Brazen and the Beast: The Bareknuckle Bastards Book II

“How you landed her is beyond understanding,” Whit said. Devil’s smile was nearly audible. “I wonder at it every day.”

“Now, tell me how you cocked it up, so I can impart additional wisdom as your older, wiser, brother.” “We were born on the same day.” “Yes, but it’s clear my soul is wiser.”

“I’ll never not be hers.”

“Oh, dear,” Nora said, coming up short just inside the room. “Augie’s not wearing trousers.”

“It’s no place for ladies,” Augie said. If there were any five words that would catapult a woman into motion, they were surely those.

“Fine. Why have you kept them?” “Because I’ve barely owned them a week!” “Nah. Why have you kept them, bruv?” Whit stopped. For her. Christ. Whit rubbed a hand over his face. He’d kept them for her. Because she’d told him she wanted a shipping business. And he’d wanted to give her what she wanted. Because hope was a fickle bitch. “There it is.”

“That’s all anyone calls him. He’s Beast. And his brother is Devil.” Nora coughed. Hattie cut her a look. “I thought you weren’t listening.” “Of course I’m listening. Those are ridiculous names.”

I also let him go.” Augie shot to his feet, wincing with the movement. “Why would you do that?” “Because he was in my carriage, and we had somewhere to be.”

Nora gasped, and Nik was out the door for the doctor, and Hattie tightened her hand in his, and said, “That was a very tempting offer.” He laughed at the words, unable to keep the tears from spilling down his cheeks. “I’m very happy to hear it.” Her hand came to his head, her fingers tangling in his hair, weak, but there. “Tell me,” she whispered.