A commotion erupted behind them as Leo, Alexander and Evelyn burst in through the door.
"Hell and damnation," Alexander growled as Elliot glanced over his shoulder. "We cannot let anyone in here. We cannot let anyone see him like this."
Just a glimpse of Elliot's countenance confirmed what she suspected; the beast inside was primed and ready for attack.
Leo put his hand on Alexander's arm. "Take Evelyn outside. Block the door and don't let anyone in. Be persuasive if you have to."
"Get him the hell off me." Barrington's voice conveyed his fear.
"I don't give a damn what he does to you, Barrington," Leo said marching towards them as Alexander and Evelyn slipped outside. "But I do give a damn what happens to him."
Grace's heart thumped so hard she could feel it in her throat. In truth, she wanted Elliot to hurt Lord Barrington. To teach him a lesson. She wanted to punish the lord for hounding her sister, for being a self-absorbed prig, for reminding her of Henry.
But another feeling overpowered all others.
Hurting Barrington would only bring Elliot more pain, more regrets, more memories to bury behind a false facade.
Grace rushed forward, touching Leo on the arm. "Let me try. Just give me one chance. Please."
Leo's gaze searched her face and he sighed. "One chance. But hurry."
She came to stand beside Elliot.
"Can't you bring your dog to heel?" Barrington scoffed finding an ounce of courage. But Elliot flexed his jaw causing the man to whimper.
"Be quiet." Grace turned to Elliot. "Let him go, Elliot. You're the one who's always so calm, so in control. I need you to be calm now. I need you to listen to me."
"He needs to pay for what he's done." When Elliot's gaze met hers, she sucked in a breath. Yet while his countenance conveyed the horror of his affliction, she saw a hint of sorrow in his black eyes. "I need to know he can never hurt you again."
A well of emotion erupted inside.
Barrington writhed as he tried to shake himself free. Despite being smaller and leaner in frame, Elliot seemed to have the strength of ten men and he tightened his grip on his prey.
Grace cupped Elliot's cheek and he turned to look at her. "If you hurt him, you will only be hurting yourself. I won't let that happen." She swallowed deeply, stood on the tips of her toes and placed a soft, chaste kiss on his terrifying teeth. "I love you."
Her throat felt tight as tears welled and threatened to fall. As he stared into her eyes, flickers of green invaded the darkness. The red veins dissipating, retreating, surrendering to the light.
Relief coursed through her.
It didn't matter that she had bared her soul to him. Vulnerability was a feeling she had dealt with many times before.
"I love you," she repeated, determined that no matter what happened between them in the future he would never forget it. He would always know someone loved him for who he was, regardless of his affliction.
Leo stepped forward and covered Elliot's hands. "Let me deal with Barrington. He'll remember none of this. I'll convince him to change his ways so you never need worry."
Elliot let go of Barrington's coat and the man sagged against the pianoforte.
"You will stay where you are." Leo's command carried a certain power, a gravity that could not be denied or disobeyed. "There is much to discuss, Lord Barrington."
Grace took Elliot's hand and led him to the opposite end of the room. While he remained quiet, a little subdued, the look of longing in his eyes was all she needed to bring her comfort.
"I have the information we need," Leo called back over his shoulder. "If you feel able, we could make a call tonight."
Grace turned to Elliot. "If you want to go home, I can go with Leo. I'll come and—"
"I'm going with you," he said, his tone somewhat solemn. "I'll not leave you. Not until I know you've got the answers you need. Not until I know you're happy and back home safely in Cobham."
Back home in Cobham?