He reached across the table, though doing so meant asking for trouble. Every time he touched her, he wanted her a little more. She was like all the shiny things he’s seen as a child that he’d known could never belong to him. Except for once, when he’d stolen a penny whistle. He’d loved the toy with all his heart but had been compelled to hide it whenever any adult passed, afraid they’d realize a child in rags could have never purchased such a toy on his own. The hiding had eventually ruined his enjoyment and he’d vowed never to steal again.
“A little bit of food will help you sleep and speed your recovery. Eat for me, love,” he said.
She nodded and dutifully dipped the spoon in the bowl, placing a delicate bite into her mouth.
Even the way she ate looked so civilized. Not like him. He stared at the spoon clutched in his hand and slowly, he slipped his hand from hers. Bad shouldn’t touch her like this. But her fingers gripped his tighter. “Did you book one room or two?”
“They only had the one. My apologies.” He wanted to bring her fingers to his lips. He wanted to put distance between them. He gave his head a small shake.
But she leaned toward him. “I’m glad. I don’t want to be alone.”
He didn’t answer as she finally slipped her fingers from his and tore off a piece of bread to dip into her stew.
He cleared his throat and leaned in. “It’s been a very trying day.”
Grace leaned toward him too, some color already returning to her face thanks to the stew. “I want to thank you for coming after me. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t.”
He swallowed, not necessarily wanting to say this but sure he’d do better to push her away now, before she stole even more of his affection. “Vice and Ada followed too. I just got here quicker.” Vice had fall
en behind because her cousin, Ada, had insisted on helping in the rescue. Not only had they been in a slower carriage, but Vice likely stopped further back on the road to allow Ada to rest. He had his own Chase woman to care for. And Bad suspected, when they found each other again, Vice would be engaged to be married. Abernath really had wreaked havoc on them all.
She shook her head, taking another bite. “If I take two more bites may we go up to our room?”
“Yes,” he answered, nearly smiling. She made it sound as though he were her father or perhaps her husband. His gut clenched and his smile vanished. He was going to have to share a room with her tonight. How in the world would he manage to be near her and keep his hands to himself?
A knock sounded at the door. Bad turned as the innkeeper stepped into the room. “The constable is here to see you.”
Bad nodded as the constable stepped into the room. “Just wanted to let you know that I’ve taken care of everything for the night but if you could meet me at the church in the morning, we can discuss the arrangements for your wife’s friend.”
Bad stared at the other man. Why hadn’t he realized that he was going to be responsible for transporting Abernath’s body back to London? “Of course.”
Grace gave a tiny squeak from the across the table, which he ignored until the room emptied again. Then he turned to her, irritation replacing the attraction he’d been fighting. Which was the way it often was with Grace. “Why did you tell them that Abernath was your friend?” Grudgingly, he realized it was easier to push her away like this.
Her spoon dropped into her stew. “You’re welcome,” she hissed back.
This was how they usually were. “I beg your pardon?”
She picked up her spoon and took a large bite, taking her time as she chewed. Then after making him wait a ridiculously long time, she finally answered. “It was far easier to explain without adding a female villain,” she finally answered, scooping out another bite, but she paused before she brought it to her mouth. “And, Harry never need know what his mother has done. I know he’ll be happier for it.”
He sat back in his chair, as he stared at her. Well those were both bloody good points and he’d successfully managed to push her away again. He ought to congratulate himself, but sick dread filled his insides instead.
Chapter Four
Grace stepped into the small room and assessed the tiny bed. She’d been glad he was going to be so close. Today, the Baron of Baderness was a boon, a lifeline in a world gone topsy-turvy.
But the man she was about to share this miniscule space with was…large. She consoled herself that at least he’d be close.
“I’ll leave you to undress?” he asked as he closed the door behind them. He nearly bumped into her back as she stood next to the bed.
“No,” she quickly answered, turning around and looking up into his face. The tight space made her feel off balance and she reached for his shoulder. When had she gotten so comfortable touching him? “I’ll sleep in my clothes.”
He quirked a brow. “You’re dressed for shopping. That can’t be comfortable.”
She shook her head, looking down at her pale blue muslin gown. It now had streaks of dirt running down the lovely fabric. “I don’t see any other way.”
He lifted his hands and, for a moment, she thought he was going to pull her into another embrace but then he began working on the delicate buttons running down her back. She gasped and tried to step back but bumped into the bed. He held her still to keep her from falling. “Grace. I just thought we’d remove your outer dress and corset so you might sleep more comfortably.”
“Oh…yes. Of course.” But her skin heated at the idea of him, of all people, removing her clothes. His hands were big. Not beefy or thick, in fact he had long tapered fingers. But they were just as large as the rest of him. Grace couldn’t imagine how they so easily undid tiny little buttons but in mere seconds, her dress was gaping off her front. And though no more of her skin was exposed, she felt open and raw, undressing like this in front of him.