Earl of Gold (Lords of Scandal 7)

Penny’s insides were a jumble. She’d nearly lost her temper twice tonight. And that never happened.

Ever.

She’d learned absolute control since becoming an orphan.

How could it be slipping now? She’d allowed Logan past her defenses only to discover that his intentions weren’t pure. He’d wanted her kisses and he’d wished to secure more money. That was what she’d meant to him.

Of course, he was helping her too. That had to mean something, didn’t it?

But she’d always known to keep a wall between her and the world. Not to allow anyone past it. Because she had everything to lose here.

What if a man’s intentions weren’t pure? What if he didn’t support her orphans? What if, like Clarissa said, he left her with child?

She was getting ahead of herself. She knew it took more than a kiss to make a baby. But when he’d touched her, she’d forgotten to think, to reason, and she’d just wanted…more.

He was dangerous, and she needed to stay far away from him. While they stayed in the same house. Drat. Without meaning to, she let out a sigh. Everyone looked at her. “Sorry,” Penny murmured.

“We’re almost there,” Logan said. “The children can all settle in the nursery. Clarissa can go into the maid’s quarters that are attached, if that’s all right.”

“Fine,” Clarissa murmured, waving her hand. “Any bed will do.”

“That leaves…” He hesitated, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. “Penny.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Are you out of beds?”

“No.” He drew in a long breath. “It’s just the only other room that is attached to the nursery is…” his voice trailed off.

“What?” she asked, leaning forward, Natty shifting with her.

“The countess’ suite.”

Her breath sucked in.

“There are other rooms of course. But not that are attached to the—”

“That’s fine,” she cut him off, her voice catching on the last word. So much for distance. “I’ll sleep wherever I can be near the children.”

He gave a quick jerk of his chin and the carriage rolled on, silence falling again. Clarissa however, notched her head to the side, looking at Logan. “Is the countess’ suite connected to yours as well?”

He straightened. “There’s a lock.”

“On which side?” she gasped.

“Both,” he answered holding his hands up.

“Lord Gold—”

“Penny,” his voice rose in volume. “Please. After what nearly happened, what could have happened, I’d like to keep all of you close.”

There was a tremor in his voice. One she’d never heard before. It sounded vulnerable and frightened. All her worry seemed to whoosh out of her with her exhale. “All right.”

He relaxed back into his seat. “Good.”

Natty scrambled down from her lap and parted the curtain to look out the window as the gate swung open. “You live here?” Natty asked, her voice filled with wonder.

“I do.” Logan reached out and stroked Natty’s hair back from her face.

Penny’s own insides twisted at the gesture.