An Affair So Right (Rebel Hearts #4)(76)

“He is her betrothed,” Mama protested. “And he will come to save us both because he loves her.”

Nelson appeared to consider the matter.

Theodora’s pulse raced with dread but pressed her advantage. “No, that is not true, Mama, and you know it. Lord Templeton hired me as his secretary because we were thought to be poor. Just ask him.”

Small laughed. “I would never trust the word of anyone in that family ever again.”

Theodora stared at him in surprise. “Have you had dealings with them before?”

Small glanced away. “Once I did, years ago, and believe me, the idea of destroying their happiness is quite strong still.” A lusty gleam filled Small’s eyes, and Theodora’s skin crawled as he drew closer. He leered at her legs. “This will undoubtedly hurt him as much as his father’s actions hurt me.”

Theodora cringed as Mr. Small grasped her leg firmly. He was stronger than she expected, but she might just have the element of surprise on her side. She slipped her hands free of her bonds, ready to strike at him with everything she had in her if he moved his hand higher. But what would happen to her mama if she escaped? Mama was still bound, and may not have the strength to run away. There had to be a way to save them both.

Small’s hand was clammy on her skin and revolted her. She tried to press her knees together as she addressed Nelson, who’d drawn closer to watch events unfold, frowning. “He’s cheated you out of coin there.”

Nelson’s eyes darted up to her face, and then he scratched his head. “How would you know?”

“I’m bookish,” she promised. Could she convince the fellow he was being swindled by his own friend? “I can count very well and my father taught me to drive a hard bargain and never hold back a shilling that belonged to someone else. Small has given you the same number of coins, but his are worth far more than yours. He knows that.”

Stinging pain burned her cheek as Mr. Small backhanded her.

She covered her head as she toppled sideways, unfortunately revealing her hands were free.

“Bloody hell!” Small exploded and then he grabbed her roughly and hauled her upright. She was shaken like a sack of flour, her feet barely touching the ground. “How did you get loose?”

Theodora buttoned her lips together. Implicating Nelson would do her no good. She needed Nelson’s help if he could be swayed to their side at all.

Mr. Small, however, wasn’t stupid. He glared at Nelson harshly. “You had one job to do! Make sure they don’t escape.”

“They didn’t,” Nelson promised, gesturing toward them. “You said I didn’t have to hurt them.”

Small rolled his eyes and shoved Theodora toward Mr. Nelson. “Here, have her. She’s all yours.”

Nelson caught her in his beefy paws, but he was far gentler than she expected he’d be. She was restrained in a grip she couldn’t twist free of, so she stopped trying to fight him. Theodora couldn’t leave without her mother. She had to stay no matter what came next.

Small turned and checked Mama’s bonds, nodding as he discovered them still firm around her wrists.

“I’m not lying,” Theodora whispered to Nelson quickly. “He has cheated you out of your share. I can prove it if you help us. Don’t let him hurt us. I’ll give you anything you want.”

“For God’s sake, don’t ever listen to a woman’s promises. What did I tell you? They all lie from birth till their last breath. Haven’t I warned you about how they’ll use their charms to get what they want from us? Haven’t I always looked after you?”

Mr. Small checked his pocket watch. “There’s still time for a little more revenge before we go. Give her to me, and go bring up our horses. Pity we can’t keep that carriage, but it will stick out like a sore thumb where we’re going and be trouble in the end.”

Nelson’s grip tightened on Theodora’s arms. “What are you going to do with them?”

“With the mother, nothing. I’ll leave her here in this charming cesspit. This one, however…she’ll get what she deserves from me personally.”

Theodora quaked. She leaned into Nelson. “Don’t let him take me. I’m yours, remember.”

When Small grabbed for her, Nelson blocked his path, throwing Theodora behind him like a rag doll. “You said she was mine.”

“And don’t we always share the pretty ones?”

Nelson’s big head moved up and down, and then he shook it. “But you said she was mine. You did. I never had a woman just for me.”

Small patted his back solicitously. “Next time you will. Miss Dalton has to pay first, though. Despite her words, I think I’ll leave a message behind for Lord Templeton, to ensure his family never stands in my way ever again.”

Nelson shook his head. “I don’t want to share. We got the money. She won’t say nuffin about us or where we’re going,” Nelson said stubbornly. He glanced at Theodora. “Will you?”

“No,” she promised. “Never.”

Small scowled, and then put his arm around Nelson in a reassuring manner. However, he palmed a knife in his other hand, the one Mr. Nelson could not yet see.

“Be careful! He’s going to hurt you!” Theodora cried out a warning to Mr. Nelson that the big ox completely misunderstood.