Baron of Blasphemy (Lords of Scandal 12)

He actually felt her smile against him. “Those are both tempting offers.” Then she lifted her head again. “Do you really think I’m in danger?”

He grimaced. It was a tricky question. “For whatever reason, the group stealing from the shipping company has targeted Emily. If I were to guess, you’re more formidable than her.”

She inhaled a sharp breath and then wrapped her arms about his neck and gave him a large squeeze. He liked it far more than he expected. This closeness. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” he murmured back. “But if I were honest, I think Bash’s plan to send you away before they turn their attention to you is a smart one. And my offer still stands. I know you’re not choosing our match, but think of the conditions under which we wed. I will not take all your choices from you.”

They’d reached the street and he set her down, linking her arm through his as though they were just another couple out on a stroll.

“Thank you for that too,” she whispered as they walked.

He saw a hack and hailed it. The carriage slowed next to them and he fired off the address, handing her inside. As he did so, he caught three men staring at them.

He stilled, his senses sharpening. Who were they? What did they want? They were on foot and so he jumped into the hack, firing off an order to hurry.

Had they heard the destination he’d called out? It was unclear if they’d been close enough or not.

He settled in the seat across from Abigail. “Why are we hurrying?” she asked.

He frowned. “No reason.”

“Oh no you don’t.” And she was off her seat and attempting to sit next to him. The vehicle was not large enough, and to his complete shock, after fumbling about, she settled in his lap. Surprise made him lean back, but his hands automatically came to her hips to steady her and then he found he rather loved the feel of them.

He squeezed a bit tighter. “Don’t what?”

“Don’t lie to me. What just happened?”

“I saw three men. They were staring.” He slid his hands up her back, pressing her torso closer to his. “They could have just been admiring your beauty. You’re rather stunning.”

Even in the dark, he felt her blush. Heat radiated from her cheeks, so close to his. “But they concerned you?”

“They did.”

“Perhaps we should go somewhere else?”

“Where?”

She looked up at the ceiling, revealing a creamy column of neck. “We could go to Vanity’s. They won’t expect that and as he’s not been at Bash’s home since this entire debacle started…”

The idea had merit. Once again, he found himself admiring her intelligence. “They’re likely not watching him.”

She nodded. “It’s a gamble.”

“I’m a gambling man.” And he wrapped his arms firmly about her waist. Then he lifted one hand to knock on the wall by the driver and shouted out a new address.

She pressed her mouth together as though hiding a smile. “Am I a gambling woman?”

He couldn’t help it. He leaned forward and kissed her exposed collarbone. He felt her shiver and he smiled. He had one asset working in his favor…she wanted him. He’d press that to his full advantage. “You could be. You’re intelligent, bold, with a bit of a penchant for trouble.”

She arched her neck back and he continued to explore her throat with his lips. Her skin was silky soft and sweet, making him ache in all the right places. “Trouble?” she murmured, only half listening, he was certain.

“Rushed weddings, nefarious thieves. Secret plots that threaten your future. You, Abigail, are a delightful package of intrigue and mystery.”

“Oh,” she answered, her head cocking to the side as he continued his exploration, kissing her upper chest. “Do men ever fall in love with mysterious women?”

“Love?” He stopped just above her breast. Part of him actually wanted to say yes. It was the truth. Men did fall in love with women like her. Hell, even he was falling under her spell. He hadn’t thought of another woman in days. But love? He was immune to the emotion and he didn’t want to give her false hope. “What’s so great about falling in love?”

She leaned away, his lips no longer on her skin. “What’s so great? Everything. It’s the answer.”