Page 81 of How to Best a Marquess

Chapter Twenty-Four

Ellie was in a torment of misery. She sat at her dressing table, cradled her head in her hands, dug her fingers into her hair, and cried. She tried not to look at the trunks in the corner of her room. She’d stay until after the birth of Grace’s babe, but meanwhile, her maid had been helping her pack.

Hugh might not have told her brother the specifics, but Ian would learn the truth. She had no doubt that he would soon learn everything—her partnership with Violet Lasher, the secret bedchamber, the extent of their efforts in sending Lady Willoughby away from her abusive husband.

Her life was over. She’d never step foot into the Raven Club, never hear the crack of the dice on the hazard table, the spinning of a roulette wheel, never watch a boxing match. She’d never see the growing success of her efforts. Never maintain a ledger. Never experience the freedom of donning a mask, concealing one’s identity, and roaming an exciting underworld of pleasure.

When would she learn? Why must she fall prey to a pair of green eyes and a charming smile? The pain in her heart became a fiery gnawing.

He was a rake of the worst sort.

And she had allowed herself to trust him, to love him, to hope for a future with him once again.

Idiot.

She’d be relegated to the country, grow old strolling the gardens in the earldom’s vast estate, and no doubt die of boredom.

To think, she had been so close to achieving her dreams of independence. If the Marquess of Deveril had never set foot in the ring, had never barged into her life and seduced and betrayed her, she would not be in this position.

Tears ran down her cheeks. She hadn’t been a weeping female since she was eighteen and Hugh had broken her heart.

Twice now she’d cried. Both times had been because of the same man.

When would she ever learn?

He’d won. He’d come for the Raven and would leave with it. She was left with nothing but a bleak future. And a broken heart.

Despite everything, she had fallen in love with the man.

Fool.He had never truly wanted her.

A low knock sounded on her door. “Go away.”

“It’s me. Olivia.”

Her sister opened the door and took one look at her. “Oh, Ellie. Did the marquess do it again?”

“He asked me to marry him.”

“He did?”

“It’s not what you think. He only asked because he believes it’s the only way to protect me. And when that didn’t work, he told Ian I was involved in dangerous activity.”

“Were you?”

“Yes. But that’s not the point. He thinks he can control me, that he knows what’s right for me. Just like he did years ago when he arranged for me to find him kissing Isabelle.” She hiccupped as fat tears rolled down her cheeks. “How can I hate him and love him at the same time? What does that say about me?”

“Oh, Ellie,” Olivia said again.

Ellie’s response was a muffled sob. Olivia sat on the edge of the bed and hugged her as she wept.

…

“The Raven Club is officially yours.”

Hugh glanced at the document in his hands. He was in the office of the Raven Club with his solicitor, Mr. Isaac Greenstone, and Lord Castleton. Moments before, he’d signed his name on the deed.

He’d won.