A Terrible Misunderstanding (A New Adventure Begins - Star Elite 6)

“Did you want to go anywhere with him?”

“Never. I have told him to leave me alone but he won’t.”

“I was only going to escort her home.”

“But I only live at the end of the street,” Clara replied before Erasmus could attempt to justify his bullish behaviour.

“So, there is no need for you to go for a ride in his curricle.” It wasn’t a question, but the young woman shook her head. Niall nodded. “It’s kidnap.”

“Unhand me at once,” Erasmus cried, now struggling to try to get away from the wall.

Niall refused to allow him to budge, not least because he wanted to give Boyle an idea of what his victim had experienced when she had been accosted.

“It is strange, but I just heard the young lady say that to you and you ignored her. Now why should I do what you want?” Niall growled.

He turned a querying brow on the young woman and forced himself to ignore the wild thrill of attraction that appeared out of nowhere and hovered between them. When their eyes met there was a hint of something; a spark of a connection that left neither of them in any doubt it was there. It simmered in the air and wrapped around them both, entwining them in a shared universe that not even Erasmus could intrude upon.

“Did he hurt you?” Niall asked softly, secretly wondering what the hell it was about her that was so appealing.

Yes, she was stunning. Yes, she was fierce and determined. He had seen that for himself when he had watched her struggle so ferociously as she had fought for her freedom. Yes, she was able to argue her cause, and was feisty and quick enough to be able to stand her ground against a challenge. But that wasn’t what had nudged a deep, protective instinct hidden deep within him. It wasn’t her looks either. Niall had seen even more beautiful women and never felt this instant connection with any of them before.

“Mother of God,” Niall snarled, more to himself than to anyone else. Forcing his thoughts back to the man now struggling against the wall, he contemplated what to do with him.

“He didn’t hurt me, he is just persistent and won’t take ‘no’ for an answer,” Clara murmured.

All sorts of questions were flowing through her. She wanted to know who this handsome stranger was. Why he was in the village. Where he had come

from. Where he was staying. Moreover, why he should create within her a spark of attraction she had never felt toward any man before. He was handsome, that was unquestionable. He was tall, broad shouldered with dark, smouldering eyes that seemed to stare straight into her soul. He was gentle when he had to be yet fierce when crossed. Of that there could be little doubt. In just a few short seconds he had made Erasmus look like a snappy little mongrel while he remained cool and unruffled. Clara had no idea who this handsome stranger was, but she knew that he was a man who was in command of his world. Someone who could deal with whatever problems came his way with a calm, matter-of-factness that ensured results.

He is my hero. It is as simple as that.

Clara sighed, but it was heartfelt and full of longing rather than driven by boredom or fear.

He is probably married with half a dozen children; Clara thought a little ruefully.

“Who is he?” Niall asked.

“His name is Erasmus Boyle. He is a local businessman who enjoys making women, m-me, uncomfortable,” Clara reported, sliding a somewhat wary look at Erasmus.

“Where is your chaperone?” Niall looked all about the street but it appeared that the foolish young woman was all alone and Boyle had taken full advantage of it.

“My aunt is at home waiting for me. I have been to the church and was walking home. That’s all. I go to church every Wednesday and often walk home. It isn’t very far. Nothing like this has ever happened to be me before, not until he arrived in any case. Serpentine is usually a safe village. It is a shame it is spoilt by Boyle.”

“But you still shouldn’t be walking out alone,” Niall snapped. “Serpentine cannot be as safe as you think it is or he wouldn’t have accosted you.”

Clara mentally winced because she knew he had a point. Still, she tipped her chin up and glared at him. While she was grateful for his help, she could see no reason why she should have her behaviour questioned by this stranger.

No matter how handsome he is.

“My walking a few hundred feet home doesn’t give anybody the right to accost me,” Clara snapped.

Niall pushed against his captive’s shoulders when he felt the man try to push away from the wall again.

“Get off me,” Erasmus growled.

“Leave the young woman alone.”

“She is my fiancé,” Erasmus protested. “We were having a lover’s tiff, that’s all. It’s nothing you should concern yourself about.”