Page 20 of My Dearest Duke
Vanessa had come to reclaim her brooch, and she wasn’t leaving without it.
“Where is my diamond and sapphire brooch, Owen? You stole it from me today.”
“Prove it, Vanessa,” Owen taunted, teeth bared like a rabid wolf.
“You’ve been sneaking into my house, stealing my jewelry, and pawning it for months.”
“Christ on the cross,” Kingston muttered, his tone as harsh as broken glass. “Bloody whoremonger.”
Vanessa cast him a startled glance at the ferocity in his voice. He appeared as if he wanted to punch Owen into next Sunday. His hands were fisted, and sheer wrath sparked from his light blue eyes.
Owen slid his shifty gaze sideways, no doubt trying to contrive another taradiddle to cover his worthless, lying behind.
She squared her shoulders and jutted her chin up. “I’ve reported your thievery to the authorities and intend to press charges if you ever approach me or my home again.”
Mrs. Dorrian-Lane paused and half-turned back toward them. “Please describe your brooch, Miss Becket.”
Owen went pale again. A sickly shade of old dough. Quite unbecoming.
Likely, the lout knew full well if the gem was located in the gaming hell, he was done for. Mrs. Dorrian-Lane didn’t seem the sort to consort with thieves. At least not openly. She had a reputation to maintain, after all.
“It’s quite old and diamond-shaped,” Vanessa said, fully aware of the venom-filled gaze Owen stabbed her with. He’d always been jealous and petulant. “The perimeter and a cross-section are studded with small diamonds. Six large sapphires run vertically down the center.”
“Titan, locate Miss Becket’s brooch and bring it to my salon.” Mrs. Dorrian-Lane motioned toward her remaining henchmen. “Oh, and do notify the constable about the stolen gem.”
