Free Duchess of Sin by Laurel McKee

knew it wasn’t needed. His cousin’s methods were much less direct than public brawling, and he never
     dirtied his pretty hands himself.
    “I don’t know what you think you understand about me, Adair,” Grant said, “but you
will
stay away from Lady Anna.”
    “Such a storm of fury over the lady. Yet I have heard no betrothal announcements.”
    Grant’s jaw tightened. “Things are different now, Adair. Ireland will soon be a part of Great Britain, a full part, and once
     I am allied with the Killinan estate I will have as much power as you. More even, than some mere Irish title. You had best
     watch your back.”
    “As I had to today?” Conlan said, his tone deceptively bland.
    “I had nothing to do with that! But I applaud whoever did.”
    “Even if it put your fine fiancée in danger? How ruthless of you, Grant.”
    “That was your fault, Adair!” Grant shouted. His temper obviously burned hotter and hotter under that elegant surface, even
     as Conlan felt his own emotions covered with a layer of impervious ice. He couldn’t afford to give in to anger, to pummel
     Grant Dunmore as he so deserved. This was a battle that had far too much at stake.
    And he definitely could not be distracted by Anna Blacknall.
    “You’re obviously not fit for decent society, Adair, despite your high-sounding title,” Grant said. “Stay away from Lady Anna
     or…”
    “Or what?” Conlan took one slow step, then another and another toward Grant, until he stood a mere foot from his cousin. Alarm
     flared in Grant’s eyes, but to his credit he stood his ground. “Or you will challenge me to a duel, perhaps?”
    “It would give me great pleasure to call you out.”
    Conlan laughed coldly. “Don’t bother. I am no gentleman, remember? I could just shoot you in some dark alley at night, cousin,
     with no one the wiser. And I know how much you like to frequent dark alleys.”
    Grant gave him a sneer. “I am sure I have not a fraction of the knowledge of such places as you do—Your Grace. And I have
     too much honor to deal with you as you deserve. But if you dare trifle with my future wife…”
    Conlan stepped away, reaching for his horse’s reins. “I would not be so sure of Lady Anna’s intentions if I were you, Grant.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Just that there seem to be hidden depths to your golden doll that you could never fathom. I doubt she will be an easy pawn
     in your schemes.” He swung up into the saddle and turned away from Grant. “Good day, cousin. I’m sure we will meet again soon.
     I find Dublin suits me quite well.”
    Conlan rode out of the near-deserted park, leaving Grant still glaring after him. No, Anna would not be the placid, perfect
     Society wife, the pawn for ambition, that Grant expected. But could she unwittingly aid Conlan?
    It was an intriguing thought, and Conlan had to explore it further. He would do anything, use any tool to keep his people
     safe. But it was a thought that would have to wait until later. Right now, he had to track down his killer.
    Once he turned out of the gilded gates of St. Stephen’s Green, he moved away from the wide streets and pale marble mansions
     of refined Dublin and galloped toward the Liberties. His cousin was right about one thing: Conlan knew a great deal about
     dark alleyways. It was there, amid the narrow, fetid lanes and squalid nests of burrows and brothels, that his quarry would
     be found. He hoped that whoever it was enjoyed their ill-gotten coin while they could. Their moments were definitely numbered.



Chapter Six
    Y ou’re home at last! You’re very late.”
    Anna glanced up as she stepped through the front door to find Caroline hanging over the banister. She had pushed her spectacles
     atop her head, and the glass glinted in her untidy brown hair. There was an ink stain on her pale blue bodice.
    Anna almost laughed. Her sister looked just as untidy as she did herself! Who knew that such pursuits as riding in the park
     and