The Dark One by Ronda Thompson Page A

to account over the matter regardless of Lydia’s request, she keep silent, Rosalind instead found herself immediately on the defensive.
    â€œIt was by accident that I ran into Lord Wulf in the hallway at Lady Pratt’s tea,” she said. “I would have certainly never purposely sought him out after the warning you issued.”
    Franklin lifted a brow. She knew that even if he didn’t show it on the outside, he was secretly pleased to walk into a room and immediately have her babbling about her innocence like a spineless ninny. Fear had turned her into a coward. But Rosalind couldn’t keep silent regarding the maid.
    â€œAnd . . . and you mustn’t touch Lydia again.”
    Her demand wiped the smug expression from her stepbrother’s face. “What has that little whore been telling you?”
    Rosalind unconsciously took a step back when he approached. “She- I—that is . . . ” She forced herself to stand still. “She accidentally let it slip that you haddemanded rights from her that are not yours to demand, Franklin. She said that she was unwilling and that you forced her.”
    He reached out and grabbed her shoulders, digging his strong fingers into her flesh. Rosalind winced, but she refused to cower.
    â€œThe servants in this house are none of your affair,” he bit out. “Are you going to take the word of a maid, a whore, over my word? I can tell you now that she came sneaking into my bed, hoping to earn a few more coins. I took nothing that she wasn’t willing to give. How dare you confront me on such an issue! You have no say here, Rosalind, not beneath my roof!”
    The harder his fingers dug into her skin, the harder it was for Rosalind to remain strong in the face of her enemy. And Franklin was her enemy. She had no doubts about that. His fingers dug deeper, and Rosalind couldn’t stop the moan that escaped her lips. “I understand,” she whispered. “Please, Franklin, you’re hurting me.”
    As if it took almost more will than he possessed, Franklin released her and turned his back. “You sorely try my temper. You keep forgetting that you are in a circumstance far different from the one you once knew. Your father threw me out, you know? I rather like the idea of being able to throw you out, or to the dogs, or to do anything I damn well please.”
    â€œThat was a long time ago,” Rosalind reminded him, rubbing the stinging places on her shoulders. “I was a child; you were a young man barely out of short pants. I had nothing to do with you and your mother leaving. In fact, I cried when the duchess told me she had to go. I’ve held a fondness for your mother all these years. That’s why I came with you, remember, to see her?”
    â€œOf course I know you were fond of her, and she of you. That’s why I knew you would come. You walkedright into my trap. Little idiot,” he insulted her. “Now, back to more urgent matters. Tomorrow morning you will accompany me and Penmore next door to Lord Wulf’s pride and joy. His stable. I hope we don’t have any more problems between you and Lord Wulf. I’d hate to have to thrash him. As I told Penmore, Wulf was quite frightened of me when I warned him off.”
    Rosalind held her tongue, but she seriously doubted that her stepbrother could frighten Armond Wulf. At the moment, she would say anything to have Franklin leave her alone. Rarely did they spend time together that she didn’t manage to enrage him.
    â€œIf you wish me to be there, I will,” she said. “May I see your mother this afternoon? I’ve been lax in my visits and wish to make amends.”
    Franklin shrugged. “I suppose if you must. I’ve just had tea fixed and taken up to her. A special blend she was always fond of. Do give her my best.”
    The way he said the parting remark was sarcastic, but Rosalind was too happy to see him leave to care.