Earl of Exile (Lords of Scandal 3)

“I need ye too,” he answered and then he leaned down and kissed her.

Chapter Fifteen

Diana never wanted to be anywhere else in her life but snug against this man. As his lips pressed to hers, the rightness of their kiss settled over her like a warm blanket. Or perhaps that was his furnace of a body managing to heat her despite the cold ground under her back.

He lifted his head. “Leave yer window unlocked tonight.”

“What?” she asked, but he was already rising, pulling her up with him, her body tingled at the idea that’d he’d visit her this evening. At some point this evening, she’d decided that she didn’t care about the future. She wanted this man now.

“Christ, Exile,” Bad said as he approached the group. “I’ve missed all the action and you’re bleeding.”

Diana started, then began a frantic search of Callum.

Daring stood, his eyes travelling up and down them both. “We heard the shot. I repeat, why didn’t you wait?”

“Lady Abernath was about to complete the exchange…” Vice started.

“I had her under control,” Diana answered, only half listening. She found the spot on his arm where the blood was staining his sleeve. “Take off your coat.”

“I’m fine,” Callum gave her an easy smile as he stroked her cheek. “It’s barely a flesh wound.”

“Take it off,” she insisted as she tugged at the lapels pulling the fabric down his shoulders.

“Honestly, Sin got it far worse when I split him with my blade.” He shrugged off the coat to show her the small tear in his shirt. She pulled the rip wider to see that he truly had a tiny wound on his arm.

Sin, carrying his daughter, came to inspect the wound. “He’s right.”

Daring snapped open the carriage door. “Vice, you drive Exile, Diana, Sin, and the child to my house. Bad and I will take our friend here to the Bow Street Runners. Then we need to discuss how we plan on protecting the Chase women. This is twice that Abernath has entered someone’s home and staged an abduction.”

Everyone nodded and Callum wrapped an arm about her waist, pulling her tight to his side. “I won’t let anything happen to ye.”

Diana believed him. Strong as she was, she’d let her guard down with this man and he cared for her anyway. “I know.” She gave him a soft smile. “Thank you.”

“The steps we’ve taken aren’t nearly enough. It’s time to get far more serious.” Daring scrubbed his face.

Exile nodded and then helped her into the carriage and as he sat, she snuggled into his side. She’d never wanted a man to protect her before. But now that she had him, she wasn’t sure she wanted to let him go. That made her pull back. Callum had never pro

mised a future. In fact, he’d been adamant that he couldn’t marry her.

Unlike Charles, he’d never made her false promises. And what she did next was her choice. But she already knew what she wanted to do. She’d be his, even if that was for just one night.

Exile helped Diana out of the carriage and into Daring’s home. Tomorrow, he would propose, in front of Diana’s parents. Tomorrow, he’d read Fiona’s letter and respond inviting her to London to participate in a season. With the help of his friends, he’d surely find her a suitable match.

But tonight, after what had happened, he had no intention of leaving Diana alone.

Tucking her under his arm, they entered the house, Sin just behind him with his daughter. Minnie stood waiting, her hands clasped together as she nibbled her lip. Next to her, Jack stood with his arm about Emily.

Minnie cried out as she saw them, rushing to hug her cousin. Reluctantly, Exile let her go.

Assessing Sin, the usually handsome man seemed haggard as he held the sleeping child in his arms. “You should stay here. Go to bed.”

Sin gave him a look of surprise. “I thought for sure you’d want to murder me after all this.”

Exile shrugged. “If it had been my child…” He wanted to express that he understood. “Ye’ll be safer here anyhow. I’ll convince Vice and Bad to stay and there will be multiple men here in case anything should arise.”

“I think it’s a fine idea,” Diana added. “Minnie, you wouldn’t mind if Sin stayed?”

“Heavens no.” She reached for Sin’s arm. “Let’s get you upstairs and tucked into a room. Emily, write to our parents telling them that Diana is staying again. Tell them the party is going very well and we’ll be too late for her to return home.”