The Duke's Temptation Read Online Free PDF Page B

there had been plenty of men he’d bested in either games of chance or in life in general that might feel revenge appropriate. And then there were his father’s crimes to consider. Gabe knew better than to think someone wouldn’t attempt to punish him for the sins of his father.
    Although, if he factored how the author of the letter had knowledge of Mary’s death, there wouldn’t be anyone left. She didn’t have any brothers who would avenge her death. Besides, her family didn’t know of his connection to her. Without Gabe’s permission, his father had wrapped up that issue. Her family had never been apprised of her real role while in London, and Gabe’s father forbade him to come forward when her body had been recovered.
    Gabe stared at the ashes of the letter as they mixed with the burnt wood. If only it were as easy to diminish the blackmailer. Without specific demands, he had no choice but to wait to see what the man had planned next.

Chapter 4
    Pain shot through Gabe’s head as he alighted from his carriage in front of the Foxmoore town house, causing him to severely regret his decision to respond to the blackmail letter with a few drinks. Moreover, to his dismay he’d never found an answer regarding his daughter—or how to control his increasing desire for Elizabeth—at the bottom of his glass.
    Hopefully, with the help of Marcus, matters concerning Phoebe would be resolved. As for Elizabeth, she was nothing a new mistress couldn’t solve—or so he hoped. And as for his blackmailer, that would have to be a problem for another day. He could only handle a few life-altering events at a time.
    Upon entry, his hat and coat were swiftly discarded and he was off to locate Marcus. He couldn’t think of the last time he’d been properly announced. He was as familiar with the Foxmoore town house as he was with the Foxmoore estate. When his father had been alive and residing in London, Gabe had escaped his vile presence by visiting here.
    Despite the impression afforded by the immaculate polished wood floors, high quality carpets, top of the line furnishings, and pristine décor, a warmth always seemed to surround him when he entered the Foxmoore house—something his own family dwellings lacked.
    After pacing his study half the night, Gabe had thought to run to Marcus and wage a war against his blackmailer. Then common sense had prevailed. If he told Marcus of the letter, he’d have to relay the details of Mary and her subsequent death. Gabe spent seven years keeping those details from his friend; he wasn’t about to do the work of his mysterious enemy and reveal such secrets.
    As expected, Gabe found Marcus bent over his desk studying some correspondence. Gabe wasn’t aware of anyone who devoted more time to running his estates.
    Marcus’s attention remained on the documents before him as Gabe crossed the room and lowered his large frame into one of the two oversized leather chairs sitting in front of the desk. Even though Marcus was devoted to his tenants, he still had an eye for his own comfort. To Gabe’s delight, as he pushed against the plush seat, that comfort stretched to his guests.
    Without raising his eyes from the task before him, Marcus asked, “Are you going to say anything, or just peruse me at your leisure?”
    “I haven’t decided yet. It still amazes me how engrossed you become with mere estate business.”
    Marcus finally acknowledged Gabe. “If you took the time, you could become just as fascinated with the various intricacies of the Wesbrook holdings.”
    Gabe reclined further into the chair, stretching his long legs out before him. “I don’t see the point, since I have such an efficient steward and staff to see to such matters and more exciting endeavors to fill my time.”
    Relaxing in his own chair, Marcus mused, “Ah, yes, I forgot about the very critical pastimes of drinking and gambling.”
    “If I recall correctly, there was a time, not so long ago, when you reveled in