Page 55 of Courting Claudia
With that he pulled her to him and pressed his mouth against hers. There was no tenderness or sweeping passion in his kiss, rather it was filled with anger and spite. She pushed against him, but to no avail. He continued his assault on her, pushing his tongue against her closed mouth.
She wanted to scream, but his mouth against hers and the bile rising in her throat made it impossible to do so. Tears pricked her eyes, and she kicked at him as best she could with the hindrance of her skirts.
Oh God, how could she get out of this?
And then he was gone, off her as fast as he’d advanced. She opened her eyes and found Richard slammed facedown onto the blue carpet with Derrick hovering above him. He held Richard’s head by a handful of hair.
“If I ever catch you again with your hands on Claudia, I will kill you. Is that understood?” His voice was low and even-toned, which made it all the more chilling. He meant those words, and fear and pride rivaled in Claudia’s blood. She didn’t know what to feel.
“Get off me!” Richard said, his words muffled by the angle of his head.
“Apologize to Miss Prattley.” Derrick jammed his knee into Richard’s back.
“I’m sorry,” his words came out in a grunt.
Derrick released him, and Richard climbed to his feet. He wiped at the blood dripping from his jaw.
He gave a chilling smile. There was something horrible in this man that somehow she’d missed. “I know why you’re marrying her, Middleton. Got another news story?”
“What the devil are you talking about?”
Richard’s eyes narrowed. He looked from Derrick to her and then back again. “You don’t know, do you?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t report anymore. I run the paper; I don’t write anymore.”
“Well, in that case, if you want the story of your life—let me know. The story that will explain all the mysteries from your last piece. I’ll sell it to you.”
“Do you think I’m a fool? The last story you fed me was a pack of lies.”
Richard nodded. “I will admit to that. But this time, it’s the truth. This time, I’m not working for anyone. It’s only me.” He shrugged. “As I said, if you’re interested, let me know.”
He left them standing alone.
“Did he hurt you?” Derrick cupped Claudia’s face and searched her skin for any markings.
“No, I’m fine.” The rush of emotions nearly overwhelmed her. She blinked back tears. “I had no idea he could behave that way.”
“Of course you didn’t. He was always on his best behavior. And it is not in your nature to see the less perfect side of people.”
“The two of you have more of a past than I thought.”
“Yes, well, as I told you before, I know things about Richard.”
“Clearly you know things my father is unaware of. Perhaps once he’s not so angry, you could talk to him, tell him what you know about Richard. Then maybe he’ll be more accepting.”
He ran his hand down her cheek. “Are you sure you’re not hurt?”
She gave him a weak smile. “I’m fine.” Tears pooled in her pretty blue eyes. She waved a hand in front of her. “I really am fine, I don’t know why I’m crying. I’m just being silly.”
“He scared you.” He pulled her to him and hugged her close.
“Yes, I suppose he did.”
“He won’t do it again.”
Derrick kissed the top of her hair, then pulled her in front of him. He kissed each eyelid, then her nose, then placed a gentle kiss on her lips.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t here sooner.”