The Treasure Hunter's Lady by Allison Merritt

cry foul and have him removed from the estate.
    “Miss Farrington, I frightened you. My apologies.” Woefield’s voice was every bit as oily as his uncle’s. “May I call you Romancia?”
    The rapid gallop of Romy’s heart slowed. The way he said her name made it sound almost indecent. She fought to keep her face neutral as she took in his crooked smile and flat eyes.
    “Apology accepted, Mr. Woefield. However, I think it might be best if we didn't forgo formalities for now.”
    His hand tightened on her elbow. “I was hoping we could use this time to get better acquainted. I’m sure my uncle and your father would agree.”
    What gave him the idea that she wanted to spend time with him? “That’s a very nice idea, sir, but I’m afraid I have to decline your invitation. Have you by chance seen my father? I’ve had a rather difficult day and I’d like to go home since his big announcement is finished.”
    Woefield’s brow furrowed. “Yes, he and Uncle retired to another room to discuss business. They may be a while yet. I’m more than happy to listen to your difficulties, pet.”
    With his free hand, he caressed her from wrist to the elbow he clasped. Romy’s stomach tightened with disgust.
    “I would really rather not. Perhaps you could alert our driver and have him take me home.” She forced each word through her clenched teeth.
    Anger flared in his eyes and his grip tightened enough to make her gasp. “But you consented to dance with that fool earlier? I saw the flirtatious looks you gave him. You probably thought you were being subtle, but no man could ignore the way you acted. I'm surprised he's not sniffing around, trying to get you out of that hideous dress.”
    Woefield leered at her and lowered his mouth to her ear. His hand slipped up her arm to cup the back of her neck. His eyes seemed to burn into her cleavage. “There’s no need to be frightened of me, dearest. You must know I find the prospect of having such an untamed woman in my bed very exciting. Eventually your temper will subside, but until that day, I intend to enjoy every second of unbridled passion you bring me. Oh, I’d much rather have you without the confines of marriage given your reputation, but I’ll turn you around in society’s eyes in the end.”
    Romy’s jaw fell open. “You presumptuous bastard!”
    With all the force she could muster, she stomped on the top of his foot. He let out a howl that almost shattered her eardrums. The music died away with a shriek of bows against strings and the entire room turned to look at them.
    Woefield’s hands fell off her body in a hurry. He limped back a few steps, red in the face with fury and pain. Romy straightened her shoulders, prepared to tell everyone in listening distance what he’d said to her, but he shot a glare at the guests and the dancing resumed as if nothing had happened.
    “You’re already mine, pet. Uncle Andrew promised I could have you and have you I will. It's a matter of time. Then we'll see who's in charge.” Woefield hobbled away, cursing under his breath.
    “Take Wincie or Sara. Or both of them for all I care, as long as I don’t ever have to suffer your touch again.” She wished she hadn’t put the Lighthouser away. One solid tap on the head and he’d forget her like yesterday's dinner. All she’d managed to do was make him angry and more determined to claim her.
    If there was any fairness in the world, someone would back up the story about Woefield accosting her and report it to her father. The way she’d suddenly become invisible didn’t bode well. She had to get home before Woefield came back for another round and Abel had a chance to recover what she’d robbed him of.
    Gardner was sitting with the other carriage drivers on the other side of the iron-fenced street. Romy gestured to him from the end of the drive. He didn’t bother with good-byes to his friends as he came toward her. She never gave much thought to him, other than when she