To Want a Rogue

But Nearbottom had insisted that they needed to at least spend the night before moving on and Gavin couldn’t deny him that courtesy. He’d made the journey here on Gavin’s invitation, after all. And Nearbottom had once been his friend. However misguided his attempts to help now, he was trying to help Gavin in the best way he knew how.

Of course, that help came as a parcel of prostitutes.

The problem was that he worried about what night would bring. He’d sequestered Dahlia to her room and he might very well station himself outside her door so that she didn’t wander and see something completely untoward.

His gut clenched at the mere thought of it.

Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Nearbottom gave him another of his catlike grins. “So, who was the lovely lady you sent scurrying away?”

Gavin leveled him with his best narrow-eyed stare. “I already told you. There was a carriage accident. Her brother was injured.”

Nearbottom’s eyes widened. “You lucky bastard. That pretty little bird just showed up at your door, pleading for help?”

Gavin’s lips pressed together. “She needed help. Yes.”

“And did you give it to her?” Nearbottom stepped closer. “Over and over?”

Gavin was reminded why he’d ended Nearbottom’s acquaintance years ago. The man was insufferable. He’d forgotten that in his desperation to end his solitude. “Say that, or something like it again, and I’ll toss you out on your arse.”

Nearbottom only raised a brow. “Protective, are we? I understand. I would be too, I’m sure.” But his eyes drifted up the stairs. “She’s unmarried?”

Gavin winced. He didn’t want to talk with Nearbottom about Dahlia at all. She was so distinctly separate from the life that his old friend led. Kind and innocent, he thought of the things Nearbottom might say to her if he had the chance. Nearbottom was not a man he could allow anywhere near Dahlia, the man was a wretch. His gut clenched in the most uncomfortable way. He was ashamed to think he might have taken advantage. When had his feelings changed so dramatically?

“You’re not answering,” Nearbottom said in a sing-song voice as he stared at the landing.

Gavin grunted deep in his throat. If he didn’t answer, it might only fuel Nearbottom’s curiosity. How did he best protect her? “She’s a widow who will not be joining us this evening.”

Nearbottom swung his gaze back to Gavin, quirking a brow. “Pity. But I suppose you’re right. A woman like that shouldn’t be in the company of our lovely little doves we’ve brought along.”

A twitter of laughter rose up around them from the ladies. Apparently they weren’t insulted by Nearbottom’s comment that they weren’t fit to spend time with Dahlia. Another of the women circled behind him, her hand brushing his backside. His muscles tightened, not in desire but distaste. How he had ever thought this would be a good idea? Because he’d been wretchedly lonely. But looking at the situation now, something in him had changed. Dahlia had reminded him of what he’d lost.

“I’ll see you all settled in the west wing of the house for the night,” Gavin said diplomatically.

Nearbottom reached for one of the ladies, pulling her against his side. She plastered herself against him, her hand on his abdomen. “Are we being locked out of sight?”

Yes, Gavin wanted to say. “I’d prefer to think of it as a chance for privacy.”

One of the other men wrinkled his nose. “Privacy is overrated. We spent the last three days traveling to this little corner of England and we’re ready to spread out.”

The woman who’d touched his backside circled closer. Her garish red gown clinging to her curves. “Are you going to join us? We could use the variety.”

The other men scoffed even as she smiled. Gavin straightened. She was attractive enough, but she didn’t tempt him in the least. His thoughts were on the woman upstairs. “I’m afraid not. I’m sure you’ll have plenty of fun without me.” He made a mental note to burn the linens after they’d gone.

“Don’t fret about him, ladies. He’s always been a stick in the proverbial mud. I thought, perhaps, he’d finally lightened his dark and gloomy exterior.” Nearbottom pinched the arse of the girl he held, who giggled loudly. Nearbottom gave him a wink to show he hadn’t meant offense. Gavin supposed to the other man it was all true. Gavin was no fun at all.

“My butler will show you to your rooms.” He turned and started up the stairs. He had another guest with whom he wished to spend his time.

Once he arrived back at his study, he remembered he’d been about to go for a walk. There was no way he’d leave the house now, however. He hadn’t had dinner, nor had he checked on Sam for a few hours. He knew Sam was sleeping, but perhaps Dahlia would consent to dine with him if they did so in the presence of her brother.

Gavin found her in Sam’s room already, picking at her food and watching her brother sleep.

She stood as soon as he entered. “I thought you’d be with your friends.”

He closed the door. “I’d much rather be here with the two of you.”

A smile played at her lips as one of her eyebrows arched. “Sam is sound asleep. How can he be better company?”

“I assure you, he is.” Gavin crossed the room and grabbed a slice of bread from the tray.