Morgan cleared his throat. “Do you want me to go down and tell everyone that the wedding is off?”
Adrian focused on his twin, realizing for the first time that Gabriel was not with him. “Where’s Gabriel?” he asked, ignoring his brother’s question. “He’s probably upset. I need to go to him.”
“The child?” Morgan frowned. “I left him with Anne and the children. Who is he to you?”
“He’s my... son.” The word felt strange on his tongue. Strange but surprisingly pleasant. “I adopted him.”
“You did what?” Lucien’s voice rose in obvious confusion. “Why would you do something like that without telling us? What do you even know about him?”
“I know enough,” Adrian answered stubbornly. He took a deep breath and met Lucien’s concerned gaze. “I’m still marrying Vanessa.”
Morgan made a sound of angry frustration. “After everything she’s done? The blackmail? Finding out she was Roger’s wh—”
“Shut up.” Adrian pinned his brother with a furious glare. “Don’t say it. You know nothing about it. Roger... he hurt her. That’s all you need to know. She was just a child, and he... hurt her.”
Lucien sighed, and even Morgan had the good grace to look away.
“You’re not Robin Hood,” Lucien told him quietly. “You can’t save everyone. I know you have strong feelings for this woman, but perhaps you could at least postpone the wedding? You’re not thinking clearly right now. I’ve never seen you this way.”
Adrian ran his hand through his hair, wondering if he looked as distraught as he felt. No wonder they were worried about him. He didn’t know how to explain it to them. He didn’t fully understand it himself. “I have to marry her. I just... need her.”
“You’re in love with her.” Morgan gave a huff of exasperated laughter, his entire demeanor changing. “Christ, I never thought I’d see the day. Why didn’t you just say so?”
Adrian clenched his jaw, refusing to admit it. Even to himself. “Let’s go downstairs. I have to check on Gabriel.”
His brothers followed him without further comment. They might not agree with his choice, but one thing he knew for certain was that they’d support him, whatever their reservations.
Chapter Sixteen
Roger stood on thesidewalk outside his stepbrother’s townhouse, shaking with fury. He couldn’t believe that he’d been thrown out by Morgan of all of them. He rubbed his throat, humiliated. He hadn’t thought the mealy-mouthed little twit had it in him.
Squaring his shoulders, he straightened his cravat and headed for his coach.
It didn’t matter. He’d achieved what he’d come for.
Adrian would never marry Vanessa now that he knew she was one of Roger’s castoffs. His pride would never allow him to take his hated stepbrother’s leavings.
