The Art of Taming a Rake (Legendary Lovers 4)
Page 17
“That is no excuse for his folly.” When she was seated, Traherne stood in the doorway and leaned in for privacy. “I told you, I want you safe.”
“You should see to your own safety, my lord,” she suggested tartly. “Those brutes were clearly targeting you, not me.”
“Indeed. If I didn’t know better, I would have suspected you of setting them after me.”
His comment made her raise an eyebrow. “Me? Why would I do such a thing?”
“To protect your sister.”
“I am not prepared to resort to violence just yet.”
His mouth curved. “What do you call what just happened? You were an avenging angel.”
“I was acting in your defense.”
“For which I am grateful. Here is your knife back.”
She took it from him and resheathed the blade for a second time. “You did not truly suspect me, did you?” she asked a trifle indignantly. “I would never behave in so cowardly a fashion.”
“That I have no trouble believing.”
Hearing the humor in his tone, Venetia realized he was enjoying himself, or at least his blood was up from the danger he had just faced.
“How can you be so calm? Those brutes could have killed you. You act as if you relished that bloody brawl.”
The grin he flashed her took her breath away. “A little peril is good for keeping reactions sharp and provides relief from boredom.”
Her exhalation was half scoff, half disbelief. “I for one would have happily remained bored.”
“They were likely thieves eager to relieve me of my gambling winnings.”
Venetia frowned. “A robbery might explain their assault, except that they never demanded your purse. They attacked right from the start. And they were obviously lying in wait for you.”
“Evidently.”
“How could they have known you would exit by the rear of the club rather than have your carriage draw around front?”
“I don’t know. It’s possible they meant to commandeer my vehicle from Robert. But I mean to get to the bottom of it.”
Her frown deepened. “What will you do now?”
“I will remain here to investigate and speak to the Night Watch. Someone may be able to provide identification of our attackers.”
“Perhaps you ought not stay, my lord. What if they return?”
“Then I will be better prepared for them.”
His careless tone vexed her. “I can see I should not have worried about you.”
“Were you worried?” he prodded in that teasing tone.
“Regrettably, yes. I want to stop you from pursuing my sister, but I don’t want your blood spilled.”
“I am gratified to know that.”
Venetia bit her lip. In all the chaos, she had forgotten that her problem was the same as it had been when she first arrived. “I meant what I said, Lord Traherne. I will not allow you to harm my sister.”
“We will discuss it in the morning. Shall I call on you at ten?”