To Want a Rogue

“Can I help you?”

Gavin heard her question and turned his ear toward the door. It didn’t sound like she was speaking to Sam, but who else would be in the room?

The question was answered almost immediately.

“Why yes. You most certainly can,” Nearbottom replied. “Was your name Dahlia? What a pretty name for such a lovely girl.”

Gavin straightened. What game was Nearbottom playing? Even he had to know that he couldn’t just wander into other guests’ rooms. Gavin wanted to tell him to get the hell out, his need to protect Dahlia making his head buzz. But if Gavin stepped in that room, everyone would know he’d been in Dahlia’s chambers unchaperoned.

Then again, Nearbottom likely wouldn’t care.

“Thank you,” Dahlia answered. “Now if you’ll excuse me, my brother is sleeping and I need to tend him.”

Her voice rang with a dismissive quality that brought a smile to Gavin’s lips. This was the woman who had raced through the rain to get help for her brother. She might be able to dismiss Nearbottom all on her own.

“I’ll only keep you a moment.” Nearbottom’s voice dropped low. “I was told that your brother is doing better, but his recovery is not certain. If your brother should perish, I only wanted to offer you assistance, should you need it.”

“Assistance?” she asked. Gavin straightened. He didn’t know where Nearbottom was going with this, but he didn’t like it one bit.

“Tell me, do you have a dowry?” He could hear Nearbottom moving and Gavin did the same, approaching the door. Wherever Nearbottom was headed with this conversation, he didn’t like it. No other man but Gavin was going to be part of her future. Stopping, he made a decision. He’d make Dahlia his wife. They’d sort out the rest later.

“I don’t think that’s any of your concern.”

Good girl, he silently cheered as he started for the door again.

“Oh, but it is.” Nearbottom replied. “You see, if you have one, I might want to make you my wife. You are a gorgeous little creature. I’d even overlook that fact that you’ve been traipsing about with de Wolfe. Not that I blame you. The man makes the rest of us look rather pedestrian. He won’t marry you, though. Still nursing a broken heart.”

He stepped into the room as Nearbottom stopped just in front of Dahlia. “That’s kind of you to offer.”

Nearbottom slid his hand about the back of her neck. She started to step back, but he tightened his fingers.

Rage blurred Gavin’s vision. No man was going to touch Dahlia like that. If he’d questioned his decision to marry her, he didn’t any longer. She was his.

“Take your hand off her or I shall break every one of those fingers.”

Nearbottom pulled his hand away but his smile remained. “I wondered how long it would take to flush you out.” He looked over at Gavin. “You always were a lucky bastard. Am I to assume that you’re marrying her?”

“Yes. You are to assume.” Gavin said between clenched teeth. Reaching Dahlia’s side, he slipped his hand about her waist. “I do not want to see you again. You’ll leave my house at first light.”

Nearbottom raised a brow. “As you wish.” Then his gaze swept over them once again. “You’re free to join us this evening.”

Gavin clenched a fist at his side. “Get out.”

Nearbottom turned, whistling as he exited. “I’m not sure how long it will take you but whenever you’re ready you can thank me for what I did this evening.”

Gavin drew in a deep breath as he considered those words. “What does that mean?”

But Nearbottom only turned back to him and winked then exited the room.

“Gavin.” Dahlia touched his arm. “What was that all about?”

“I’m not entirely certain.” Had Nearbottom just forced him to face his feelings? “But it’s high time we tackled that tray of food. It’s been waiting for ages.”

She gave a nod. “I suppose you’re right there. Food will make everything clearer.” But she hesitated. “You said that he was to assume. What did that mean?”

Gavin slid his hand across her cheek, cupping her jaw, his fingertips burying into her hair. “It means, my sweet Dahlia, that we are getting married as soon as Sam is well enough to give his blessing.”

Her eyes widened as her lips parted. Without thinking, he leaned down to kiss them closed.