Earl of Gold (Lords of Scandal 7)

It was on the tip of his tongue to tell her that they were all potential business partners, but he didn’t say the words. They made his insides twist and he tried to discern why.

He’d seen the happiness in their eyes, the gratitude. Would their feelings about him change if they knew the reason why he’d helped them?

That acquiring a gaming hell was the only reason he’d contributed to their cause. His stomach twisted even tighter.

Penny sighed across from him. “So we’re to meet unidentified men. That makes me nervous.”

That protective feeling that was always just below the surface when he was around her, swelled up in his chest. “I would never let anyone hurt you. And Darlington wouldn’t either. I’m certain of that. He seems uniquely interested in your cause.”

She twisted her hands but still managed another one of those smiles that knocked the wind from his lungs. “Thank you.”

Her gratitude tore at his stomach again. He should tell her that his interest in supporting her cause had started as another business deal. He couldn’t change that. But somewhere along the way, his intentions had become personal.

And now that he was invested, he’d see Penny and her orphans settled in a safe neighborhood with clothes and shoes and food. He’d finance them annually if he had to.

But he didn’t say any of that as the words stuck in his throat. Because they revealed so much, and he wasn’t accustomed to sharing such feelings. Not after burying them for so long. So instead he just said, “You’re welcome.”

Penny could feel tension in the air of the carriage like a palpable presence. She’d been nervous when they’d been in a carriage the last time but for entirely different reasons. Then she’d been worried about his intentions. Now, she was trying to decide if she thanked him again or just leaned over and pressed her lips to his.

Because no one had ever made her feel the way he did.

And no one had ever supported her orphans the way he had. She trembled as she considered how wonderful that was. To find a man who made her heart beat out of her chest and who helped her cause.

She didn’t expect that he’d wish to marry her. He was an earl, a member of the peerage. He’d marry a woman who suited his position.

But that didn’t mean that she couldn’t taste his lips once. Just this once. It might be the only time in her life she ever tasted such a treat and her relationship with him would be one she looked back on until her dying day.

Penny was certain of that.

Because no one person had ever made such an impact on her life.

Except her father, of course.

But somehow, Logan had become significant. The first person since her parents that she could truly r

ely on. Someone she felt made her life better, easier, took some of the large weight off her shoulders.

Leaning forward, she reached across the carriage. Her hand trembled and she knew her voice held a touch of the desperation she felt. A need to be close to him. “Logan?”

He threaded his fingers through hers and with a quick jerk, she was across the carriage, landing in his lap.

She gasped at the feel of him.

He was all muscle and angles under her. Hard edges fitting into her softness.

It was glorious. She sank into him, her arms wrapping about his neck.

His breath blew across her cheek and she inhaled his crisp, clean masculine scent. The intimacy of the moment making her chest flutter. Her heart hammered in her chest as the tip of his nose touched hers.

“Penny.”

Her name in his deep baritone started an ache deep inside her. “Yes?” she asked, her fingers tangling into the short hairs at the base of his skull.

“I’m going to kiss you now.” And then his chin tilted, and his lips pressed so lightly to hers that she wasn’t even certain it had happened. “Not because of the help I’ve given you, but just because I want to.” And then he kissed her again, just a touch harder.

“I want to as well,” she whispered against his lips. And he kissed her again, this time a firm press of his lips.

She returned the pressure, a shiver racing down her spine. Her head spun even as her body melted further into his.