What a Wicked Earl Wants Read Online Free PDF Page A

friend in London who saw Justin drinking from a flask on the streets. You should have contacted me about this matter. I demand an explanation.”
    She must not let her composure slip. “All is well now.”
    Bellingham gave her a brief, dubious look.
    “Laura,” Montclief said, “all is not well. You brought my nephew to London without asking my permission and have concealed his inappropriate behavior. I cannot rely on your poor judgment.”
    She itched to give him the set down he deserved, but she did not dare incur his wrath. “There is no need for alarm. I have matters under control.” She’d lied, but what else could she do?
    “You are only a woman and incapable of managing a high-spirited boy,” Montclief said. “He needs the daily influence of a man.”
    Desperation gripped her like talons. “You need not worry, Montclief,” she said. “Lord Bellingham is helping to turn the tide.” She held her breath, fearing Bellingham would deny her claim.
    Bellingham kept his expression impassive. “Young men need to understand that it is wrong to take advantage of one’s mother.”
    He’d adeptly avoided lying and had not betrayed her. She could kiss his big boots.
    “I appreciate your assistance, Bellingham,” Montclief said. “However, I have already made my decision. My nephew needs more than passing male influence.” He turned to Laura. “Please see that his trunks are packed. I will take him home with me tomorrow. You may reside in the house in Hampshire until he reaches his majority.”
    She couldn’t breathe. This could not be happening. He was her son. Montclief had never taken any interest in Justin—until now. Oh, God, she would not let Montclief take her son away. “No,” she said. “No, please do not take him.”
    “Laura, this is not negotiable,” Montclief said.
    Panic rose up in her chest. She was breathing too fast. The fear of losing Justin nearly overwhelmed her, but she must persuade Montclief to change his mind. “You have such a large brood already and are overly tasked. I have looked after Justin all these years.” I love him too much to let you take him away.
    He gave her a patronizing look and shook his head.
    She pressed her nails into her palms to keep from blurting out what she really thought of Montclief’s negligence these past four years. As much as she despised him, she could not afford to antagonize her brother-in-law. “He’s already lost his father. I am his mother, and if you take him away, he will feel that I have abandoned him.”
    “You are his stepmother,” Montclief corrected.
    His words stung, for he’d implied that she wasn’t a real mother, but she would not allow his slight to deter her. No matter what anyone thought, Justin was her son. She would do whatever it took to keep him with her, including placating Montclief. “I believe Justin deserves another chance. I will emphasize that he must behave—”
    “You’ve already proven you are incapable of it,” Montclief said. “I’ve made my decision, and that is the end of the discussion.”
    After all this time, Montclief meant to exercise his rights as a guardian. The disbelief started to wear off, and then her hands trembled. She clutched them tightly, because she didn’t want Montclief to see her anguish. “He hasn’t even seen you for four years. It will be hard on him.”
    Montclief puffed up. “The material point is that you cannot give my nephew the discipline and guidance that he needs.”
    She would do anything—anything—to keep Montclief from taking Justin away. But what could she do to convince her brother-in-law? Oh, God, she must think of some way to change his mind. Laura thought back over the entire conversation, and one thing he’d said stood out. My nephew needs more than passing male influence .
    The answer popped into her head. She met Bellingham’s gaze again and prayed he would go along with her scheme. At this point, she had nothing to lose—except her son. And she