Where to Woo a Bawdy Baron (Romancing the Rake 3)

That made her breath catch. What did he mean he couldn’t be her hero? Wasn’t that exactly what he was trying to do? And would he still like her after he’d met William? “There is a cricket match in the village this afternoon. He’s sure to play. He’s the captain of the local team.”

By way of answer, he let her go and reached down to pick up her umbrella. “In that case, you and I are going to a cricket match today.”

She took the umbrella from his hand and gripped the handle tightly. “I’m not certain about this plan.”

His hand came to her back again and he began steering her up the hill. “Trust me, Bianca.” He dipped under her umbrella, which created an air of intimacy, and her hand rested on his chest, her fingers lightly stroking his skin through his thin shirt. This man had kissed her. The first kiss of her life and he’d been right about one thing. She felt stronger, more confident because of his touch.

“I’ll make sure that they never tease you again.”

Bianca stopped, looking over at him, his face close to hers under the canopy. “I still don’t understand why you’re helping me.”

A muscle in his jaw pulsed and suddenly he scooped her up in his arms, moving faster up the hill. “I’m sure you noticed that I’m rather quiet. It’s been a long time since anyone made me wish to talk. I’m not always very good at it. I was so quiet as a youth, I didn’t learn the finer points…” He paused his speech, moving them faster. “But with you, for the first time in a long time, I wish to speak my mind.”

“Oh.” She reached an arm about his neck, feeling the bulge of muscle under her fingers. “That is so wonderful.”

“Bianca.” They were nearly at the top of the path and he stopped, just before they became visible. “I won’t stay here in Seabridge Gate, I shan’t ever marry. I won’t start a family and build a lovely home with children and cats. But I can help you with this. Do you understand?”

Not really. What did he mean he wouldn’t marry? He was a lord. Did he just mean he wouldn’t marry her? Her stomach did a sickening little flip. “It’s all right if you don’t like me enough to propose. No man has.”

He growled out a protest. “It’s not you, Bianca. It’s me. I won’t marry any woman ever because I’m not suited for it. But I’ll leave here knowing those men have ceased teasing you and that you understand your own value.”

Those words stole her breath. Bianca had to confess, she did want to marry. Stay in Seabridge Gate, start a family, and build a lovely home with children and cats. But even if he wasn’t the man to give her all these things, right now, she needed what he offered. A chance to start fresh and build toward her dreams.

Chapter Six

Chris set her back down, then held out his arm. He shouldn’t have carried her up at all, but he thought best when he moved and sprinting up the hill when carrying her had been the perfect finish to the exercise that had cleared his mind.

And allowed him to realize a few key points. He wouldn’t be satisfied leaving until he helped her. Lovely as she was, she was fragile too and she needed the sort of protection he could provide.

Chris had warned her that this was not a promise for a future from him. He’d simply get her started down the right path.

With that in mind, he left her at the kitchen door with a promise to return that afternoon.

“Are you certain this is a good idea? I mostly avoid them and—”

“That’s no way to live,” he answered, his hand tightening into a fist. He tried that as a child too. It just made him more of a target. The teasing hadn’t stopped until he’d learned to fight back. “I’ll help you. Don’t worry.”

She gave a tentative nod and then disappeared into the house.

He’d started sprinting down the road once again, intent upon getting back to the cottage for a good bath. At the match, his first order of business was to decide what sort of man William was. Did he tease Bianca because he was insecure, a braggart, or just a mean fellow? The answer to that question would help Chris decide how best to proceed. Did he threaten, trick, or openly punch the man in the face? The last sounded the most satisfying.

And he’d enjoy this bit of a time with Bianca. Perhaps he’d convince her to take a walk on the beach with him. One where he actually allowed her to walk. He really ought to cease carrying her everywhere. It was just that she fit against him so nicely.

He ate a quick bite at the inn, took a bath, and then dressed before returning to the Moorish house in Dashlane’s carriage. The large vehicle would hold six. He knew full well this would be a chaperoned event and sure enough, Juliet stood next to Bianca on the front drive.

The sight of Bianca nearly stole his breath. That morning, she’d looked gorgeous in a serviceable day dress. But now she wore a fitted gown made of a frothy pale blue fabric that highlighted her dark hair and the blue in her eyes. The high waist was accentuated with a wide band of ribbon that matched her gown and showed off the natural curves of her body in the most delightful way.

He helped both ladies into the carriage, Juliet first, as she flashed him a smile. “I thought for certain Lord Dashlane would join you.”

Chris shrugged. He hadn’t seen Dashlane since they’d made their way back from their cat hunt. Nor was he the type to intercede and tell Juliet that Dashlane was unlikely to attend any events where he wasn’t absolutely required. That would involve far too much talking.

Juliet gave him a long look as though she expected some sort of explanation. When he gave none, she finally flounced onto the bench seat of the carriage.

He turned to Bianca, taking her gloved hand in his. Every time he touched this woman, he just wanted more, and this was no exception. Automatically, he brought his other hand to her back, fingers spreading wide to touch as much of her as possible. He couldn’t seem to keep his hands off

her.

Juliet raised her brows as she studied his face. He had to confess, he’d not thought Bianca’s sister would notice, but he didn’t remove his hand either. Bianca climbed into the vehicle and sat next to her sister as he took the seat across from them.