Page 57 of The Rake Desires the Diamond

It had been two days since Evan left Ethan’s study, looking rather worse for wear. She had not seen him since and ached for his company and touch. The world was brighter with Evan in it, so she had to convince Ethanto let her spend time with him.

“Why won’t you allow me to court Evan?” she asked for the third time during this conversation.

“’Tis not easy for me, but he is not the right man for you.” Ethan leaned back in his chair.

If he was trying to appear authoritative, it did not work. He just looked like her handsome brother playing at being a lord. Not that he had wanted anything to do with her family’s wealth and titles. His only goal had been to raise hell with his mates, be the life of every party, and bed willing woman. And then he’d married Anna and now wanted the best for his wife. The irony—the one-time chambermaid was content to spend her days in their garden, kissing her husband. She did not care about jewels, gowns, or their fancy themed parties.

“I thought you despised Eaton. When did your feelings change?” Ethan asked.

“When I saw him stand up to Greyson.”

That answer should placate her brother, and it was not a lie. The punches Evan had thrown thrilled her. Mayhap she liked violence, although that didn’t seem to be the case because normally, she cringed at the sight of blood. Maybe she just wanted Greyson to get what he deserved. Or perchance it was that Evan had been heroic and protected her from the marquess’s lecherous gaze.

The truth was, she’d fallen for Evan the second she awoke in his arms, and even though he’d been masked, it was as if she had known, even then, that he was the man she was destined to be with. Then he’d kissed her and awakened her dormant sensual longing.

Nay. It had been long before that when a little boy with pretty green eyes and a mischievous grin ran around her, taunting and begging her to play with him.

Perchance the truth would convince her brother to change his mind. She winced as she croaked out, “The day he put the frog in my tea.”

“Good God.” Moaning, Ethan scrubbed his face.

“But, darling,” Anna entered the study, “Did you not fall in love with me the first time you saw me standing in your mother’s garden holding my doll?”

Anna and her perfect timing confirmed Kat’s suspicions. Her brother had pined for his wife for years before declaring his love publicly.

“How old were you when you fell in love with Anna?” Kat asked.

“I believe I was six, and Ethan was eight,” Anna answered for him.

Ethan grunted and crossed his arms over his chest. “’Tis not the same thing.”

“Why is that, darling?” Anna sat on the edge of Ethan’s desk, playing with his hair.

He leaned into her touch as if he were a puppy getting scratches. “Because it is Eaton we are talking about. He is—”

“Your dearest friend.” Anna wrapped a strand of his dark hair around her finger. “And a talented artist. Generous to everyone. Exceedingly fun. A loving brother, grandson, and uncle.”

“He’s a—” Ethan rolled his eyes “—a rake. A male whore. Do you know how many women he has slept with?”

A few days earlier, Kat would have balked at the reminder. But she no longer held Evan’s past against him.

“More or less than you, darling?” Anna asked. “Before our marriage, of course.”

How fortunate that Anna had said it, for it was on the tip of Kat’s tongue.

“Humph.” Ethan’s bottom lip stuck out.

Thank the heavens for her lovely sister-in-law.

“Then it is settled. Evan and I shall officially court.” Kat smiled and stood.

“The hell you will. William will never allow it.”

“And yet, William slept with Evan’s sister. And before they were married.” Hopefully, Kat’s glare and huffy voice showed her brother just how frustrating he was. “Why have I been cursed with such unfair brothers who treat women like we are nary capable of our own thoughts and desires?”

If a glare could stoke flames, Ethan’s would have turned her into a pile of ash. “I dare say, you should consider your words more carefully. Your accusations are unfounded and insulting.”

Since she’d had enough of this conversation, she stomped out of the study.