Free Pursued By The Viscount by Carole Mortimer Page A

brought about her ruination? Until then, he obviously intended to keep his threat to make her life as miserable as possible.
    She dropped onto the sofa, her legs shaking so much, they would no longer support her. “And if I refuse?”
    Pale eyes mocked her. “You will not refuse.”
    “What purpose will it serve to end my…friendship with Brooketon?”
    “You do not deserve to know happiness when I have none,” he answered bitterly.
    Rachel shook her head. “You could surely have found yourself another lover this past year—”
    “As you have done?”
    “James is dead—”
    “He will never be dead to me!” He surged to his feet. “You may be able to eagerly spread your legs for every man that shows the slightest interest in you, but James was the only lover I ever wanted or needed.”
    Rachel had no answer to that. She had never loved James. The opposite; his callous and cruel behavior toward her had ensured she hated him. Perhaps he had been different with his lover, but to her, he had always been a cold, remorseless man who showed her little or no consideration. She had felt none of the sorrow at his death this man obviously did, nor did she feel any now.
    Her mouth firmed as she gave another shake of her head. “I will not do it.”
    “Oh, but you will.” He waved the dozen or so letters in her face. So near and yet so far away. “You will write Brooketon a letter telling him that your affair was a mistake and you do not wish to see him again. You will do it now, in my presence, after which you will hand it to your butler to be delivered immediately.” His expression was cold and unrelenting.
    “Lucien—Brooketon would not believe it if I wrote such a letter.” Rachel spoke more confidently than she felt.
    She and Lucien had parted on good terms last night, but that was no reason to think he would not believe she might have had second thoughts today and decided to put an end to the affair. She had already told Lucien she had decided not to accept his offer of help regarding the return of her letters and refused to tell him the name of her blackmailer. Even knowing both these things, Lucien would have no way of knowing the two were connected with her bringing an end to their friendship.
    “I believe he will.” Her tormentor had obviously seen the doubt in her expression.
    Difficult to believe that a short time ago, she had been feeling so happy. Full of anticipation for this evening, and that suitable amusement Lucien had planned for her.
    Gone now.
    All gone.

    Lucien scowled as he sat behind his desk and read Rachel’s letter for the fifth time in as many minutes. It was a very brief letter comprised of only two sentences.  
    Yesterday evening was a mistake. We will not meet in private again.
    His name, Brooketon, was written at the top of the page, and she had signed it formally at the bottom as Lady Rachel Shaw.  
    Lucien appreciated that everyone was entitled to change their mind or opinion. He had done so himself where Rachel was concerned, and no longer believed her to be a frivolous flirt. But she had seemed so happy when they parted last night, eager for the two of them to meet again this evening.
    What could have happened to change her mind?
    Had she, with hindsight, genuinely regretted their intimacy?
    Or had something, or someone, changed her mind for her…?
    He looked up as a knock sounded on his study door and Stephens, his butler, entered to cross the room and stand stiffly in front of Lucien’s desk.
    “Another letter has been delivered by hand, my lord.”
    Lucien took the letter from the silver tray, disappointed when he failed to recognize the handwriting on the front of it. He had hoped Rachel had changed her mind yet again.
    There was no seal on the letter either, only the single sheet of cheap paper folded in on itself, and his name written on the front.
    “Thank you, Stephens.” He waited until the butler had left the room before unfolding the sheet of paper, narrowing