Page 54 of My Dangerous Duke

“Good,” Xander approved in a sharp tone.

“Now you leave my family alone,” he continued, “and that includes my wife. She does not belong to you any way anymore, do you understand? You, nor anyone else of your household will not come near us ever again.”

“You deserve so much crueler punishment than what I am going to give you,” Eleanor stated, her voice turning cold as she turned her full attention to her father, “But I refuse to be like you.”

She put a gentle hand on Xander’s arm and he lowered his fist. His gaze had filled with hatred as he once more turned to Victor, and he sent her father a silent warning to keep his calm.

“In a few weeks’ time, you will receive a letter from White’s, casting you off their list of members. If you make a fuss, I will make sure to humiliate you in the Ton. As my husband said, you will stay away from us. For if you do not, it will be I that will be blackmailingyou,father.”

She took a step closer to him, raising her chin in defiance as she met his hate-filled gaze with a fearless expression.

“I know ofmanyof your misdeeds, Papa,” she said threateningly, his face paling even more, “I will only be too happy to bring them to light.”

“No one would believe you,” he hissed, dark red veins appearing in the whites of his eyes.

“Perhaps not,” Eleanor said with a shrug. “But they will believe my husband. He might be known as a brutish man, but he is still very respected and trusted among many. His words have much weight, Father.”

“Now laugh,” Xander commanded from Eleanor’s side before Victor could muster another reply.

“Then hug your daughter. Say loudly that you are sorry for the confusion, and get in your carriage. Then go home, wait for your letter, and speak of this to no one.”

Victor’s face turned various shades of red and purple as he seemed to desperately think of a way out of the trap. Finally, though, he seemed to realize he had no choice but to comply. He drew in a shaky breath, let out a convincing laugh, and said the words verbatim and with gusto as he gave Eleanor the lightest of hugs. They too dawned their own bright smiles, feigning amusement and forgiveness, and let Victor walk toward his carriage. Most of the people gathered frowned as thescene ended with no more drama, and within seconds, it had dispersed.

“To the carriage?” Xander asked, offering Eleanor his arm as they watched Victor drive away.

Eleanor felt dizzy with euphoria as she slipped her arm over his, and hugged herself to his side. Xander leaned down as they walked, brushing a kiss atop her head. She had done it. She had taken control of her life just as she had always wanted, and she hadsucceeded.

“You did wonderfully, Honey,” he praised, his hot breath sending shivers down her neck as he whispered into her ear. “How do you feel?”

“Free,” she breathed, then opened her eyes to look at him. “Freer than I have ever felt.”

Xander’s eyes shined with pure love and admiration as he stood in the rain with her, pulling her into his arms.

“And what do you wish to do with your new freedom?” He asked, grazing his knuckle ever so softly across her cheek.

“Spend it with you,” she replied, meeting his gaze with the same intensity.

There, in the rain, on the street, Eleanor and Xander sealed their lips in a passionate kiss; neither of them caring what anyone thought or saw.

Chapter 25

A Few Days Later

“Iam just happy to see that you and Rhys have mended things so quickly,” Eleanor laughed, leaning into Xander fully as he led her through the front door of Larsen Hall.

“He had nothing more to complain about,” Xander replied, giving her a sly smile as he scooped her into his arms. “He did not have to thong me, and I replaced the rug you and I ruined the night we made up.”

“Things did get a little messy, didn’t they?” Eleanor asked mirthfully, her eyes bright.

Visions of that night exploded in Xander’s head, and he smiled wickedly.

“Indeed, they did,” he agreed, his body stirring to life. “Why do we head upstairs and try some more of that?”

Eleanor bit at his neck in response, he walked even more quickly toward the stairs.

“There you are!” the dowager’s voice rang through the foyer, stopping him three steps up.

“Apologies, Grandmother, but can this wait for another time?” He asked absently, taking another step. “We have some… marital matters to discuss.”