Duke of Dishonor by Tammy Andresen (books for 9th graders .txt) 📕

Another man barreled toward Emily and for a moment, another scream built in her throat. What would the two men do to her and her sister? How had she ever thought she was strong enough for this?

But this new man yelled, “Go!” And then he swung his fist, hitting the attacker with a force that sent the man sprawling to the ground. The hit jarred through Emily even as Eliza jumped out of the way.

Isabella gasped from the bench. “You!”

In an instant, their hero pushed Eliza through the open door, and she fell to the carriage floor. “Go!” he yelled again and then grabbed up Emily around the waist, clutching her to his chest as he reached for the back of the carriage.

Distantly, she heard Aunt Mildred give a shriek as Abigail leaned out and slammed the carriage door shut again.

Emily could barely register a detail except that the moment her body tucked against his, his strong arm circling her waist, she felt…safe. She wrapped her arms about his neck and tucked her head against his shoulder, completely protected by his large strong frame.

And then another emotion skittered down her back. He was lean and strong, and she looked up into his square jaw and penetrating eyes…he was sinfully handsome.

Dark hair ruffled in the breeze as the carriage began to move. The wind, bitingly cold, plucked at her cheeks but he pulled her closer to his body.

“Isabella,” a voice rang out into the damp air. Uncle Malcolm. Emily would know the sound of that voice anywhere. “Come back here.”

She didn’t look back nor did she answer as the carriage picked up speed. She’d never look at or talk to that man again. Uncle Malcolm was dead to her.

Another shot rang out and the man protecting her gave a grunt. Had he just been shot? Her hands tightened on his shoulders as she looked up into his face. “Are you all right?” she gasped, feeling his muscles under her fingers.

“I’m fine,” he answered, and for the first time, he looked down at her. His eyes were a hazel green and fringed with dark lashes. He had strong cheekbones and a square jaw, with a full mouth that stole her breath. “I’d never let anything happen to you.”

Rain began to fall, cold and harsh, the January sky dark grey and ominous. But somehow as the carriage sped away, she’d never felt warmer or safer.

“Who are you?” she asked as she stared up at him, nearly hypnotized by the green flecks in his eyes.

His fingers splayed out on her back, his chin dropping close to her ear. “I’m the man who will always protect you. I promise you that. From now on, I will keep you safe.”

What?

How could he make such a promise when they’d never even met?

The carriage slowed and Emily finally tore her gaze from his. Bash and another approached on horseback. She drew in a quick, deep breath of air. But quickly released it again when one of his hands twined with hers.

Her gaze snapped back to his. “That doesn’t tell me anything,” she accused even as he lifted her hand to the handle on the back of the carriage and pushed her fingers around the bar.

“I wish I could tell you more.”

“You can,” she started to say, but her words were lost as he jumped down from the carriage and darted into an alley.

Cold, hard wind bit through her pelisse as she watched him disappear. Never had a man affected her so and she didn’t even know his name.

Chapter One

Six weeks later…

Brandon stood tucked in the shadows in a filthy alley of the docklands as he watched the king’s wine being sold for a third of its value. Not that thieves cared how much the wine was actually worth. It was all profit to them.

But his partner, Ewan McLaren, had infiltrated the ring of criminals, which enabled Brandon to track their movements. Some of the goods went to high-end black market auctions, while others landed on the streets. Each night, Brandon followed another man home, carefully marking his address, his name, his occupation.

All told, he’d identified six and thirty men who were part of the organization that had targeted the crown.

They’d targeted Brandon’s business too but that was of less concern right now. His own shipping business could withstand the losses.

But his reputation? That was another matter.

And solving this mystery could restore his good name and his standing with their king. A position his father had all but destroyed.

He’d made a great many sacrifices and compromises to get to this moment and he was so close to meeting his final goal and rejoining society.

“Enjoy your evenings, lads,” the thief called as he turned and left, winding his way through the alleys and streets of the docklands.

Brandon stuck to the shadows and followed. He’d had special boots made with soft bottoms so that his feet wouldn’t clack on the stone. The man never looked back, never started or gave even the slightest indication he knew he was being followed.

Brandon smiled.

Technically, Ewan was only one of Brandon’s five partners. The other four, however, were the daughters of the founder of Carrington Shipping. For their safety he’d kept them completely in the dark. He winced a bit.

He’d intercepted Ewan on his way to protect his cousins and drawn him into the web of spies. He’d told Ewan it was for the girls’ good. That Ewan was helping to protect them another way. But the truth was, they’d been in danger anyway. Scrubbing his face, he recalled that at that time, he’d been more motivated by his own needs than theirs. And they’d suffered for his choice.

He’d only just managed to rescue them when their scum of an uncle had tried to steal them away.

The idea made his gut churn. Because it made him feel like he was as bad as his father. Hurting other people for his own gain. Of course, his