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Shifting sideways to loosen her trapped legs, she kneed him in the crotch and he fell to the floor. She scrambled to her feet but he tackled her, pinning her with his body and slapping her hard across the face.
    She cried out just as the doors to the library crashed opened. The sound of stomping echoed in the chamber as several people rushed in. Hands pulled Gaynor off her. She clamped her legs together and scurried back. Tears welled in her eyes as Camden punched the bastard several times in the face. Gaynor collapsed on the floor, blood spewing from his mouth.
    Her betrothed rushed to her side and pulled her into his arms. Susanna grasped him hard and buried her face against his chest, crying in panic and relief. He buried his hand in her messy braid and murmured soothing words, coaxing her to explain. Once she finally pried herself from his chest and stared over at Gaynor, who had risen to wobbly knees, she noticed that her father and three servants bore witness. Anger and confusion strained the baron’s eyes. She lowered her gaze and quickly explained.
    Gaynor fervently shook his head and clasped his aching jaw. “She coerced me into the library. She is very beautiful, and very persuasive. Shamefully, I lost all inhibitions.”
    With that, Camden launched himself at the earl and tackled him to the hardwood floor.
    The baron ordered the servants to drag Camden off Gaynor just as Lady Lorican and Deandra rushed into the room. The women gasped as the men rolled on the floor, fists flying. The servants grabbed Camden’s arms and pulled him back. Gaynor kicked out but missed the viscount’s leg. Camden shrugged off the servants and rubbed at his sore jaw. Lady Lorican rushed to her crying daughter and held Susanna close.
    Deandra hurried to her bleeding husband but he shoved her away. She scowled at the seething viscount but focused on her youngest sister. “What did you do? Tempt him?” Deandra hissed at Susanna. “My husband is loyal. He would never touch you!”
    Susanna gripped her mother harder as sobs overwhelmed her. Both Susanna and Deandra cried as Camden bristled and clenched his fists.
    “Leave,” the baron ordered the servants. “If you speak of this situation to anyone, consider yourselves jobless and your families homeless.” The servants quickly nodded and left. Only the Lorican family remained. “Deandra, Susanna quiet. I cannot handle two emotional women with a blasted headache.” He rubbed his temples and then stared atLord Gaynor.
    The earl tried to speak but his words slurred together. He wiped blood from his lips with the sleeve of his dark shirt and swallowed the excess blood pooled in his mouth. Gaynor rose to his feet as Deandra clung to his arm to keep him steady.
    Lord Lorican crossed his arms and scowled at his son-in-law. “I believe my daughter. You cornered and attacked my child on the day of her wedding. You struck her, groped her and now deny it like a rat.” He held up his hand as both Gaynor and Deandra tried to speak. “You may be an earl, my lord, but are no longer welcomed in my home. I will see that a doctor tends to your injuries, but you will leave once the roads are passable.” He focused on his eldest daughter. His eyes softened but his tone was firm. “You are always welcomed here, as are your children, but not your husband.” He ignored Gaynor as the earl fumed. “You have shown little love or respect for your sister. I thought better of you, Deandra.”
    Deandra wrung her hands. “My husband would never touch Susanna. Or Beatrix. Dallying with my sisters is one boundary he would never cross.” Gaynor squeezed her arm for silence as she swiped at falling tears. “I admit my husband and I have marital issues, but I am certain this whole thing is a huge misunderstanding, Papa.”
    Lord Lorican glanced at Camden. The younger man nodded. The baron then licked his lips and sighed. “Lord Beckinworth and I have had long talks about your husband’s actions regarding