Ruelle's thoughts were so consumed by her having to live with her parents that she didn't care about Ezekiel's presence. If she had known this was going to happen, she would have bribed Peyton to remain as her chaperone until the wedding day. In her fevered mind, the thought almost made her laugh.
For a fleeting moment, she wondered if she should have told the ministers regarding what her father had put her through. The proof was still hidden beneath her dress.
But only if it was that simple.
The conditions in the treaty tied the Belmonts and Slaters together. If fingers started pointing in one direction, they would eventually point in the other too. Lucian had broken her father's hands and also had burned down their house. Whatever protection she might gain would come at a cost.
She noticed her stepmother's eyes darting between her, her father and Lucian. The woman looked relieved one moment and worried the next.
