A Rake's Ruin (Devilish Lords #1)(4)

She turned to her brother’s friend, truly looking at him for the first time since she’d approached. She’d ignored him on purpose. Standing so close to Galwin had always made her uncomfortable, not just because of his constant teasing and mockery, but because he was too handsome for his own good. And he knew it.

That was what made her so uncomfortable. She didn’t mind being around handsome men, in general, but with Galwin it was different. He was different. He held himself with a confidence that bordered on arrogance.

That conceited air made her spine stiffen. “Where is he going?” she demanded.

If Galwin was shocked by her uncharacteristic display of anger—or any emotion other than docile simpering, for that matter—he didn’t let on. His mocking smile never faltered as he leaned over so only she could hear. “I’m taking him to a gaming hell, if you must know.”

Her eyes widened. He wouldn’t dare.

But yes, of course he would. This was Galwin, the notorious rake and the man who’d helped lead her brother down a path of moral weakness, despite the fact that Jed clearly did not have the temperament for gambling and that his actions very nearly destroyed his family.

All the old anger and frustration came back in full force. It was because of this man and others of his ilk that the burden of saving the family had fallen to her. As if she hadn’t had enough pressure from her parents when they were alive, that heavy responsibility intensified a million times over upon their death.

And all thanks to this man.

That’s not quite fair, a voice of reason reminded her. Her brother was a grown man and more than capable of making his own decisions.

But clearly he had not been capable. Anyone in their right mind could see that he had a sickness. She narrowed her eyes at Galwin now, taking in the keen, observant eyes and the knowing smirk.

The man might be a lot of things, but he was not stupid. Surely he’d seen her brother’s problem and yet he’d done nothing to help. He’d only encouraged him, enabled him.

He’d helped to seal her fate as the family’s sacrificial lamb.

Yes, she’d been saved by good luck, which came in the form of the Devil of Davenport. Er, the Earl of Davenport, rather. Blast. She needed to break that habit.

But up until the earl swooped in to save the day, she’d borne the burden of that responsibility and she had been prepared to marry anyone—anyone with the means to save them.

She eyed his perfectly groomed hair, his clothing of the latest style and the finest materials, his obnoxiously handsome features. Here stood a man with a fortune, and good looks to boot. What could he possibly know about marrying to save one’s family? He’d never had to smile graciously as a lecherous old coot let his hand slip just a bit too low during a waltz. He’d never had to feign a laugh when a dullard with horrendous breath told an offensive joke.

He’d never had a chaperone look the other way and allow an overweight oaf to take liberties just because he was a bloody baron. She shuddered at the mere memory of that stolen kiss.

“I promise to have him back before the party ends,” Galwin said, flashing another smile that she was certain made most women swoon.

It made Claire tremble with anger.

“Now, be a good girl and save me a dance, won’t you?” He gave her a wink before turning to walk away. But not before she’d met his gaze. His eyes weren’t just taunting, they were watchful. All-seeing. Knowing.

He knew far too much, or at least he thought he did.

But he didn’t know her.

The thought gave her a swift jolt of energy and as he walked away, she followed him. Through the crowds and to the front door, she hurried after him, heedless of the people around her who called her name or smiled in her direction.

She only had eyes for one man. Lord Nicholas. He was going after her brother and so would she.

It wasn’t until she watched him slip into a carriage that she paused in her pursuit.

Helplessness swept over her. She didn’t know where Jed was heading but it could not be good.

Helplessness and…anger. Why shouldn’t she do something for once? For years she’d watched him destroy himself and very nearly their family with his wretched gambling. And now she knew he was about to do it all over again and she was supposed to just stand here and let it happen?

Not likely.

Perhaps a few months ago she would have sat back and let her brother do as he pleased, but now she no longer had to stay quiet. What did it matter if she behaved rashly? Her family was taken care of now, thanks to Anne. They didn’t need her to be perfect. They didn’t need her to be sweet, docile, boring Claire Cleveland.

Her eyes narrowed on her family’s carriage, waiting at the end of the drive to take her and her sister’s home. For once in her life she was going to break the rules.

The thought made her stomach flutter with excitement and nerves. She latched on to the excitement and let it carry her forward, holding her head high as she approached the driver of her carriage.

She tried to match her mother’s brisk tone as she ordered the driver to follow Jed’s carriage. When he hesitated, she treated him to the same wide-eyed look of shock her mother used to give their younger brother Collin when he’d dare defy her. “What are you waiting for?”

He stuttered something about waiting for her chaperone, but she cut him off, informing him regally that her chaperone was already waiting in the carriage.