“I don’t think you have the funds. But I’m certain your wife would be far more effective than you with her connections. I’m certain you gained access to a dowry and funds settled on her.” Rothwell challenged. “Perhaps I should call on your pretty little wife and discuss the matter with her.”
Graham shoved the man into the alley and pinned him against the brick wall. “You won’t go anywhere near her.”
“You are of the mind that you have the upper hand here, Powis.”
“What’s to stop me from ending you right here and now?” Graham growled, pushing his forearm tighter into the man’s neck. He had never punched anyone before Rothwell, but he would do a great many things if it meant Diana remained safe.
Rothwell laughed, between choking for air. “You’re stupider thanyou appear.”
Graham loosened his hold on the man’s neck, but still kept him against the wall. “How do you figure that?”
“Do you think this ends if I disappear? I have men that will make sure you pay. And they won’t practice the same restraint as me when it comes to making you suffer through using your new wife’s body to make their point.”
Graham cut off the man’s breath again. He could hardly see through his rage. “Do not mention my wife again.”
Rothwell shoved him back and fought to catch his breath. Then he started laughing again. “The offer still stands if you want her to earn five thousand pounds on her back. And her knees, and stomach. But since you can’t keep your hands to yourself, my men get a turn, too.”
Unable to stop himself, Graham unleashed punch after punch into the man’s face. Rothwell fought back, shoving Graham back against the wall, pinning him so that he couldn’t move and then snarled in his face. “You’re going to regret that. Now get me my money. And if you think to try to run. We’ll find you both.”
Graham heaved and he knew what he had to do. This wouldn’t end until he had paid Rothwell. He’d get him the funds and then he and Diana would go to the country for a while so Rothwell could move on to harass someone else. And he could hire guards to ensure Diana remained safe until he could be certain the threat had passed.
“I have your money,” Graham seethed. “Wait here and I will bring you the bank draft.”
Rothwell released him and stepped back, giving him a satisfied grin. “There. Was that so difficult? I knew you would see things my way.”
Graham lumbered away from the alley and composed himself just before he stepped back onto the main street. He was thankful he had been wearing gloves, but his fist throbbed.
He had no choice in what he was about to do. Diana wouldn’t besafe until Rothwell was paid. The blackguard was a low life who wouldn’t cease in making their lives miserable until he had his money.
He only had one option to get Rothwell what he wanted.
Diana’s dowry.
The thought of using even a single pound of the money from her dowry made him want to cast up his accounts. He’d told her he didn’t need her dowry to pay any debts. And he had meant it at the time. If that second property would have sold in enough time, it wouldn’t have come to this. But he can’t risk Rothwell getting the mind to corner her.
It would just be ten thousand pounds, and he’d return it as soon as he had the proceeds from the Devon property.
His hands shook as he walked toward the bank, each step feeling like it was a step closer to losing Diana. By the time he reached the bank his nerves were shot. If he thought he had any other way, he would take it.
He left with the bank draft for Rothwell and returned to the alley as quickly as he could so he could be done with the mess.
Rothwell was exactly where Graham had left him, examining his fingernails with his bruised and bloodied face.
“Forty-five thousand pounds,” Graham said, throwing the bank draft at the man’s feet. “We’re finished.”
Rothwell bent to retrieve the draft, pleased with himself. “Well, well. See what a man can accomplish when he puts his mind to it.”
“It’s done. Stay away from my wife.”
“You don’t think she might like to know what her husband has been up to?” Rothwell tucked the draft into his waistcoat. “And you bloodied my face, and expect I should just let that go?”
Graham stepped forward, clenching his fists. “If you go near her—”
“You’ll what?” Rothwell straightened his coat, seemingly unconcerned by Graham’s threat.
Graham drew a deep breath and raised his hands to indicate hewouldn’t attack him again. “You have your money. Our business is done.”
“As long as you stay out of my way.” Rothwell said, turning to walk the other way, but then turned back for one last taunt. “Do give my regards to the lovely Lady Powis.”
