A Daring Passion

“Only when I am being held hostage.”

He leaned close enough that his warm breath brushed her cheek. “Would you prefer that I haul you to Newgate?”

“You know I would not.”

“Good.” He traced a light path from her temple to the edge of her mouth. “Such beauty would not last long among the savages.”

She pulled back, her eyes flashing. To be honest, she was beginning to suspect that he had never had any intention of turning her over to the authorities.

“That does not mean I want to remain here with you.”

His smile widened. “You have run out of options, menina pequena.”

“Why?” With an abrupt motion she was on her feet, her arms wrapped about her waist. “Why can you not simply allow me to leave?”

“And where would you go? Do you truly believe you could wander the dark streets of London alone and not be molested or perhaps even killed?” He gave a shake of his head. “You truly are an innocent.”

“I can take care of myself.”

He merely laughed at her brave words, rising to his feet in a fluid motion. “If that were true you would not be in my clutches.”

“You really are detestable.”

“Me?” Something that might have been annoyance flashed through his eyes. “I was not the one to send you out alone in the dark. Or to encourage you to risk that lovely neck by playing such a dangerous charade. If you are determined to blame someone, it should be your father.”

“Do not speak of my father. He is a far greater man than you could ever hope to be.”

His eyes narrowed. “I, at least, know how to take care of my family.”

For some reason his words caught her off guard. “You have a family?”

His annoyance melted as he regarded her with a hint of mockery. “Of course I do. Did you think I just appeared beneath a rock?”

“I assumed you were kicked out of hell.”

There was a pause as he walked toward the fireplace and leaned against the mantel. His tall, lean frame appeared casually at ease, but Raine sensed an underlying tension that hummed about him.

“I have a father and a brother.”

Raine found herself curious in spite of herself. This man was like none other that she had ever encountered. At times he was as cold and distant as the stars. And then she would catch a glimpse of the man beneath his hard exterior. A man she suspected could be warm and gentle.

“Are they anything like you?”

“Not in the least.” A smile touched his lips, but there was an edge of bitterness in his voice. “You would no doubt love them. Everyone else certainly does.”

“You sound envious.”

“Do I?” He shrugged. “Perhaps I do envy their ability to fritter away their lives without a thought to the consequences of their irresponsible habits. They are charming and witty and utterly committed to their own pleasures at the expense of everyone, including myself.”

She studied the austere lines of his countenance. He did not need to tell her that he accepted responsibility for his feckless family. His every feature was etched with the commanding authority that had no doubt been thrust on him at far too early an age.

Raine battled against the grudging respect that flared through her heart. She was a woman who admired loyalty above all things. Especially loyalty to one’s family.

“And what are you committed to?” she demanded.

His gaze dropped to study the toe of his boot. As if he was debating precisely how much to share with her. At last his eyes lifted and Raine caught her breath at the fierce glitter in the emerald depths.

“At the moment I am committed to rescuing my brother from yet another tragedy.”