Viscount of Vice (Lords of Scandal 4)

“Of course, you are. We haven’t eaten in hours.” He folded his note and handed it to their host. “Would you be so kind as to see this letter delivered tonight?” Then he fished in his pocket and pulled out several coins.

“Of course, sir,” the innkeeper answered, pocketing the money. “I’ve got just the boy for the job.”

Vice nodded his thanks as the man left again. They both dug in, eating without speaking. He drew in a deep breath as he finished, his mind working far better. “Now,” he said, looking across at his soon-to-be wife. “We need to discuss tonight.”

She leaned forward. “We’re going to continue on, aren’t we?”

Vice shook his head. He hated to disappoint her now. She’d given him so much. “We’d never catch them, love.”

Ada’s face scrunched, her brows drawing together. “I want to help.”

He reached for her hand. “I know you do but my job, here and now, is to protect you. Bad will keep Grace safe. I can’t leave you alone and I shouldn’t take you any further.”

Ada’s voice shook as she spoke. “I don’t want to leave her.”

He squeezed her fingers. “But we tried, Ada. At this point, we’re too far behind and we’re at an actual crossroads. We don’t even know which direction they’ve gone.” He could see the pain on her face and his own constricted with a deep ache. He knew she was right. Bad could fail. But right now, he needed to keep the woman he loved safe. And he did love her.

This crazy night had taught him one thing, Ada Chase was the perfect woman for him. He would marry her and he’d spend his life cherishing the woman who effortlessly gave him so much.

Chapter Fourteen

Ada looked across the table at Blake. She knew he was right. But she hated to sit here and do nothing. “We’ve come this far,” she murmured.

He leaned toward her. “And we’ll be close enough to help if they send for us.” He held her hand in his, his thumb massaging circles on the sensitive skin between her thumb and forefinger.

She nodded, a shiver running down her spine. “What if she’s hurt?”

Vice reached for her other hand. “I love that you are so concerned for others. But Ada, we have to think about you too.” Then he stood, stepping around the table and pulling her up. “Just a few hours’ sleep. You’ll be better able to care for her when Bad rescues her if you’re rested.”

She gave an absent nod. He did have a point.

They returned to the desk but she barely paid attention as he spoke with the innkeeper then led her up the stairs. He unlocked a door and opened it for her, then followed her inside.

When he shut the wooden panel behind him, she realized he intended to stay. “Oh,” she gasped, spinning about. “One room?”

He raised a brow. “I can sleep on the floor but after all that’s happened today…” He cleared his throat. “I’m not leaving you alone.”

Heat filled her cheeks. “That also makes sense. And I know we’re about to be married…”

He crossed the room, drawing her against him. “Ada.” He brushed a light kiss at her temple. “I’m just going to keep you safe. That’s all.”

Why were those words a bit…disappointing?

“I know. I just…” She didn’t know quite what to say. “I somehow didn’t picture my first night alone with a m

an to be like this.”

He ran his finger down the side of her face. “This…exciting? Action-filled?”

That made her laugh, just a bit. “I suppose it has been all those things.”

“I know you’re worried about Grace but she is a tenacious woman and Bad…” Vice dropped his head closer. “I think he’s in love with her. He won’t admit it, even to himself. In his defense, we’re a bit thick that way. But I am sure he’s not going to allow anything to happen to her.”

“Really?” Somehow those words did make her feel better. If Bad loved Grace, he’d move heaven and earth to protect her. “It has only just occurred to me that if this all works out then Bad’s rescue might be rather romantic.”

Vice gave a small chuckle. “It’s a good thing neither of them are here to listen to that.”

Ada’s smile slipped.