My Scandalous Viscount Read Online Free PDF

devastated families, having watched it tear his own parents apart.
    He did not like thinking about it. He pushed it out of his mind. It was just the way of the world, and to protest it would be to admit how badly it had hurt him as a boy.
    To say nothing of how it had hurt his father.
    Trust your mates and your horses, lad, an embittered Lord Lockwood had once told his eleven-year-old heir, in trying to explain why Mother would live in Town from now on by herself. Care for a woman, and she’ll rip your heart in half. You want loyalty, his father had advised him, get a dog.
    Bloody hell, he did not even feel like sleeping with that duchess anymore, but stubbornly, it was a matter of principle now. He was not about to let that vexing redhead win. With a growl under his breath, he strode into the hallway off the lobby, heading for the discreet back exit.
    Thrusting Carissa Portland out of his mind, he fixed his thoughts on the night’s rendezvous. The deliciously sinful Duchess of Somerfield would be along shortly, then they’d leave together as planned.
    At the back door of the theatre, Beau paused and from long-paranoid habit, bent to slip his pistol out of the ankle holster concealed beneath his trouser leg. He moved the weapon to the back of his waistband, where it would be in easier reach if needed but still concealed beneath his coat.
    Then he laid hold of the door and pushed it open, stepping out into the alley, where she had told him to meet her. They’d take her carriage from there, and go wherever she pleased—if they made it that far. The carriage itself would serve, for all he cared.
    The cool night air washed over him as the door closed behind him. He welcomed its calming chill, trying to shake off his frustration with Carissa.
    What was it about her? Why should he even care what she thought of him?
    He took a step into the alley, but before his eyes could adjust to the darkness, a stealthy black shadow detached from the wall to his right and suddenly slammed into him, driving him back against the door.
    Beau barely had time to react. The figure came at him, grabbing his right arm as he reached for his gun, as though anticipating his movement. The moonlight flashed on the silver blade pressed flat against his neck as a voice spoke: “Good evening, Sebastian.”
    “ Nick? ” Beau froze in stunned recognition, making no attempt to fight back. He stared in shock at his long-missing brother warrior. “You’re alive!”
    He was instantly released. “Sorry, old boy.” Nick let go of him, brushed off his coat with a no-harm-done motion, then he stepped back warily, letting Beau come away from the door. “Wasn’t sure what you might’ve heard about me. Had to make sure you didn’t come out swinging.”
    “Swinging? I thought I was coming out here to get laid.”
    Nick grinned. “Well, don’t look at me.” The tension began easing from his face.
    Amazed laughter broke from him. Beau clapped him in a bear hug, his throat tightening with emotion. Joy and relief clashed with shock inside him. “Jesus, man, where the hell have you been? We’ve had no word of you in months. Are you all right?”
    “I’m fine.”
    “ Are you?” Beau stepped back and studied him. Though he was overjoyed to see his boyhood friend alive, he could not shake the feeling that something wasn’t right.
    Nick looked scruffy and a bit unkempt, with a few days’ beard roughening his jaw and his black hair grown long and rather wild. But all in all, he seemed none the worse for wear.
    Beau shook his head. “What happened? Where’s Trevor? Why haven’t you been in contact?”
    “Trevor’s safe, don’t worry,” Nick assured him. “He got shot in Spain, but he’s recovering.”
    “Where?”
    “Back of the right shoulder. Bullet punched through and broke his clavicle, but I got him out of harm’s way and have been looking after him ever since. He’ll be fine.”
    Beau glanced around the alley. “Is he here?”
    “No, best