Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 59199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 296(@200wpm)___ 237(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 296(@200wpm)___ 237(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
That gets my hackles up again. “It’s not his job to protect you.”
She’s mine.
Her shoulders straighten. “It’s my job to protect you, and I won’t let you face a life sentence. There’s a way for both of us to walk out of here. Together.”
I reach my free hand through the bars and cup her cheek, tracing the delicate line of her jaw with my thumb. She’s so fragile, even in her defiance. If I’m not by her side, anything could happen to her. Some bastard might try to hurt her again, and I won’t be there to kill him for her.
“I’m listening,” I rumble.
I can swallow my pride and bend for her. I would sacrifice anything for Abigail, even if it means putting myself at my family’s mercy.
The space outside my cell is more cramped than inside it. Mum, Dad, James, and Abigail are clustered together, all their attention fixed squarely on me.
“Has the American made you see reason, then?” Mum demands, not even bothering to use Abigail’s name. “You’ll retract your statement of guilt?”
I cross my arms over my chest and fix her with my fiercest scowl. “Yes.”
“At least she has some influence over you,” Dad sneers. “I suppose you’ll want her to come live at the house with us. You might be easier to handle if she’s around. I’ll arrange her visa today.”
“We’re not going back to the manor.” I drop the words like a bomb. “I have one condition to retract my statement: you will give up your title and retire to the villa in Spain.”
Dad’s mouth opens, then closes. His lips seal shut, as though he’s holding in a tirade, and his face turns beet red.
“Daniel!” my mother squawks. “How dare you even suggest such a thing.”
I lift a brow at her. “I dare. It’s your choice. Face ruin or flee the country. Surrender your precious place in society, and you can at least keep your dignity intact. Whatever dignity you possess.”
“Preposterous!” Dad thunders. “You have no right to ask such a thing.”
“I’m not asking.” The words are icy daggers. “Let me be clear: this is a threat. I’ll give the press a full interview with my explicit confession about how I murdered Stephen Lansing with my bare hands, or you will pass on the title to your rightful heir.”
“You… You think…” Mum splutters. “If you expect us to make you the heir again after this…”
“Not me. I’m going back to America with Abigail. James is the Earl of Ripley now. He’s more than earned the right.” I look at my younger brother. “The better man will get the title.”
He blinks, and his jaw goes slack with shock.
I suppose it’s the nicest thing I’ve ever said to him.
Possibly the only kind words I’ve ever spoken about him.
Abigail was right. It’s not his fault that my parents replaced Katie with James. He had no control over their actions. I should’ve realized that years ago, but I was too wrapped up in my own loathing for my family name to see that he’s innocent in all this.
“You can’t do this,” Dad blusters. “You want to go to jail? I hope they bring back the death penalty for you. You can hang for all I care.”
A slow, cruel smile spreads over my face. “The only thing that will die is your reputation. I’ll happily rot in a cell if it means your ruin.”
“You’re bluffing,” Mum says shrilly. “Always these sick games, Daniel. We’re not falling for it.”
I fix her with a steady stare and allow her to see the depth of my vindictive loathing in my eyes. “It will be my greatest pleasure to see you brought low. I will relish your downfall. If I’m going away for life, guaranteeing your demise will be my sole purpose. Or…” I draw out several beats of tense silence, watching my parents squirm. “You can be content with my quiet return to America. You can disappear from high society, and James will do you proud. Only we will know your shame.”
“You are my greatest shame,” Dad seethes.
“Your greatest shame should be the fact that you killed your own daughter. But if I have to take up that mantle, I will. Gladly.”
No one says anything for a full minute. I spend the first several seconds relishing my parents’ anguish. But, as always, my attention is drawn to Abigail like a magnet. The cold satisfaction that pulsed through my veins warms to a gentle heat as I thaw in her rapt gaze. She looks at me like she’s…proud of me. Those perfect lips are curved in a small smile, and her lovely eyes glow with pale blue fire.
I should’ve known she would never ask me to compromise myself. She wouldn’t beg me to succumb to my family’s control and place myself in their cruel hands.