His Wicked Embrace novel Chapter 31

Lawrence's mother recovered more quickly than the others gathered around them. Emily and the other ladies joined her at the door. "Someone had better explain to me what is going on. Lawrence, Avery, why are you fighting again? For that matter, why was everyone fighting? I demand answers, and by God I will get them."

The Duchess of Essex now came to Lady Russell's side. "If you please, Lady Russell." She whispered something in the matriarch's ear. The older woman nodded, and then she and Emily exited the room together, though she gave a glare at her sons that indicated this matter was far from over.

Zehra's throat tightened as she turned to face her grandfather. "May I have a minute alone to speak with you, my lord?" she asked, fresh nerves jolting through her.

"Of course. Anything for you," Lord Denbruck said, smiling.

Lucien nodded to the League and remaining ladies. "We will clear out. Avery, take your men and go home, unless it is your intention to ship the granddaughter of a peer to Persia?"

"No. Of course not," Avery said, his tone hard.

Denbruck curled an arm around Zehra's shoulders protectively. "What's this?"

"It appears there has been a misunderstanding at play, my lord," said Avery. "Had someone bothered to inform me, we never would have..." He trailed off, his eyes softening as he cast an apologetic glance toward Zehra. "My lady, had I had known you were related to Lord Denbruck, I swear I would have had this matter resolved far sooner and far more amicably. Please forgive me."

Zehra gave a little nod. She understood, perhaps better than Lawrence did. He was keeping the peace between nations. Her father had faced similar hard decisions. Sometimes doing what was right was not the same as doing what had to be done. But she feared it would cost the brothers their relationship, all because of her.

Avery called for his men to leave. Everyone else had vacated the room now, but Lawrence refused to go.

She took his hands into hers. "Lawrence, please, wait outside for me."

His eyes searched her face. "I'm afraid you'll vanish if I close my eyes. You won't, will you? I can't lose you, Zehra."

His words made her tremble with fear and hope in equal measure. "No. I won't go anywhere," she promised. She felt the same about him, as though the moment he stepped through the door, he might disappear. He glanced at Denbruck and nodded, and then the two were at last alone.

"My lord," she addressed the older man.

"Grandpapa, or George, please. I insist. We are family."

"Grandpapa." She tested the word, and it felt right. "My mother and father are...gone."