“I’m ready.” His gaze held hers as he stared into her eyes, heat radiating from his body as it pressed to hers.
“I’ll come too,” Vice stood. “Wouldn’t want the lady to be-—”
“No,” both her and Exmouth said at the exact same moment.
“Bloody hell,” Vice mumbled, looking over at Bad.
Diana tore her gaze from Exile to consider the baron. He didn’t appear the least bit drunk and he’d been quiet since they’d entered. His dark gaze pierced into hers. “Let them go,” Bad murmured. “We already know where this will lead.”
Diana squinted her eyes. “What does that mean?”
But he waved his hand, dismissing her words. The man was a bit unsettling and Diana was rarely intimidated by anyone. “You’ve gotten your wish. Take it.” Then he turned to Vice. “Know any lords who might be willing to go into business with us? Our numbers are rapidly dwindling with these Chase women sniffing about.”
“I’m not sniffing,” she huffed even as she began to steer Exmouth to the door. Much as she’d like to argue, Bad was correct. She shouldn’t squander this opportunity. “We’ll discuss this again, another time.”
“I doubt it,” Bad answered and then turned away.
She paused for a moment. Did she demand the man listen? But Exmouth leaned closer, his warm breath tickling her ear. “Are ye ready?”
Her stomach dropped. How did she answer that? While she knew he was asking if Diana was ready to leave, somehow she wanted him to ask for more. Much more.
Exile straightened a bit the moment they stepped out into the fresh air, it instantly cleared his head.
He glanced down at Diana, her arms wrapped about his middle as she walked him down the dark alley. Her body snug against his in the most satisfying way. Tall and slender, there was still a softness about her that felt…just right.
“Where’s your carriage?” she asked, her eyes scanning the alley.
“Douglas called for it, it’ll be here in just a moment.” Then he wrapped another arm about her. “Are ye cold, lass? I’ll warm ye.”
“No, I…” She stopped, searching the darkness again. “What was that?”
He peered into the night, blinking, then he scrubbed his face. Why had he had so much to drink. “I don’t see…” But his voice fell away. There was in fact a movement in the shadow. He gripped Diana tighter with one arm even as his other hand grabbed the short sword at his side and pulled the sharp metal blade from its sheath. “Who goes there?”
Diana sucked in her breath, her arms tightening about his middle.
A figure lunged from the darkness, making a grab for them but in a second, Exile reacted. He pushed Diana behind him and slashed with his blade. The man lunged away but not in time and Exile felt the tip of his sword rip through clothing.
“Ahhhhh,” a man yelled, wincing away.
Exile started after him even as the man ducked and spun.
“My lord,” Diana cried, a choking sound clogging her voice as she grabbed for his back. “Don’t leave me.”
He stopped, watching the man skulk away, slightly bent, one shoulder stooped lower than the other. Part of him wanted to chase after the man and sink his blade through his ribs. The last time he’d been attacked like that, Ewan had ended up dead. The blade had been meant for Exile but it had found his cousin instead. “I would never leave ye, lass. Dinnae ye worry about that.”
“I…” she whimpered. “I shouldn’t have come tonight.”
“No, ye shouldn’t have but no’ because of that pile of shite. I would never let anyone hurt ye.” He meant every word. The fight had sharpened his mind and as he looked down at her, her arms about her waist, a surge of protectiveness like he’d never felt before coursed through him. He’d protect her with his very last breath. Without thought, he reached out and pulled her close again, folding her into his arms. She pressed against him, her cheek resting against his chest.
“Will you take me to Minnie’s please?”
Her voice trembled and he nodded against the top of her head. “Of course.” He started rubbing circles along her back. “My carriage will be here any moment.”
She nodded against him, the top of her head snuggling into his chin. Her silky hair tickled his neck as her scent wafted into his nostrils. He held her closer, placing a light kiss on the strands. He wanted to hold her like this all night, keep her wrapped in his embrace where she’d be warm and safe. Would she notice if they just stood there, wrapped together?
As if in answer, the rumbling of wheels filled the alley along with the clop of horses’ hooves. He recognized his driver, and waving to the man to stay in his seat, he snapped open the door himself and lifted Diana into his arms.
Climbing into the buggy, he snapped the door shut again and then settled onto one of the bench seats, folding Diana onto his lap.