Unmasked By A Devil

UNMASKED BY A DEVIL THE DEVILLE BROTHERS WENDY VELLA CONTENTS Unmasked By A Devil Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Chapter 32 Sensing Danger Wendy’s Books About the Author UNMASKED BY A DEVIL By Wendy Vella The man who was loved by everyone… except her Zachariel Deville knew what people thought of him. The youngest brother, all charm, and no substance. He knew better. His serious side came out when he performed his duties for the king or protected his family. He cared nothing about how others perceived him. Except her, of course. He cared very much about that. The thorn in Zach’s existence was Mary Blake. She got under his skin, and to his horror, he’d just realized the reason. He was attracted to her. Add to that, she was hiding something from him, and suddenly the life he’d always known had been turned on its head. The woman who cared little for appearances and everything for duty Mary had always been the different Blake sister. She was sensible and didn’t give a fig about appearances. What she cared about was protecting those who needed it. A chance to do that and serve her king had come by accident. She’d taken it with both hands and now lived a double life. She just had to keep Zachariel Deville off guard. They had always been adversaries, but lately that had changed. He looked at her differently, as if he couldn’t quite make out what lay between them. Once she’d longed for his attention, but no longer. Now she had a purpose, and that did not involve a handsome, infuriating man who seemed to be everywhere she did not want him to be! When they both engage in a deadly investigation for the king, who will be the one who walks away with their heart intact, or will they finally concede that they are each other’s destiny? The Deville Brothers Series Seduced By A Devil Rescued By A Devil Protected By A Devil Surrender To A Devil Unmasked By A Devil Sign up for my email newsletter and never miss a new release! www.wendyvella.com/newsletter To Blake, who just doesn’t understand that peas and corn should go on pizza, because pineapple is a dessert. Love you xx PROLOGUE The year was 1709, the monarchy was under threat, and the queen’s advisers worried. Danger came from many different quarters, and something had to be done. A council was formed by Anne, Queen of Great Britain, and she gathered ten of her most powerful nobles. Men she trusted to pledge their allegiance to her and none other. Each was given a ring, the gold band forged from goblets said to be used by William the Conqueror in 1066 when he won the Battle of Hastings and took the throne. The men would protect the ruling monarch, and the council would be known as Alexius. The Defenders. Over the years their numbers would grow as members would be enlisted for courageous acts undertaken or loyalty to the throne. Others inherited the position. Brothers, cousins, all united in their quest. Veritas scutum tibi erit would be their pledge. The truth will be your shield. CHAPTER ONE Zachariel Deville thought life had not taken a turn for the better as of late. He was listless, something he rarely experienced. He was currently wandering aimlessly down a street toward an unknown destination, pondering his life. “Hand over your money.” Two men appeared before him, and Zach could make out the glint of a knife blade in the weak lamplight. “And if I say no?” he enquired, settling his weight evenly on the balls of his feet. “Then we’ll slice you and take it anyway,” one of them said. Even in the gloom, Zach could make out the larger bulk of the man speaking. The other was leaner but no less mean. “Well then, you leave me no choice.” Zach kicked out with his left leg and dislodged the knife the bigger man held. “Much better, now we’re even,” Zach said. “Get him!” Zach felt a surge of energy as the men rushed him. This had been missing in his life as of late. Excitement. He jabbed with his right and then swung with his left, and the first man fell. The second followed shortly. Looking down at the crumpled forms, he noted they were still breathing. Stepping over them, he walked on. “Well now, nothing like a little altercation to get the blood flowing,” Zach said as he took stock of his surroundings. He’d left a soiree when boredom had forced him from the Lester home and had started walking aimlessly. His brothers had not been in attendance, and for the first time in many years, none of the beautiful young women there had managed to lift his lethargy. Looking at the road he was currently heading down, he noted it was close to the gambling establishment he and his best friend Warwick Sinclair often frequented. Had often frequented, he amended. He hadn’t been there in months. In fact, he’d not been to many of the places he and his friend had once ventured into regularly. And doesn’t that make me a maudlin individual. And therein lay the first reason for feeling dissatisfied with life. Warwick had recently come to the realization he loved a woman he’d known since childhood, and consequently, they were now wed. His friend spent his evenings with his love. Which was entirely understandable but unfortunately left Zach rudderless. He was happy for Warwick, really. It was just that suddenly he seemed the only person in his life who was not in love. Which said what about