Free His Perfect Game by Jenn Langston Page A

matters.”
    “But he neglects the dukedom.”
    “Don’t say such things. He is a wonderful duke. Over the years, he gained the ability to manage his property from afar. One day I hope to be just like him.”
    Seeing the hero worship in her brother’s eyes, Abigail kept her opinion to herself. Father had always treated him differently than he treated her. To keep his true nature hidden from Braiden, their father took pains to separate him from the family. Seeing their father treat Braiden kindly was another knife to Abigail’s heart. Obviously he could be kind and caring but chose only to show that to his heir.
    “How long will you be here?”
    “He came for your wedding,” her father answered for him. “We are pleased Braiden could spare himself at all. I trust you haven’t left any matters outstanding for this journey.”
    “Certainly not, Father. As you taught me, I have ensured everything will run smoothly in my absence.”
    As the two men continued on with estate business, Abigail kept her head down. Not only did the conversation not require her input, but remaining unnoticed in her father’s presence always served her better.
    “How is Mother? I expected her to greet me.”
    “She has been unwell lately. I believe it has something to do with the bad fall she suffered the other day.”
    Abigail’s head snapped up. She had not heard of her mother sustaining an injury due to a fall. Her father must have gotten to her when she wasn’t there to help. Suddenly her stomach rolled. Had her mother silently prayed she would arrive and save her as usual?
    Bolstered by the idea that her mother needed her, Abigail shot to her feet. Braiden stood with a gentle but questioning smile where her father glared at her as if annoyed by the reminder of her presence.
    “Please excuse me.” She curtsied and left the room before her father could say anything to make her stay.
    Walking straight to the duchess’s chambers, Abigail only paused long enough to knock. As expected, her mother silently sat in a chair looking out the window. Observing people passing by with their happy faces had become a favorite pastime. Many times Abigail had joined her, but at the moment the activity seemed sad and lonely.
    As she stepped forward and took her customary seat, her mother didn’t acknowledge her. They sat in silence as she tried to think of the right words to say. A weak sigh broke the silence, forcing Abigail’s planned words to crumble.
    “I’m sorry I wasn’t there,” Abigail blurted out, imploring her to understand.
    Slowly her mother faced her, a blank expression in her eyes. “You were not supposed to be.”
    “But I can protect you,” Abigail promised, needing her mother to believe her. “I’m young and—”
    “Stop.” Her mother closed her eyes as her hand clutched her chest. “It isn’t your responsibility. I never should have let things get this far, but I’m just so afraid.”
    The pain in her face tore at Abigail’s heart. “Why? Why does he do this to us?” The words were ripped from her. It was a question she asked herself many times over but never had the courage to voice. Even as it constantly ran through her mind, she didn’t want to know the answer. She could not handle to hear this was the way life worked.
    “I don’t know. I have always wanted to protect you, to shield you from him, but my attempts only enraged him further.”
    They sat in silence, sharing the painful memories. Abigail knew her escape quickly approached, but with her gone, how would her mother survive? Would she ever see her again? Tears stung the back of her eyes, but she refused to allow them to fall. She had to be strong for her mother.
    Abigail felt a prick of conscience. She had not made it known that she would be living in the country after her wedding. Each time she’d tried, the words would not come. Now, with the wedding so close, she had to tell her. Knowing she would cause her mother more pain brought distress, but