Home/ Romance/ Let's Fall in Love Again (book 2)/Twenty-Six
Marcus paced his study, raking his fingers through his hair. Sinister thoughts raced in his mind, and he couldn't straighten them out. Plans were in place, and soon he'd discover what his brother had kept secretive all this time. With any luck, Napoleon's army would be involved, too. He'd kill two birds with one stone. Literally.
Mrs. Westland was part of the plan. He just didn't know how. Yet, he did know Matthew used her to seduce other men for information.
That woman made Marcus nervous. From what he gathered, she knew his twin well. They'd been in some kind of scheme together, which Marcus would eventually disclose. He especially worried she'd discover he wasn't Matthew. That would certainly ruin h
For the next few days, Marcus stayed in his bedroom or his study, drinking his sorrows away. Not even rum affected him anymore.Because of his lies, he'd lost Isabelle. She hadn't talked to him since the night his father died, but her silence said it all. She wouldn't forgive him, and soon she'd leave and return to her aunt and uncle in France.Agony twisted inside of him, causing so much pain and sorrow, sapping away his will to live. How could he go on without her? She had brought joy into his life—happiness he didn't think he deserved. Now he wanted it back. He wanted to smile again, laugh, and love, but only if she was with him.
Donning the customary black mourning gown, Isabelle left the house and stayed in town all afternoon. She didn't want people to think she cared nothing about her father-in-law's death, but neither did she want to stay in the house while Marcus occupied it. Being outside in the sunlight helped brighten her day. If only in small measurements.As she moved from shop to shop, she thought about collecting things to take back to France when she returned. Her heart hadn't softened toward Marcus, and she didn't know if it ever would. Trust was a hard thing to build back up after it'd had been broken.Marcus had shattered her hopes and dreams with one lie that grew and festered. She still cared for him but didn't want to. I
Dizziness flowed through Marcus' head as he marched toward his friends. Whatever Simon had hit him with earlier to knock him out had left a nasty gash in his head. Weakness wasn't an option. Especially now.Taking a deep breath, he pushed himself to help his fellow crew members. Just as he reached Gabe, Simon cut his friend's leg with a lucky slice. Gabe stumbled back clutching his wound as blood trickled between his fingers. Simon lifted his sword to finish the deed, but Marcus stepped between him and Gabe, blocking the blow.Simon jumped back and held his ground, his gaze narrowed on Marcus. The room swam around him, and he blinked to gain his bearings. He must have strength. He'd come too far to lose, and now that he knew