Rescued By A Devil Read online

  Rescued By A Devil

  Wendy Vella

  Contents

  Rescued By A Devil

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Want More?

  Sensing Danger

  Wendy’s Books

  About the Author

  Rescued By A Devil

  Wendy Vella

  From USA Today bestselling author Wendy Vella comes a sizzling series full of passion, scandals and intrigue. Tasked with protecting the King, the Deville brothers are part of a secret alliance forged centuries ago, but when it comes to affairs of the heart they are yet to be tamed.

  He vowed to never trust her again

  It had taken a single look at Miss Bethany Carlow for Nathanial Deville to fall in love. He’d believed she’d felt the same, until he received the note stating she didn’t return his affections. The following day she’d disappeared.

  Devastated, Nathan put his shattered heart back together and declared love was no longer for him. Now cynical, and untrusting, two years has taught him many things, hiding his emotions being one of them. An excellent skill that he calls upon when he steps into a ballroom and sees Beth again.

  She vows to do what it takes to protect those she loves

  A threat to her family had forced Beth from London and the man she loved. Only a greater threat would have her stepping back into society to face him again.

  His veneer like hers is civil, but those eyes tell her he will never forgive her perfidious behavior. In fact he loathes her, and while every hateful look inflicts pain she is here for a purpose. A deceitful treasonous purpose that will save those she loves. Can she do what must be done or will Nathan unmask her?

  He is bound by a legacy to protect the monarchy. She has vowed to do what it takes to keep her family safe. Can they find their way back to each other in the face of danger, when they are on different sides?

  THE DEVILLE BROTHERS SERIES

  Seduced By A Devil

  Rescued By A Devil

  Protected By A Devil

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  Money can buy you lots of things—

  but it can’t wiggle it’s butt every time you come through the door.

  For a special little fur baby Tilly

  How did we live life without you?

  Prologue

  The year was 1709, the monarchy was under threat, and the queen’s advisers worried. Danger came from many different quarters and something had to be done. A council was formed by Anne, Queen of Great Britain, and she gathered ten of her most powerful nobles. Men she trusted to pledge their allegiance to her and none other. Each was given a ring, the gold band forged from goblets said to be used by William the Conqueror in 1066 when he won the Battle of Hastings and took the throne. The men would protect the ruling monarch, and the council would be known as Alexius. The Defenders.

  Over the years their numbers would grow as members would be enlisted for courageous acts undertaken or loyalty to the throne. Others inherited the position. Brothers, cousins, all united in their quest.

  Veritas scutum tibi erit would be their pledge. The truth will be your shield.

  Chapter One

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I beg your pardon?” Mr. Nathanial Deville said to his brother as their feet sank into the thick oriental carpet of Lord Russell’s hallway.

  “You’re tense,” Zachariel said out the side of his mouth. “Your teeth will shatter if you keep that jaw clenched for much longer.”

  Nathan focused on the family members who walked before him. Zach was right; he was tense. He had no idea why. Life was following its usual pattern. Nothing overly taxing had occurred of late. Even Geraint had been silent, which suggested the monarchy was safe—for now.

  “I am fine.”

  His eldest brother, Gabriel, Earl of Raine, walked with his fiancée, Miss Dimity Charlotte Elise Saint Bonnard, once Dimity Brown, their sister Abby’s piano teacher. Behind them came Abby with her husband, Daniel Dillinger. Next was the newest member of their family, Forrest, his cousin. Then came Michael, the Deville brother after him, and lastly Nathan and Zach.

  “No, you’re not fine.”

  “Shut up.”

  “Make me,” Zach taunted as only a younger brother could. A brother who knew that Nathan was an easy mark to taunt, or once had been. The last few years had seen a change in him. Possibly a much needed one, but he wasn’t ready to concede that or the reasons for the turnaround.

  “I will when we get home, and you’ll be weeping into your bedsheets.”

  Zach snorted.

  “It might pay you to go through the door first, Zach, as you are the plainest-looking Deville, after all. There will be little hope with the ladies if they see you in our company,” Nathan heckled him.

  “Miss Lucrecia Smythe said she fell asleep each night thinking of my face.” Zach smirked.

  “Poor woman; her nightmares must have been horrific.”

  They stepped through and looked at the guests milling below, taking in the explosion of colors and scents. Moving his eyes slowly through the people as he always did, he searched for her, knowing, of course, she would not be present. She’d gone, and it was likely he’d never see her again.

  Which is a good thing, you idiot.

  The Duchess of Yardly wore a hideous shade of peach, more putrid orange actually, that hurt his eyes. She was leaning on England’s most dangerous weapon, her cane. Beside her stood two women. Suddenly the air sucked from his lungs, and he stumbled. Zach grabbed him as he pitched forward.

  “What?” All humor was gone from his brother’s face.

  “Nathan?” Gabe arrived at his side.

  “I-I am well. Sorry, I just missed the step.”

  Why is she here?

  “Miss Carlow is here,” Michael said softly, moving to stand on the step before him.

  Anyone looking would see nothing unusual. Just the Devilles making an entrance, but Nathan knew it for what it was. His brothers were protecting him.

  “What? Where?” Zach still had a hand on Nathan’s arm as he looked below. “That witch,” he hissed.

  “Enough, brothers,” Nathan said. “I am well, and she was bound to return. Stand down.”

  “Nathan, you will not let that woman see you looking anything but controlled, with your usual veneer of cynicism in place.” His sister appeared, elbowing Michael to the side so she could look up at him. “Look at me.”

  He did, focusing on her pretty face. The face so familiar, it settled him. His little sister whom he loved was staring at him with a fierce expression of loyalty.

  Six months ago she’d given him and his brothers a nephew she and Daniel named Tobias. They called him Toby, and Nathan loved him fiercely. He’d like to hold that warm, soft body close abou
t now.

  “I’m all right, Abby.” He hauled in a deep breath. “I was merely surprised to see her.”

  Her hand grabbed his, gripping it hard. “We are here, brother.”

  He nodded. “It is all right.”

  “If someone would enlighten me as to whom I should loathe, I would be grateful,” Forrest said. “I am having enough trouble navigating society’s treacherous waters without speaking to someone I should not.”

  “I will fill you in, cousin,” Zach said.

  “Thank you.” Nathan looked at the faces around him. “All of you,” he acknowledged Abby’s husband, Daniel Dillinger, and Dimity—now part of their family group.

  “Abby told me about her—Miss Carlow,” Dimity said out the side of her mouth, “and any woman who would walk away from you without a backward glance is, to my mind, unbalanced.”

  This forced a laugh from Nathan.

  “You’re handsome, and had your brother not trapped me into marriage, you were next on my list.”

  Gabe rolled his eyes. “Please, they all know the reverse is true. You hunted me down, poor helpless man that I am.”

  “Excuse me. You are blocking the stairs, and I wish to make an entrance.”

  The Deville party turned to face the man behind them. Lord Plunge. One of society’s biggest fools. He wore a lavender jacket and breeches, and his hair was arranged in a style known only to him, long on the sides and curling on top of his head. Zach had commented once that it looked like a turd.

  “I don’t think you need an introduction. Wearing that ensemble, no one will be in doubt who you are, Plunge,” Gabe said.

  Lord Plunge preened. “It is quite something, is it not, Raine?”

  “It’s definitely something,” Michael muttered, moving to one side so the lavender-wearing peer could make his entrance before the Deville party.

  “Ready?” Gabe asked Nathan.

  “Yes, I will be fine now.”

  Why was she here? What had brought the woman who had broken Nathan’s heart back to London for the season? He wanted to look at her again but kept his eyes forward. She was nothing to him now. Nothing!

  “The Earl of Raine.”

  Nathan listened as they were announced and knew Miss Bethany Carlow—he had to remember to think of her that way now—would have heard he was in the room.

  Why is she here after three years out of society?

  “Smile.”

  He did as Michael said. He and Zach flanked him, their arms brushing his to let him know they were close. He’d always known they had his back, for all they fought like a pack of rabid dogs sometimes, but right now, he had never been more grateful to have his large, exuberant siblings at his side.

  They gave him strength.

  “She is to the left,” Zach said.

  “Go right then,” Michael whispered.

  Nathan took a step forward and out of their ranks before they could stop him.

  “This must be done or we will be watched. Stay here, and I will return soon.”

  “Are you sure?” Gabe asked.

  “Yes. Once it’s done, everyone can move on, including society. I will not be gossip fodder for them.”

  He turned left, walking steadily to where she was. He needed to do this, get this first encounter over, then he could carry on with his life. In fact, seeing her constantly may ease the deep ache inside him he’d never been able to soothe.

  He couldn’t read her expression from here but knew she was watching him. Dressed in soft, pale rose, she looked exactly as he remembered her.

  Bethany Carlow had stolen Nathan’s heart from their first meeting. He’d loved her as he had no other. She’d put something inside him that he’d never known he wanted or believed himself capable of feeling, then she had walked away, leaving him reeling and devastated. That was three years ago. Nathan had grown a great deal in that time. The lessons her abrupt departure from his life had taught him would remain etched deep inside him for some time, if not forever.

  Having the person you’d given your heart to stomp on it with large boots, then toss it back in your face with total disregard for the pain it caused was something you were unlikely to ever forget.

  It was fair to say that his love had deviated into several strong feelings. Rage and hate, to name but a few. Yes, hate was a strong word that he rarely used, but loathing Bethany Carlow had helped him deal with a broken heart.

  Evil witch.

  Her hair was the color of his brother’s morning coffee, and several thick curls rested on a creamy shoulder. Three strands of pearls were around her neck, and he had the urge to tighten the clasp. The bodice of her gown dipped low enough for him to see the rise of her lush breasts.

  She was a great deal shorter than him and had the body of a goddess, soft and curvy. He’d lusted after her from first glance. With dimples and a rosebud mouth, her lure was undeniable. But he would be denying it. This woman would never hold power over him again.

  He refused to feel anything. She had made her intentions toward him clear. Never again would she mean anything to him. His heart was now a cold, shriveled organ, locked up inside his chest with several chains and large impenetrable padlocks.

  He was a handful of steps from her when he felt someone press to his side.

  “I want to meet her,” Dimity whispered.

  “I don’t think—”

  “Never a Deville brother’s strong suit, so don’t start now,” she said sweetly. “You are not meeting the woman who ripped your heart from your chest alone.”

  “I’m sure I should be insulted that you feel I’m unable to cope,” Nathan said.

  She patted his arm, and there was nothing for it but to take his future sister-in-law with him.

  “Besides, the duchess is with her, and I have so missed her.”

  “She took tea with us yesterday. And I’m not entirely sure how anyone can miss that woman.”

  “She’s wonderful.” Dimity smiled. It was wide and bright, and a man stepping out of their path stumbled.

  “That’s quite the weapon for you now, when coupled with that gown.”

  “Gabe said I am learning to flirt and it’s a dangerous thing for his heart.”

  Nathan couldn’t manage a laugh, so he snorted. “Behave.” He shot her a look. She wore burnished copper, and had he not known her origins, he would have believed she’d always walked in society. Self-assured, poised, and elegant, Dimity had taken to the treacherous waters of the ton with ease.

  “Moi?” she said, batting her lashes.

  He snorted again, then tried to haul a breath into his tight chest as they walked the last steps to where the she-devil stood.

  “Duchess, Lady Carlow, Miss Carlow.” He bowed deeply before the women, quite pleased with the even timbre of his voice. “Please allow me to introduce you to my brother’s fiancée, Miss Saint Bonnard.”

  Around them, voices stopped and people watched the reunion with eager anticipation of a scene. They would get nothing from him.

  “I know her,” the duchess barked, waving her cane at Dimity.

  “And yet Lady Carlow and Miss Carlow do not,” Nathan said calmly.

  Bethany Carlow’s deep blue eyes widened, and color rose high on her cheekbones. She was unsettled. Excellent; he had the upper hand and intended to keep it that way.

  He felt people move closer on the pretext of passing. Everyone knew that poor Nathanial Deville’s heart had been callously broken by the evil Miss Carlow.

  “Deville, where is my book?” the duchess barked, stomping her cane. Nathan twisted his foot so she didn’t connect with his toes.

  “My book is in my house. You shall get it when I’m done with it. Now, you must let me compliment you on that dress, Duchess,” he said with no sincerity. But if he was bantering with her, he could show the woman with her he was unaffected by her presence. Which he wasn’t.

  “It’s called sun-kissed peach.”

  “Really? And there was me thinking it was rotten
orange.”

  She poked him in the shin before stomping away without a word to annoy some other poor individual.

  “How lovely to see you back in society, Miss Carlow.” He made himself face her.

  She was nervous. Her gaze met his, then dashed away. Good. She deserved to suffer. He willed his heart to beat a steady rhythm inside his chest.

  “Thank you” was all she said, which surprised him. Beth had liked to chatter, especially when she was nervous.

  It was her beauty that had first touched him. Her eyes were a deep rich sapphire, framed by thick lashes and soft arching brows the color of her hair. Her lips had always fascinated him, the bottom fuller than the top. The mouth he’d once kissed.

  She is nothing to me.

  “Lady Carlow, I hope you are keeping good health?” he said, deliberately turning from Beth to look at her mother as if she meant nothing to him.

  She’d aged, he realized. Lady Carlow’s hair was now liberally peppered with gray. There were more lines on her face also and she looked… he couldn’t quite find the word. Worried, perhaps?

  “I am, thank you, Mr. Deville,” she said, her eyes looking over Nathan’s shoulder, clearly as nervous as her daughter at seeing him.

  “And your husband, is he here also?”

  “He is not well,” she said quickly.