In response, he leaned close to her ear. “It’s only Bad.” Ada had the distinct urge to lay her head on his chest as she wrapped her arms about his waist. She wasn’t in danger but his embrace was so very…safe. And exciting.
She turned to see Vice’s friend, the Baron of Baderness, scowling at them. “I am perfectly capable of keeping Grace safe and I’ve already been tasked with the job.”
Ada cringed, her other hand slipping about Vice’s arm. “I didn’t mean to offend, my lord.” She leaned against Vice, drawing comfort from his proximity. She never had liked when people were angry with her. “We don’t know each other and I wasn’t sure how committed to the task…” Her voice trailed off as she looked up to Vice. He stared down, his expression serious, his face drawn into taut lines. She cleared her throat. “Lord Viceroy offered my father help and I assumed that meant he was willing to help us.”
He leaned closer, his other arm coming to her waist. “Of course, I am willing.”
Excitement and warmth spread through her. When he was sincerely close, he was near irresistible. She had to figure out how to make the other Vice return. The one who was arrogant and rakish. Because this man was irresistible. And Ada needed to resist him or end up falling under his spell.
Rake ruiner…. The term was laughable. But ruined by a rake… She started with surprise and fear. Ada might be in real danger.
* * *
Vice assessed Ada as she stared at him, her tongue wetting her lips. He wanted to taste that tongue. He drew her closer still. Would she taste of honey? Mayhap peaches. His body was hardening in the most sensitive places. Why was this woman wreaking havoc on him?
He hadn’t reacted this way since…Camille. Strange. He’d collected all these women over the years, and they were all more, and somehow less than Ada. They were accomplished, intelligent, witty, rich. And yet, here stood a woman who wasn’t nearly as successful and yet had seen straight through him with a single glance. And now she’d breached his defenses and had begun tearing them down in large chucks.
Camille had as well. Then, he’d welcomed her refreshing character. Camille had seen through him and when Vice had been with her, he’d been more for their relationship. For the first time since his parents’ deaths, he’d shared his feelings with her. Allowed her to know how he hurt. What he was afraid of. Being alone…
But in the end, Camille found him to be less. Lacking. And when he’d proposed, she had rejected his offer. Instead, she’d married a marquess. She’d been sorry. Told him that she needed someone stronger, more stable. A man that was less scarred. He knew his parents’ loss had stolen part of his heart but she’d made him realize he would never be enough. He knew then that a woman of real worth would never truly want him.
“Thank you,” Ada said, her voice just above a whisper. “Thank you so much.”
“What’s happening out here?” Daring rumbled from the doorway. “Ada should be in here with the rest of us.” The duke’s eyes swept over Vice, his gaze lingering on the hand at Ada’s waist.
Ada turned toward the duke, stepping in front of Vice as though he needed her protection. Her action almost made him smile. First, he wasn’t scared of Daring. The duke wouldn’t scare him even if they weren’t friends. Second, she hadn’t been lying when she said her sisters and cousins referred to her as timid. Bad’s gravelly voice had nearly reduced her to shivers. Not that he minded. He quite liked when she’d stepped closer to him, looking for his protection. Her need sparked something deep inside him. “It was my fault, Your Grace. My father doesn’t know about the danger we’re in and he told Lord Viceroy that it would be best if he left our protection to family. I was just telling his lordship that Grace, in particular, has a penchant for trouble.”
Daring frowned. “I see. Thank you, Ada.” He gestured for Ada to step inside. Ada glanced back at him, her eyes holding a question as they crinkled at the corners.
He didn’t want her to move away. Oddly, he wanted nothing more than to tuck her under his arm and keep her there. But he gave a tight nod of assent and she moved away, walking through the door to join her family.
Daring let her pass and then blocked the door again. “I’d like a word with both of you.” Stepping past them, he started down the hall, not bothering to wait for their acceptance.
“Dukes,” Bad rumbled. “So bossy.”
Vice didn’t reply. Instead, he looked back into the room where Ada had joined Grace, Diana, and Minnie. When had auburn become his very favorite color? “Daring,” he called. “May I ask you a question?”
“I suppose,” Daring answered.
“Do you find redheads to be more interesting?” Vice asked, not looking at Daring but rather, nothing in particular. His thoughts were on Ada’s creamy skin and the green of her eyes and…. He ran straight into the duke’s back. He bounced off the man, catching himself before he fell. He was never clumsy. He braced himself against the wall. What was wrong with him?
Daring spun around, his face directly in Vice’s. Vice was tall but Daring was taller and he bent down, using every inch of his height for intimidation. “Listen to me.?
?? He poked a finger into Vice’s chest. “There are two ways this can happen. One, you do nothing but guard Ada. Two, you marry her.” He poked again. “But you are not to dally with Minnie’s sister.” Daring’s nose nearly touched his, nostrils flaring. “I will beat you, tar you, feather you, and then escort your mangled body directly to the altar. Am I clear?”
Vice drew in a deep breath, puffing out his chest. Daring was not going to scare him. “Abundantly.” He braced his arms in front of him, pushing the duke back a bit. “I find Ada interesting as a person. She has a depth about her that is both intimidating and fascinating.”
Daring took a partial step back. “And her waist? How do you find that?”
“It’s a lovely waist,” he answered, his eyes narrowing.
“I knew you thought that, since your hand’s been touching it all day.” Daring poked again.
Vice gave the man a small shove back. Daring was beginning to annoy him. “You’re the one that said I needed to protect her. Now I feel the need to keep her close to me to make sure she is safe. I don’t know how to be any other way.”
Daring didn’t poke him again. Instead, he took a step back. “That’s true. It’s difficult to remain detached. But if Mr. Chase is growing suspicious of you then you’d better proceed with caution.” He scrubbed his hand down his face. “Perhaps the two of you should take turns caring for Grace and Ada. Keep you from forming an emotional bond and the Chases will be less suspicious.”
Vice’s chin snapped back as though he’d been slapped. Daring’s suggestion irritated Vice. He didn’t want Bad anywhere near Ada. Clenching his fists, he gave his head a stiff shake. He didn’t want any man near her except for himself.