His Wicked Seduction novel Chapter 51

Lawrence flung himself into a deep armchair within a private parlor, his brothers flanking it on either side. His head hurt like the devil. He'd likely have a knot on his brow by the morning. Avery frowned and stared down at him while Linus paced back and forth. The rest of the guests had all gone to sleep and the three Russells were alone now to discuss the possible victory of their plan.

"Well, Lawrence, how did it go?" Linus asked.

Lawrence growled in response. He didn't want to think about what he'd just done. "I have a bad feeling that Lucien is going to put a bullet through me tomorrow. And if Cedric catches wind, it might be two."

"What?" Avery eyes widened.

"I went too far. It took Lucien too long to find us." Lawrence rubbed his eyes wearily.

"Just how far is too far exactly?" Linus asked.

"In trying to delay things I was perhaps a bit too convincing of my intentions and frightened the poor woman. She smashed her head into mine when I tried to kiss her. It was never my intent to scare her. I thought I could convince her to play along and kiss me back so Lucien would get jealous, but she panicked before I could explain." Lawrence flinched at the shock in his brothers' faces. "Lucien arrived just in time. Or at the worst possible time, I suppose. What the devil took him so long?"

"You really did that to Horatia?" asked Linus. "You almost..."

"Of course not. But she thought I was going to. She was terrified and I feel..." He scrubbed his hand down over his face. "God. I doubt she'll ever forgive me. I hope I didn't do her lasting damage. Lucien better marry her, or I've ruined a lovely friendship for nothing." Lawrence got up and stalked over to the nearest cabinet in the parlor and took out a bottle of brandy.

"I need a drink," he declared. His two brothers joined him, all grim over the spectacle they'd helped to create that night.

"Do we know how Lucien took it?" Avery asked Lawrence.

"No. He took her back up to her room. I haven't seen him since. I ordered the servants to stay clear of her room until after breakfast. I hope he means to stay the night with her. If he does, we'll most likely have won. We all know what a soft-hearted man he is, especially if he thought it would cheer up a disheartened lady."

"That's certainly true. He's much too tender-hearted to let her alone tonight after..." Avery trailed off.

"After Lawrence almost ravaged her?" Linus supplied helpfully.

"Russells do not ravage," Avery stated. "We're far too gifted in natural persuasion. There's no need to force a woman when after a few well placed caresses she'll give you whatever you ask for."

"Don't encourage the lad, Avery," Lawrence said noting the look on Linus's face. "He's in enough trouble already with Miss Cavendish."

Linus whipped his gaze from Avery to Lawrence. "What do you mean I'm in trouble?"

"After she saw you dancing with Miss Sheridan she took it rather personally. You did not ask her to dance, after all."

Linus's lips parted as he sputtered. "But we were...damn! Was she very upset do you think?"