Heart Of Darkness

Chapter 52

"Very clever to hide here," Simu smirked as the other man dragged her to him.

"I work for Lord Rayven now." She said, hoping it would scare them away.

"Does he know about your debt?" Simu asked, "or did you lie to a Lord? Maybe you hid the mark as well. I know the clever ones like you."

 He grabbed her and pulled her out of the other man's hold. He brought her close to him and glared at her. "I warned you not to cross me." He said with clenched teeth. "Now I will make you...."

"What are you doing?" Suddenly she heard Lord Rayven's voice.

They all turned to look at him. He stood at the entrance, this time well dressed and with his hair nicely combed. He looked more civilized and approachable than this morning, but his eyes remained cold and empty.

"My Lord." They all bowed. "I hope we didn't bother you. We are only here to collect our belongings. This lady ran away from us."

Lord Rayven raised a brow, and Angelica could hear her heartbeat in her ears as she waited for him to say something.

"She belongs to you?" He questioned.

"To be more clear, she belongs to Lord Green, My Lord," Simu replied.

Lord Rayven put his hands in his pockets and walked closer, looking calm. Angelica could feel how the men tensed when he came closer.

"Do you have any proof?" He asked Simu.

"Yes, My Lord." Simu reached into his pocket nervously and pulled out an envelope. Angelica knew her father's debts were there and dreaded what Lord Rayven would think.

Simu handed him the letter, and Lord Rayven opened it and read it. Angelica watched him intently to see his reaction, but nothing in his expression changed.

"Is this your father's seal?" He asked, turning the letter for her to see.

Angelica nodded, embarrassed.

Lord Rayven wrapped the letter and then looked at Simu. "Does this mean Lord Green lent Lord Davis money that he used to plan for his treason?"

Simon's eyes widened. "He would not, My Lord. He knew nothing about Lord Davis and his plans. They used to work together on his business. That is why."

Lord Rayven narrowed his eyes with suspicion, and Simu looked afraid.

"Perhaps you should let Lord Green know that this debt could lead him to trouble if the money was used for wrong purposes." Lord Rayven said.

 Simu nodded. "I'll let him know, My Lord." He said. "We'll not trouble you anymore. We will be on our way." He said, grabbing her arm again.

Angelica panicked and looked pleadingly at Lord Rayven before Simu pulled at her arm.

"The lady stays!" Lord Rayven spoke.

They stopped, and everyone looked at him, surprised. Angelica breathed out in relief. Her instinct about him was not wrong. She was right!

Perhaps he would pay for her debt so she would be indebted to him and belong to him instead of Lord Green. She prayed since it was all she could do.

Simu chuckled nervously. "Oh, I should have thought about it. Do you wish to buy her? I know she is rare."

Angelica saw a hint of disgust on Lord Rayven's face, but for some odd reason, she felt he was disgusted by them, not her.

"And how much would that be?" He asked, tilting his head to one side.