Free 50 Ways to Ruin a Rake by Jade Lee Page B

that he didn’t fear he’d break her. Made a man think of all sorts of potential acrobatic feats.
    â€œDamn,” he muttered. “I’m getting my stink all over you.”
    She chuckled. “I’ve been in worse, I assure you.”
    He glanced at her, wondering how that was possible.
    â€œWhen you’re not here, whom do you suppose helps my father with his experiments? Who holds the sheep while he applies his tick cream? Who—”
    â€œGood God,” he exclaimed, truly appalled. “I’d assumed it was the servants.”
    â€œOnly sometimes. He says I have the keener eye for detail—”
    â€œBut—”
    â€œAnd a scientific mind to help him analyze the progress of his work.”
    She sounded proud of the fact, and well she should. After all, praise from her father was rare indeed, and he recalled beaming for a whole month after one of the man’s compliments. “But he still should hire someone else to hold the sheep.”
    She chuckled. “He shall have to now, if I am to head to London with you.”
    Trevor smiled, liking the idea of her in London with him. He wanted to see her in silks and jewels. And he should like very much introducing her to the many entertainments offered in London. “I shall take you to the Royal Theater. You will love—”
    â€œLondon!” squeaked Ronnie from a step behind them. “Whyever would you go there?”
    Trevor grinned, relishing the idea of putting the man in his place. With his most arrogant expression, he shot Ronnie a glare. “She is my fiancée, man. Did you think I would hide such a jewel in this backward county? We are to London where she will learn how to be a duchess.”
    â€œA duchess!” Ronnie squawked.
    Did the man know nothing? “I am grandson to the Duke of Timby.” He barely held back the “you idiot.” It was a second later when he realized that of course Ronnie knew who he was, but apparently, he wanted to be sure everyone else knew the supposed reason Mellie had chosen him over her cousin.
    True to the drama in the man’s head, Ronnie’s mouth flattened into a disapproving line. “How could you, Mellie?” he asked in a loud hiss. “How could you betray everything—destiny, love, everything—for a title? You are nothing but a money-grubbing—”
    His hurt ankle be damned. Trevor lifted off Mellie and punched Ronnie right in the mouth. The crowd had started to disburse, but at his action, they all halted and turned back. If Ronnie wanted a passion play, then by all means, let them have it.
    â€œI am Trevor Harrison Anaedsley, grandson to the Duke of Timby,” he said in ringing tones. “And after my father, I will be the duke. Miss Melinda Smithson is to be my bride and in good time a duchess. If any man dare insult her again, be assured I shall do more than toss them into the shite. I shall run them through with my sword.” He lifted his gaze and looked all around. “Do you all hear and understand?”
    One by one, he saw people dip their chin and nod. A few even said, “Yes, Yer Grace,” as if he had already inherited the title. His last heavy stare was for Ronnie, who had just regained his equilibrium.
    With the sun at his back and his fists bunched, it was never more clear the differences between the two. Ronnie was two stone heavier and had a great deal more skill with his fists than Trevor ever guessed. Worse, the skill came not only from size, but from intelligence. He’d wager Ronnie was smarter than the average buffoon and a good deal cagier as well. And from the look of absolute hatred on his face, he wasn’t going to give up Mellie without a fight.
    It didn’t matter. Mellie was never, ever going to marry this man. Trevor swore it on everything he held dear.
    â€œDo you understand?” he repeated, his gaze locked on Ronnie’s. “She is my