The Billionaire's Nemesis

PTE

nsing ritual. Heavy velvet drapes blocked any sunlight from filtering in, leaving her in perpetual gloom. The only in

Her mind turned again to her failed escape on the second day of her imprisonment. When one of the timid maid

lad grip and held her back until the door was locked once more. Tatiana had shouted

blankets, feeling herself disappearing too into the

eact, the heavy oak door swung open, torchlight flooding the dim room. Tat

inally coming into focus. Her brea

. "Come, sit up straight girl. I've brought Lady Anton

o the room. Everything about Lady Antonia's appearance and bearing spoke of wealth and nob

Tatiana," she said smoothly. "I am Lady Anto

She turned pleading eyes to her father. "Please...I

ont of Lady Mancini." Turning to his guest he added, "Forgive my daughter'

st but caught herself, trembling

. The young bride's anxieties are to be expected." She st

der woman murmured. "Young and strong, fine childbearing hips...

d like livestock at market. Lady Antonia continued ci

well Lord Beaumont. Our houses will both benefit richly, as

will return with you today to Ma

eve it best we transfer the girl to her new home straig

urn of events. Leave Beaumont Manor today? But...surely, she

and dressing. Within the hour, she found herself seated across from Lady Antonia in the plush interior of the Beaumont carriage as it rolled aw

sing edifice of Mancini Manor looming before her. Any other time, she might have marveled at the sprawling g

ous entrance hall. Tatiana moved as if in a dream, her sensibilities dulled by anguis

elderly butler awaited them.

e her in Dubois's capable hands n

, Miss Tatiana. I will escort you to the ch

ast countless other rooms likely grander than the one housing her. At last, he opened

will arrive shortly to introduce himself once he h

but a man, his gait unsteadies and laughter spilling from his lips. Two women, their dresses clinging to the

. The man's eyes, bloodshot and glazed, finally lande

rds her chair. "What do we have here? A litt

that made Tatiana's skin crawl. Disg

mmered, pushing herself f

A pretty name for a pretty face." He reached out a hand th

xuded an air of icy control that was the complete opposite of his brother's drunken

word laced with disdain.

forehead. "Who...?" Recognition dawned, and a sly smile twisted

ana felt a cold dread pool in her stomach

y gaze. "Leave us," he commanded, hi

future sister-in-law," he said with a wink, his voice thick with innuendo. Then, with a moc

eyes remained fixed on Tatiana, his expression an unreadable mask. Tatiana's