Free A Knight of Passion by Tarah Scott Page B

to Sir Dunbar. “The marriage is quite legal. I witnessed the vows.”
    She turned her cold stare to him. “You would stand against me?”
    Dunbar shrugged. “They are young and in love. Who is to stand in their way?”
    Bryant detected the tremor in Riana’s body and gave her a reassuring squeeze.
    “You expect me to believe such drivel?” the duchess said to Sir Dunbar.
    His expression hardened. “Why not? You believed I was easily eliminated.”
    She shifted her narrowed eyes to Riana. “What lies has the bitch been spreading?”
    Dunbar smiled. “Nothing we did not already know.”
    She shot him a withering look, then said to Bryant, “What do you want?”
    “I have what I want.”
    He shifted his gaze to Riana, who turned wary eyes on him. The need to take her in his arms and allay her fears rushed to the surface, but he dared not allow his expression to give away his thoughts. He returned his attention to the duchess.
    “I expect no dowry. Riana is mine, all she knows is mine. I need nothing more.”
    Riana’s head jerked up. Bryant kept his gaze locked with the duchess’ and silently willed his wife to remain quiet.
    “You have made a bad bargain,” the duchess snapped. “She knows nothing. She owns nothing—will never own anything.”
    “What do you mean?” Riana asked.
    The duchess looked at her. “Did your mother not tell you? She is with child.”
    Riana gasped.
    “If she bears a son, Fyvie Castle will belong to him.” A malicious gleam entered her eyes when she addressed Bryant. “You will never lay claim to Ellis land.”
    He smiled. “I am well-skilled at gaining land. I have no need of my wife’s property.”
    She pursed her lips. “I cannot be certain this marriage was consummated.”
    “Your men interrupted the…consummation,” Sir Dunbar said.
    “I am told Riana had Sir Bryant’s cock in her mouth. That is not a true consummation.”
    “As true as any other.” His mentor winked in Bryant’s direction. “If Your Grace will excuse me, I have business to attend to.”
    She spared him a glance, then he bowed and turned.
    Once the door had clicked shut behind Sir Dunbar, Bryant said, “I understand this is a shock, but you did not expect Riana to remain in your house forever? We will return home tonight, she, her sister, and I.”
    “Her sister?” the duchess burst out.
    Riana tensed, but Bryant gave her a warning squeeze. “You understand that Riana cannot bear to be parted from the girl.”
    “She remains here. And as for Riana, my husband will decide if this marriage can be recognised.”
    “I am sorry you were not present,” Bryant said. “Perhaps then you would be assured the marriage is legal. Father Vaughn will produce the marriage contract. Of course, Riana was previously married, so we can offer no proof the marriage has been consummated. As there were no witnesses…” He paused for affect.
    Her brow furrowed then, as he’d hoped, comprehension lit her gaze. “I only want what is best for Riana,” she said.
    He canted his head in agreement.
    “If anyone challenges the marriage…” Her shoulders rose and fell in a helpless shrug. “My husband will be thorough in assuring everything is legal.”
    “What might we do to satisfy him—and anyone else who might choose to interfere?”
    She appeared to give the question thought, then said, “It is unorthodox, but if there was a witness…” Her words trailed off.
    Riana’s sharp intake of breath was like a knife to his heart. He considered changing course, but remembered Sir Dunbar, already risking his life to rescue the younger Lady Ellis. To quit now was to ensure his death. There was no turning back. Bryant looked down at his wife. Tears shimmered in her eyes. His heart twisted. She would thank him for saving her sister, but would she forgive him for inviting the duchess to watch while he fucked her?

Chapter Thirteen

    Riana stared, unable to tear her gaze from her husband’s handsome face. She had