Page 47 of Unmasking the Diamond
Luca’s hand stilled on his cravat mid-knot as Jude stood rigid in the doorway of his bedchamber.
Knowing there was no reason to deny it, Luca exhaled slowly. “I am.”
Jude stepped fully inside, shutting the door with unnecessary force. His incredulous stare could have singed Luca where he stood. “How could you? I knew you were spending a considerable amount of time with Miss Winslow, but marrying her? Did you not just tell me that you had no intention of pursuing her?”
Luca finished the knot of his cravat before turning to face his brother. “Let me explain before you cast judgment.”
Jude crossed his arms over his broad chest. “By all means, enlighten me.”
“After our carriage ride, the Duke of Brackenford was waiting for her,” Luca said, keeping his tone calm. “He offered for her.”
Jude’s mouth thinned. “So naturally, you decided to be her knight in shining armor.”
“Yes, and no.”
His brother’s brow arched. “And what is that supposed to mean?”
“I never said we were going to marry.”
Jude scoffed. “Do you not know how engagements work, Brother?”
“I do, but?—”
“But what?” Jude snapped, cutting him off. “You are going to tie yourself to that woman?—”
“Careful, Brother,” Luca warned, the edge of protectiveness startling even himself.
Jude relented only slightly, his tone less biting but no less firm. “Very well. I will say it differently. You are going to tie yourself to a woman you don’t love?”
Luca retrieved his jacket and shrugged it over his shoulders. “It will not come to that.”
“And if it does?”
“I will find a way out of this mess.”
Jude stepped closer. “Women are deceitful creatures. How do you know Miss Winslow didn’t orchestrate this entire charade to trap you?”
Luca laughed under his breath, incredulous. “She could have married a duke.”
“Or perhaps the duke was in on it.”
“Not every woman is deceitful. Look at Mother.”
Jude’s expression faltered, softening into something more raw. “Mother was the exception.” His gaze sharpened again. “Whereas Miss Winslow barely seems to tolerate you.”
“It does seem that way at times,” Luca admitted. “But there is more to her than that. She is… extraordinary.”
Jude’s lips pressed into a skeptical line. “I can see why you are beguiled—her beauty is undeniable—but there should be more to a marriage than fascination.”
“Again, I won’t be marrying her.”
“And yet,” Jude pressed, “you spend all your waking time with her of late.”
Luca winced. “That is because we are friends.” He dared not reveal her secret work with him. It would put her in danger.
Jude’s hand came to rest heavily on Luca’s shoulder. “Promise me you will be careful. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“You speak as if you have experience in being hurt.”
