for that shipping company, correct? Cranbrook needs Dansbury’s connection for his political ambitions. I’d tread carefully here.”
Damnation.
This rotten bloody luck.
He couldn’t lose the chance to get his hands on that shipping company. His revenge was too damn close. He could taste its bitter sweetness. A vision in pink surfaced in his mind. If what Wrath said was correct, then they’d try to force his hand by dragging Cranbrook into their schemes. But by doing that . . . “Dansbury should be part of this, then.”
“Wouldn’t surprise me,” Wrath muttered. “Apparently, he’s always wanted to be part of our Duke Alliance, but he sadly falls short of the title, and any hope for it. If he gains connection through his niece’s husband, he’d have a powerful ally in his family with a direct line to the alliance. Apparently, you were the one chosen. Congratulations.”