Chapter 14 #2
“It’s just rumors, Dee, and rumors rarely require proof,” Dominic said. “Proof is what matters. Without evidence, it is just gossip. But if someone finds evidence…” He shook his head. “It would be catastrophic for Austin.”
Deena already figured out that the blackmailer did not need her to publish the rumors. He needed her specifically for proof that it was concrete, something irrefutable. He was using her to break Austin.
Her fingers curled into her skirts, and her heart raced so hard she thought it might bruise her ribs. But reality crashed around her.
I have one day left.
One day, to produce proof regarding the illegitimacy of Austin’s birth or her secret, and her friend’s, would be exposed.
And Austin would lose everything. Now that she had the perfect story for the blackmailer, she was conflicted.
There was no way she could help everyone, and it made her feel sick.
Dominic touched her arm. “Dee? You’ve gone pale.”
She forced a smile. “Just… the excitement has gotten to me.”
“You don’t have to keep lying to me, Dee.” He frowned, but he didn’t argue. “I’m going to get you a drink and look for my darling wife. Stay here.”
“All right,” Deena said softly.
Dominic left, and she noticed that Austin was close to her now, bow still in hand, coat slung over one shoulder, shirt clinging to his chest from the ride. His grin widened even more when he reached her.
“Were you entertained by the spectacle?” he asked, stopping near enough that she could smell sweat and leather.
Deena swallowed. “You hit the center, which is… very impressive.”
Austin leaned close to her ear and whispered. “I have to say, I do enjoy it when you look flushed. That color looks good on you.”
Her skin burned even more.
“We agreed that you shouldn’t speak like that!” she hissed as she glanced towards the nearest cluster of guests who were eyeing them suspiciously.
“I only agreed to not speak about what took place in that meadow,” he said smoothly.
Austin’s gaze dropped to her mouth, lingering there until Deena felt it tingle. She stared up at him, heart pounding, nostrils flaring with anger that he did not care about becoming the talk of the town as much as she did.
“Why do you seem scared?” he asked softly.
Deena’s chin lifted, though her pulse betrayed her with a frantic flutter at the base of her throat. “Scared of what?”
He leaned in a fraction closer. “Of me?”
She let out a bark of laughter. “I’m not scared of you or anyone for that matter.”
Deena could feel the warmth of his body. She was so lost in thought and his scent that she almost did not hear him say, “Good girl.”
The two words landed like a spark on dry tinder.
Deena felt heat bloom across her cheeks again. Her breath caught audibly, and Austin’s eyes darkened at the sound.
“You’re blushing,” he observed, and seemed pleased. “Again.”
“I am not,” she snapped, though the lie was ridiculous; she could feel her skin was practically glowing.
“You are,” Austin murmured, his voice a low, intimate caress that sent fresh heat curling through her. “And you like it when I call you that.”
“I do not,” Deena insisted, but the words emerged thin and trembling, lacking any real conviction.
Austin’s smile turned slow and wicked, the corner of his mouth lifting in that devastating way that made her want to both slap him and kiss him.
“Liar,” he said softly, the word almost tender.
Deena swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry.
This must end.
“If anyone is a liar here, it’s you.” The accusation was cold, and Austin’s smile vanished.
His dark brows drew together, and the playful glint in his eyes sharpened into something more serious. “What exactly do you mean by that?”
She lifted her chin, forcing herself to meet his gaze even though her heart hammered so loudly she was sure he could hear it. “You haven’t been honest with me.”
He stilled. “About what?”
Deena’s fingers twisted in her skirts. “You know what.”
Austin studied her for a long moment, and the teasing curve of his mouth faded completely. When he spoke again, his voice was quieter and more careful. “If you’re talking about the blackmailer—”
“I’m talking about everything.” She kept her voice low, aware of the eyes still lingering on them from across the lawn. “You let me believe you were untouchable. That scandal slides off you like water. That you don’t care what the ton thinks. But you do. You care very much.”
He did not deny it. Instead, he exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair. “And you think I’ve lied to you?”
“I think you’ve omitted the truth.” Her gaze flicked to his mouth, then back up. “There’s a slim difference.”
Austin stepped closer, and she tipped her head back to hold his eyes.
“Then let me be perfectly honest now.” His voice dropped to a near-whisper.
“I’m terrified, yes. I could lose everything if you slip up and make me look bad in your little articles.
Everything. And I’m running out of time to stop it. ”
Deena’s breath caught. “If you’re running out of time and you care about what people say, then why do you stand close to me in front of everyone, waste your time with me, and make me laugh? Do you not care how that makes me look? Is this part of your plan?
Austin’s frown deepened. “What do you think I’m planning, Dee?”
“I think you’re planning to reel me in, a fellow scandalous person, and then blackmail me, as well, when things don’t go according to your plan.”
Her words shocked him, but he did not argue with her, and she worried that she may have spoken the truth.
“Do you know why I pretend that nothing matters? Because if I let myself think about it too long, I’ll go mad.
” He gave a short, humorless laugh. “So, I flirt. I race. I kiss beautiful women in meadows. I pretend the world isn’t about to collapse under my feet.
But I will never sit around and plan the ruin of someone.
Especially a woman who is my best friend’s sister. ”
She stared at him, seeing the cracks beneath the velvet surface for the first time. “Was I just another distraction then?”
Austin’s expression hardened. “Deena, the world does not revolve around you.”
His words stung.
Deena looked away, towards the distant pond where fireflies had danced the night before. “I have one day left, Austin.”
Austin’s jaw tightened. “I know.”
“The blackmailer won’t wait.”
“I know.”
She turned back to him. “So, what do I do, since you know so much?”
He exhaled slowly. “I gave you permission to draft another article about me. Delay them. Give us more time.”
Deena’s brows rose. “The last one nearly set the ton on fire.”
“Exactly.” His mouth curved. “Make it even more scandalous. Use your imagination.”
“How the devil do you suppose I do that?” She asked in frustration.
“That’s easy. Picture me doing the most sinful things to you…things I know you’ve thought about every waking moment since our night in the meadow, and then write about it.”
Deena’s body reacted instinctively.
How does he know that I think of him?
“I must lie about you?”
Austin laughed, but it did not reach his eyes. “I’m sure it will not be a lie. I have done many things with many women, so it’ll be… somewhat true.”
Deena stared at him incredulously. “You cannot be serious and your bedroom scandal will eventually become tiring to the ton.”
“I’m deadly serious.” His voice dropped to that velvet murmur that unraveled her and every woman around him. “The ton loves sex, I should know. Give them something juicy. Something that will make your blackmailer forget to ask for proof. Something that will keep your friend safe for another week.”
“You’re unbelievable,” she hissed. “You want me to write explicit gossip about you, and I must imagine improper images of us together?”
“I want us to simply survive this.” His eyes were serious now. “And if that means painting me as the most debauched rake in England, then do it.”
Deena’s cheeks flamed. “You need to take this more seriously, Austin.”
Austin’s brows lifted. “Why?”
“Because—” She faltered, then lifted her chin. “Because velvet stains easily.”
The words hung between them.
Austin blinked, then threw his head back and laughed; the sound was rich and startling. Deena stared, mortified at his reaction.
He looked back at her, eyes dancing with genuine delight. “You should write that down in your article.”
“I’m not writing anything—”
“You absolutely should.” His voice dropped to a wicked whisper. “It’s poetically dangerous and perfectly scandalous. ‘Velvet stains easily.’ The ton will lose their minds.”
Deena’s face burned with frustration. She wanted to tell Austin that she knew about his great scandal. But people were watching and most probably listening to them. They were not safe, whether they were alone or together. This fact made her chest tighten with distress.
“I don’t believe I can have a serious conversation with you,” she said under her breath.
“You’re adorable when you’re furious.”
“I’m not—”
Dominic suddenly appeared behind Austin, pausing slightly at the sight of them. He looked from one to the other.
“Is everything all right?” he asked mildly.
Austin straightened, smoothing his expression into innocence. “Of course. We were just… discussing fabric care.”
Dominic’s brows rose. “Fabric care.”
“Yes, it’s very important,” Austin said gravely. “Velvet, especially. It stains so easily.”
Deena made a strangled sound.
Dominic looked between them again, suspicion clear.
“Right,” he said slowly. “Well. Carry on with your… discussion. I just came to offer my sister and our winner a victory drink.”
“I feel honored.” Austin mockingly bowed before Dominic.
“Don’t get used to it,” Dominic muttered. “Oh, and Selina is with the kids.” He addressed Deena. “But it seems like you’re looking better already, Dee.”
“I told you I’m all right, Dom,” she said with a small shrug.
“Yes, yes, next time I will believe you.” Dominic shook his head as he crossed his arms over his chest, clearly intending to stay.
Deena felt feverish. The secrets within her were fighting to come out, but she held them back. Austin’s eyes danced with concern while she glared at him.
“Are you unwell?” Austin asked her.
“No, I am just…flustered.”
“Ah! I have that effect on women.”
“You are the most arrogant—” she whispered under her breath so only he could hear.
“Charming,” he corrected softly.
“Incorrigible—”
“Devoted,” he countered.
“Egotistical man,” she finished breathlessly.
Austin drew back just enough to meet her gaze again, eyes dark with heat and promise. “And yet here you are, still standing far too close to me, Lady Dee.”
She stared up at him, lips parted, chest rising and falling too quickly.
He is right.
But she hadn’t moved away. Not even an inch.
Dominic cleared his throat on his return. “Congratulations, Windemere. You made the race look easy.”
Austin brushed his leg against Deena’s as he passed her; the little action was hidden under the cover of the crowd, and her breath hitched.
What is he doing to me?
“Are you sure you’re all right, Deena?” He turned at the sound of her caught breath.
“Yes, I am,” she answered too quickly.
Austin’s mischievous eyes never left hers.
“I told Dee that I chose the horse for you,” Dominic said proudly.
“Thank you, old friend, but you do know that it is I who won the race. Not your Chestnut.”
“As you say,” Dominic replied drily.
They bantered like old friends usually do, and Deena felt her heart lurch as she thought about Penelope. Panic began to settle in her chest again as she received no word from her friend.
Perhaps I should write to her again.
She turned abruptly. “I’m sorry, Dom, if you may excuse me, I need to lie down.”
“Should we follow you—”
“No, that is not necessary.”
She walked away without waiting for either of them, heart racing, body burning, the memory of Austin’s leg against hers sent searing waves through her.
One day left.
One day to decide whether to destroy him or let him destroy her. And she didn’t know which frightened her more.