Damien's Destiny Read Online Free PDF Page B

more. The voluminous folds of the skirt on her riding habit were protective as far as her looking respectable but Damien didn’t trust anyone but himself with her essential safety. He’d no doubt the baron would use any means possible to snatch Toria away, especially when he realized the beauty she’d become.
    Yet Damien made no attempt to hide her.
    He expected the baron would soon come calling. Well, hell, he hoped the baron would soon call.
    He positively itched to have Lord Heath visit.

Chapter Three
     
    Damien suppressed a surge of triumph three days later when his butler announced Baron Heath.
    “Show him into the front parlor, Stephens.”
    Stephens raised his eyebrows but said nothing. Stephens was an older man, most noticeable for his erect bearing and large ears. He strove mightily sometimes to preserve his sense of dignity as Tregaron’s butler. Although essentially a kind man, none of the other servants dared infringe on his pride. He was utterly and always proper.
    The front parlor had long been Damien’s least favorite room at Tregaron. Somehow he’d never gotten around to trying to lighten the dark atmosphere. Today its gloom fitted his mood. Sometime he’d ask Toria to redecorate the room.
    Damien waited, giving Stephens time to show the baron in and then added ten minutes. Finally he strode into the room.
    Heath rose to his feet, extending his hand. Damien stared pointedly at him and then seated himself without shaking his hand. After a lengthy pause he motioned the baron to a seat on the other side of the room.
    “You have something on your mind, baron?”
    Baron Heath flushed at the insulting tone but answered in a barely controlled voice.
    “I’ve come for my ward Victoria, Lord Sinclair. She’s suddenly appeared on your estate, riding with you. I want her back where she belongs. I intend to marry her immediately. Where she’s been for three years I don’t know, although I suspect you do. I’m willing to forgive her for her involvement with you and marry her as her parents intended.”
    Damien fought down the rage threatening to erupt at the crude and lying words. Her parents would certainly not want her married to this boor. Nor would they have allowed him to harm Toria or her reputation if they’d truly known the villain.
    He stood abruptly so the baron was almost forced to stand also.
    “I don’t think so, sirrah. I’ve already started proceedings to claim her inheritance for her, which she should have received when she turned eighteen. I’ll expect an accounting of any missing money, incidentally. My man of affairs will call on yours tomorrow.”
    Heath nearly exploded. “What makes you think you can make such a demand? I’m her appointed guardian, not you, my haughty lord.”
    “I have a copy of her parents’ last will and testament. Your guardianship expired the day of her eighteenth birthday. My sister and I now claim that right as close and trusted friends of Victoria, the ones she prefers. You will never see her again unless I am at her side. And never at all if I have my way.”
    “You can’t do this, my lord earl.”
    Heath looked like a man on the verge of a fit.
    His voice rose in an almost shriek.
    “I was chosen by her parents to care for her, damn you.”
    “They would not choose you now,” Damien said quietly.
    The baron looked to be on the very tip of apoplexy. Perhaps a good solution for all, Damien thought as he folded his strong fingers and waited, saying not a word while he stared the man down.
    “I have more power than you dream, baron. Hinder me at your peril.”
    Damien strode to the door and called Stephens.
    “The baron is leaving. Please assist him in any way you can, Stephens.”
    As the butler took a threatening step forward Heath evidently realized Damien’s glower and stance showed how happy he’d be to assist if his butler had trouble. Heath realized he had no choice. Red-faced and fuming, he hurried to the door.
    Damien watched him