Captive Scoundrel by Annette Blair

Justin would stake his life on it. He nearly groaned at how close he’d come. He already had staked his life but Faith had won out.
     
    She was correct about one thing. If Vincent knew he was recovering, his brother would try again. But Justin needed to live, to care for his tenants. Though if he were able to walk out of here, he would no longer need Faith.
     
    But he did not need Faith. He needed no one. Besides, Faith had plans for her life. Squire Kennedy awaited her in Arundel.
     
    Justin scoffed at himself. Then why could he not let her go? Why did the very idea bring him pain? God’s teeth, six children?
     
    Perhaps his jealousy was not based on need, but simple lust. Likely so. And why would that please him; he couldn’t satisfy his own lust, not in a hundred years. So he should let her go.
     
    What rankled was the notion of someone else sharing Faith’s bed, bringing her pleasure, giving her children. Why? She was a woman like any other, was she not?
     
    “Bloody hell! Stupid bastard.”
     
    Faith heard, rose and re-pinned her hair. “What’s wrong?” she asked returning to his room.
     
    “Sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb you.”
     
    She lit a candle. “Are you all right?”
     
    “Feeling sorry for myself. Cheer me up, will you?”
     
    She settled into the chair by his bed. “I will do my best. See now, how shall I cheer you? More tales of my childhood? Jimmy Kennedy and I used to—”
     
    “Absolutely not!”
     
    “Shall I sing? Or dance?” She rose and did a fair imitation of a highland fling. “Or would you like to tell me what’s troubling you?” She folded her hands in her lap. “Speak to me.”
     
    “I’m not sure. I’ve never felt like this. I’m stuck in bed while my brother neglects his responsibilities—my responsibilities. I worry about my tenants, but I am in no condition to do anything about them. How Catherine died is driving me insane, and Beth. Dear, sweet, Beth.” He shook his head in despair. “Just stay and talk to me.”
     
    Faith’s heart beat wildly. “I think you’re ready for the best surprise of your life.” She touched his hand and looked into his eyes. “But you must allow that I had no choice in waiting until your health improved. Promise you won’t be angry, because, Justin, it was not only your welfare at stake, and should you have denied—well, it could not have been borne.”
     
    “You distract me, I must say, but you give me the headache.”
     
    Faith clapped her hands. “I’ll be back in a blink. Don’t move.”
     
    Despite his dejection, Justin was charmed. Had he ever seen her so excited? Rather enchanting, he must admit. She returned moments later, offering her surprise…a child. “Dear, God.” Pain sliced him. He fisted his hands to keep from snatching at it in useless hope. He sneered at Faith. “I believed you more compassionate than this.”
     
    “This is Beth, Justin.” Faith’s pity nearly undid him. “Take her. She’s not made of porcelain.” She placed the child in his arms.
     
    With a murmur, the sprite sought his warmth. God. Justin had no choice but to hold the little one, yet he could not bear to look at her. “I cannot.” His voice broke. “My daughter is dead. Whose child is this?”
     
    Faith reclaimed Beth. “She is your child, Justin. But this was a dreadful mistake, which is why I waited. Thank God she’s asleep; she could never bear your rejection.”
     
    Justin felt a failure. “Why are you tormenting me?”
     
    “Had I set out to torment, I would have dosed you to death. I might have let your fever burn you alive, or let you freeze beneath layers of ice.”
     
    “Enough.” Justin shook his head. “Tell me true. Who is this child?”
     
    “Her name is Beth Devereux. She is your daughter.”
     

CHAPTER SEVEN
     
    “This can’t be Beth,” Justin said, afraid to believe. “I saw the carriage—”
     
    “Did you see Beth inside that carriage?”
     
    Justin fought confusion