Faced with the unwavering barrel of Ryan's pistol, Evan didn't flinch. Instead, he slowly raised his hands, palms outward in a gesture of mock surrender. A cruel, harsh laugh escaped his lips, echoing slightly in the tense silence of the study.
"Well, well, Cousin," Evan taunted, his eyes gleaming with malicious amusement. "Why the hesitation? Having second thoughts?" He tilted his head, his smirk widening. "Did she tell you not to do anything irrational before you left? Did your little Duchess order you to behave?" He scoffed, a dismissive, insulting sound. "Typical women. Always interfering. How could you allow a woman to control you like that, Ryan? To wrap you so completely around her little finger?"