Page 16 of Redemption

“And what will we do if he goes back on his word?” Arianna stood tall and rigid with tension.

“He won’t do that,” Rhea said with a conviction that surprised her.

“You seem remarkably certain of a man we left to die on that museum floor,” her sister snapped viciously

“I’m the only one he knows was there. You know I would never betray you or Vincent.”

“I’m not suggesting you would, but what if the man decides to go after that bastard? If this Percy of yours goes after Ruckley, we both know what will happen. Ruckley will do whatever it takes to save himself. He won’t hesitate to name us as the guilty party when it comes to that night in the museum.”

“It won’t come to that,” Rhea said firmly, despite her fear of Percy’s determination to find the crime lord. “I’ll do whatever it takes to prevent Percy Rockwood from finding Ruckley.”

The minute the words were out of her mouth, Rhea knew what would be called for when it came to distracting Percy from his search. It startled her that the idea of seducing Percy Rockwood didn’t appall her. Not because she was incapable of doing so. Over the years, and simply out of self-preservation, she’d learned how to control the men who’d paid to use her body. Entering Percy Rockwood’s bed wasn’t a frightening thought. It was that she wanted to seduce him that made her heart skitter wildly in her chest. Rhea didn’t want to feel anything for any man. Yet Percy Rockwood did make her feel things. Sensations she’d never felt before. Arianna met her gaze with a look of horror on her face.

“Never. You’re never to do such a thing again, Rhea Bennett,” her sister spat out with a vehemence that would have alarmed someone who’d not known what they’d been through. “Do you hear me? Never. Not even if you think it will save me or someone else.”

“Whatever choices I make are mine, but your concern is unwarranted,” Rhea said quietly. “I honestly believe Percy will not break his word. I don’t know why. I just do.”

The anger on her sister’s face slowly disappeared from her features before she nodded with a reluctant understanding. Fingertips pressed into her forehead, Arianna grimaced. Rhea immediately closed the distance between them. She wanted to avoid distressing her sister any further, but she knew that was impossible. Rhea swallowed the knot in her throat.

“There’s something else.” She hesitated slightly as her sister’s already pale face became almost deathly in pallor. Arianna shook her head and waved her hands in a gesture of defeat.

“I doubt it can be much worse than what you’ve already shared with me.”

“Have you told Blake about that night in the museum?”

“No, I’ve already told you that he only knows a small bit about my past. I’ve never even mentioned Ruckley’s name, simply out of selfishness. I know Blake would hunt the bastard down. I’ve lost too much in my life to Ruckley already.”

“Well, you may have little choice but to tell him now.”

“I don’t understand,” Arianna said with confusion.

“Percy knows Blake.” The words seemed to have little impact on her sister as Arianna stared at her in confusion before shaking her head.

“A great many people know who Blake is simply because of his work in Parliament.”

“No, I think he knows Blake better than that. In fact, I think he knows Blake quite well.” Rhea’s stomach lurch slightly as she remembered Percy’s reaction to her brother-in-law’s name. There had been a look of astonishment on his face that had made Rhea believe he was friends with the Viscount. “I could be mistaken, but I don’t think I am. I had the distinct impression he and Blake are good friends.”

Arianna pulled free of Rhea’s grasp and moved to stand at the window. There was an air of defeated resignation about her that made Rhea’s heart ache. When Arianna had married the viscount, Rhea had been certain the past would never touch her sister again. The vanquished expression on Arianna’s face reminded her how fragile the wall was between their past and the lives they led now. She had hoped never to see her sister look so overwhelmed with fear again. Suddenly, Arianna swayed like a drunken sailor and grabbed at the window drapery to steady herself. Alarmed, Rhea hurried to her side.

“You’re unwell.”

“No, I’m fine.” The quiet response made Rhea frowned.

“Are you certain?”

“I’m perfectly fine, Rhea,” Arianna snapped. “It’s just a slight headache brought on by all this talk of Ruckley.”

Taken aback by her sister’s abrupt reply, Rhea stared at her in surprise. Her sister winced, but before she could speak, the door to the morning room opened. They both turned to see the Viscount Sherrington entering the room. The moment she saw her husband, the troubled expression vanished from Arianna’s face. In its place was a look of intense relief and happiness as Arianna hurried forward to greet her husband.

“Blake, I thought you would be gone until late this afternoon,” Arianna said as she kissed him then drew back to look up at his amused expression.

“I finished my business much earlier than I expected.” Blake gently caressed his wife’s cheek then looked over her shoulder to smile at Rhea. “Good morning, Rhea. This is an unexpected, but pleasant, surprise. Arianna said you wouldn’t be here until Thursday.”

“I thought I’d come early so Arianna could take me shopping.” The moment she saw Blake raise his eyebrows in amazement, Rhea realized her mistake. Her brother-in-law was well aware of her aversion for dressmakers. She winced and shrugged.

“Actually, Aunt Beatrice threatened to order something made without my being present.” Rhea grasped at the first thing she could think of to hide her real reason for arriving at Sherrington house so early. “I decided to circumvent her efforts.”

“I think you made a sound decision,” Blake chuckled. “I’ve witnessed your aunt’s undaunted perseverance when it comes to achieving a goal. It’s a trait I’ve witnessed in other members of your family as well.”