Whatever arrangement Matthew had with him was toxic. Somehow, she didn’t imagine that hecouldturn down Duke Kendall’s requests. Not without lingering and disastrous consequences to his entire family.
Herfamily.
A knock at the door startled her. Her rush of excitement fell flat when Don Lorenzo walked in.
“Buenas noches.”He leered at her, then down at the chess set. “Playing with yourself this evening?”
Jasmine grit her teeth. “Tread carefully. I broke the nose of the last man who touched me without permission. I’d hate to do it again.”
“Mi amor, pero qué lenguaje tan vulgar.” With genuine distaste, hespat, “Lord Rothwell is a fool. You cannot tame an Arabian by beating it. You must persuade it to yield. Prove yourself as its master.”
“I’m not a horse, Don Lorenzo, and I don’t yield.”
“That’s what I like about you,Jazmín.Tienes espíritu. Think of the children we could make! Beautiful. Strong. A woman like you needs someone powerful and wealthy.”
“No,youneed that,” she parried. “How are your fields,Conde?”
“Thriving.” He curled his lip. “I’m in no need of your dowry,Princesa.I offer you riches and influence in the land of your blood.”
“England is the land of my blood, too!”She snapped to her feet. “As I’ve said multiple times,Don Lorenzo, I will not marry you.”
He approached a step closer, and she stood her ground.
“Use your brain.” He tapped his temple. “Think of yourabuelo. His granddaughter, acondesa. He is…¿Cómo se dice eso en inglés?”He crossed his arms and pondered. “A commoner?”
“Myabuelowill be satisfied when his great grandchildren areviscounts,” she hissed. “Now get out.”
“Escuché una historia interesante.” He moved closer until he stood an arm’s length away from her. “A shameful story of a poor winemaker whosoldhis daughter—”
“I said get out!”
“All of their pain and sacrifice and you waste it.Eres egoísta.”
“The lady told you to leave,” a deep voice cut in, drawing their attention to the door.
Matthew entered the room as if he owned it, moving to stand in front of Jasmine. He glowered at Don Lorenzo. “If I have to tell you, I won’t be so nice.”
“Lord Lincolnshire,” Don Lorenzo sang, arms open like welcoming a friend. “I’ve been meaning to speak with you. You see, I’ve learned a lot about you this week. Many have given me their opinion, but Lady Ravenshaw in particular hadmuchto say.”
Matthew scoffed. “Doesn’t surprise me.”
“Curious to know what she said,Jazmín?” Don Lorenzo spoke around Matthew. As if imparting a secret, he whispered, “Que él es un pervertido sin vergüenza.”
“Pervert?!” Matthew spat. He stomped forward and pointed at Don Lorenzo. “The pervert here isyou. When a lady says no a man stops!”
“One cannot be a man if he has no soul.” Don Lorenzo laughed. “The devil will greet you when you die,Asesino de Lincolnshire. My hands are clean.”
“Your hands will bebrokenif you come near my fiancée again. Remember this,a damned man is a dangerous one,” he snarled. “I can’t be sent to hell twice.”
“Enough!” Jasmine stepped between the two. She pointed at Don Lorenzo, then jabbed her finger toward the door. “Out!”
He raised his arms as if in surrender and backed away. “We’ll speak later,Jazmín.” He smirked at Matthew. “You as well,Asesino.”
When Don Lorenzo exited the room, Matthew turned to Jasmine. Shoulders shaking, he seethed, “How is that weasel still under your roof?”
“Mother said we can’t remove him without political consequences for the entire nation.” She sighed. “And he hasn’t touched me.”
“Not yet!” he snapped. “Blast it. I can’t protect you fromanythingin here.”
