T. A. Chase

Angel’s Seduction- Part Eight

Angel’s Seduction (formerly The Ball) (c) 2006 T.A. Chase

Part Eight-

Sensation returns in waves. Voices are whispering. I’m floating, held together by two strong arms. Harsh hands. Father. I cringe.

‘No,’ I shout from my silence. ‘Don’t let him touch me.’

One voice separates from the noise. It rumbles under my ear. I try to get closer for something in my memory tells me this voice will not hurt.

Words become more distinct. I hear Father argue with Uncle. I wonder why their voices hold such urgency.

Cold washes over my face and I force my eyes open. Concern fills the brilliant blue eyes looking down at me.

My cousin’s brown eyes invade my view. “Poppa, he’s awake.”

I’m outside. I realize I’m in Greyson’s arms, leaning against him. Horror fills me and I try to push away from him, but he won’t let me.

Father and Uncle stand staring at me. Father’s eyes are filled with scorn and disgust. Uncle’s are worried.

“All you ever do is embarrass me. Why am I cursed with a son like you?” Father reaches for my arm.

I shrink from his fearsome touch. Turning, I bury my face in Greyson’s chest. No more. It no longer matters to me what people think. There’s no will left in me to fight. My father has achieved his goal. He has crushed me. Who knew the destruction would come not with fists but with words? Who knew the final blow would be delivered from the smiling lips of my cousin?

Greyson hands me to my uncle. A spike of surprise finds its birth in me when Uncle waves to his carriage driver. I glance up at him.

“You’ll come home with me.”

There is no argument from me. I never want to see Father’s house again. So much pain and agony reside there. I turn my gaze back to Greyson and Father.

“I suggest you go back inside, Williamson. We mustn’t create a bigger scene than this has already become.” Greyson’s voice is harsh and commanding.

I’ve never heard anyone talk to Father like that.

“I’ve heard about you. There’s no way I’ll allow you to corrupt my son.” Father speaks in a soft tone, trying to insure no one hears him.

“And everything spoken by the forked tongues of the ton is true.” Sarcasm drips from his Grace’s words.

Father flushes. “It matters not. He’s still my son.”

“He’s reached his majority, Brother. If he no longer wishes to dwell under your roof, you can’t force him.” Uncle reminds Father.

I tune out the words. My eyes focus on Greyson’s face. Is it just my hopeful wish that there seems to be caring in his eyes when he looks at me? Is it possible my silence didn’t destroy his regard for me? I shiver.

“My carriage is here. I’ll be taking my nephew to my house.” Uncle glances at my cousin. “You started this mess. Go and tell them your cousin is sick. Lady Acksinbury will escort you home.”

My cousin whispers “I’m sorry” in my ear. She forces Father to take her back inside.

Greyson helps Uncle get me in the carriage. My legs don’t seem to want to work. Curling up on the seat, I hide in the corner.

The Duke’s blue eyes reassure me as he speaks to my uncle. “I’ll follow you home.”

Uncle makes no objection. I find myself wondering why Father despises my uncle. His disdain must have roots back beyond my birth.

The door clicks shut. Instead of feeling like I am trapped again, freedom seems just a carriage ride away.

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