Hunter Of My Heart

“Right now, I don’t care what you think.” He dragged her inside and retreated quickly.

“Lock her inside, Kenilworth.”

To her dismay, he did as the duke ordered. As she pounded on the door, she pressed her ear to the wood, but the thick oak muted their voices. She squeezed her eyes shut. Imprisoned like her mother! As old stories emerged, hot tears rolled down her cheeks.

When Sabrina’s father had refused to abide the duke’s demands, her grandfather stealthily created circumstances to make the English government believe her mother was a French spy. He even pretended shock when the authorities arrested her as a war criminal.

Worst of all, the powerful duke did nothing after Thomas’s barrister father saw her in jail, nearly dead from starvation. She hadn’t fit into the duke’s plans. He had used his power to keep the affair quiet. Thank heavens for Thomas. He and her father had managed to smuggle her mother out of jail.

The black recollection reminded Sabrina of her own situation. How long would Kenilworth keep her imprisoned? Fear and anger mutated to determination. She ran her sleeve over her damp cheeks and vowed to never show any weakness or let her grandfather rule her life. His cunning had ruined her parents’ lives, and she’d not forget his strength on this score or forgive his sins. He had indirectly killed her parents. Cursing, she kicked and pounded on the door.

What were they talking about?

Chapter Three

Hunter curled his fingers around the key and slowly turned. He could not shake the disturbing feeling that the duke had planned his arrival, early hour and all. “What do you wish to speak to me about?” Behind him, the doorknob rattled and pounding followed.

The duke looked at the door and then threw him a dispassionate glance. “She stayed here with you. You are a bachelor.”

“Her aunt chaperoned.”

“Was she ever alone with you?”

Hunter threw Sadlerfield his darkest look. “I haven’t touched her, but I can’t vow for her innocence.”

Sadlerfield pounded his cane on the rich carpet. “Do not be insolent with me, young man. Now, tell me about yourself. Start with the time you left Oxford until your recent return.”

Surprised, Hunter glared at the duke, but to learn the answers, he sensed he must comply. As he rubbed the key between his fingers, he spoke about his years in India where he owned a sapphire mine. He discussed his plantation in Barbados and included every unconventional business maneuver he had ever employed. “Satisfied?”

“Almost. You left out your little trip to Australia.”

Hunter gripped the key and managed an unaffected facade. What kind of game was he playing? “A good businessman should always see to his interests. Why shouldn’t I see to my warehouses and estate?”

“I know about those, too. I am a good friend of Australia’s governor.”

Hunter planted his fists at his waist. “Why ask me anything if you know the answers?”

Sadlerfield straightened. “I am just confirming the facts. A man of my years and experience assumes nothing. You will do.”

“For what?”

“To marry Sabrina, of course.”

The key dug into his flesh. “You’re out of your mind.” He said the words, short and succinct.

Sadlerfield’s chin rose. “I know exactly what I’m doing.”

The duke’s shocking demand stirred a question, one that seemed improbable. “You want an heir? Go look for a stupid buck! Did you plan the debt? Did you force her into a situation so she had no choice but to come here?”

When the pounding continued, Hunter glowered at the door. Despite her beauty, a wife was the last thing he wanted, and an impertinent, lying chit only made matters worse.

Sadlerfield remained stoic. “Outrageous. I am merely a concerned guardian who spent years searching for my only kin.”

“You left out planning and scheming.”

“If I have, so what? She was still here. A man of my position must assure the title will continue. Why allow such revered heritage to revert to the Crown?”

“I refuse to marry her.”

“I think not. You transported your father against his will. The governor conveyed that amusing story. A man in his cups can tell a great deal.” The duke’s blue eyes gleamed.

Hunter forced a harsh laugh. Did Sadlerfield know all? “You believe a drunken man’s tale?” he asked in an icy tone.

“Whether I do or not is irrelevant. The governor believes it. However, he has more sympathy for you than he does your father. The fact remains, if you do not marry Sabrina, I will ruin you. I will tell the world what you did.”

The blackmail fueled Hunter’s anger and he searched for ammunition against the duke’s well-planned assault. Yet, like a man who held bad cards, he had to try to deceive his opponent. “My father has a tainted reputation. No peer will take his side.”

“Society might not believe Lord Wick. However, they would believe me if I conveyed the tale. Are you willing to chance it?”

Hunter stalked to the hearth. “Bringing a Sinclair into your family could sully the Barrington name. Is that what you want?”

“If I ignore Lord Wick’s despicable reputation, your lineage is satisfactory. Besides, linkage to the Barrington name will improve your social standing. The connection might even help you in Parliament. What is your answer?”

Hunter understood the threat. Marry the wench or suffer personal and political ruination. He slammed his palm against the stone mantel and wished it were the duke’s face. He had no choice. “Damn your pompous hide.”

“I gather that means yes?”

“One day I’ll see you in hell for this.”

A corner of the duke’s mouth rose. “My felicitations.”

“Don’t expect me to ask for her hand.”

Sabrina kicked the door. “Let me out of here!”

Now she could truly understand the reason her mother had begged her to hide the twins, having aptly described the duke. Sabrina would do anything to keep them from this cold, ruthless man! His heartlessness alone would kill her brother.

As metal grated in the keyhole, she stepped back. Suddenly the door slammed against the wall. Kenilworth’s piercing look could splinter rock.

For a second, she stood paralyzed, but rage and pride forced her chin up. “Move aside, milord!”

“Enjoy your moment of freedom,” he drawled, and stepped away.

She stomped past him but suddenly realized the men were glaring at each other. Warily she looked at her grandfather.

He held her gaze with unmoving eyes. “I am by rights your guardian and have arranged for your future.”

Horror rocked her heart. “I’ve managed on my own.”