Duke of Dishonor (Lords of Scandal 11)

“How did you know I needed to be rescued?” She tried to turn to look at him but there wasn’t much room for her to pivot on the seat. “Again.”

“I overheard a plot whilst I was spying. I am trying to find all the thieves…” He shrugged.

Her breath caught. In an effort to save her entire family, he’d stumbled upon information to save her specifically and he’d come to her aid. “And the last time?”

“I was following your uncle for the same purpose.”

The carriage rolled to a stop. She almost didn’t wish to leave. But he opened the door and handed her out, paying the driver. In a moment, he had her up the stairs, banging on the front knocker with an insistence that might have been frightening if she didn’t feel so safe next to him.

She didn’t even realize she’d moved closer until her arm brushed his chest.

But without a word, he lowered his hand to her back.

His eyes were scanning the street and the alley even as he knocked again.

“So is it a coincidence that you have saved me twice?”

“Not entirely,” he answered just as the door opened a crack.

He didn’t elaborate as he gave it a firm push, the butler just barely moving out of the doorway as Dishonor ushered her inside without invitation. Then again, she did live here.

“Emily,” Avery screeched from the top of the stairs. “Holy Mother Mary, it’s Emily!”

For some reason, his hand tightened on her back for a moment before he let her go.

Within seconds, her family flooded the entry. All of them. Her sisters, her cousin, her brothers-in-law, even her fake aunt who’d quit and returned to their employ.

She was dragged into several hugs as people talked over one another.

She passed from person to person until she looked back over her shoulder. Dishonor stood exactly where she’d left him, staring at her.

She drew in a breath and held up her hand to call for silence.

The room fell quiet. A nervous flutter started in her chest as she looked around. For the first time, she wondered what the consequences of her adventure might be.

Bash was the first to break the silence. “What just happened?”

“I was in the garden, thinking—” she started.

Noise erupted again. A shower of words crashed over her.

“How could you.”

“Shouldn’t be outside.”

“It’s not safe.”

She didn’t answer as she crossed over to Dishonor once again. “Now you know why we had to redo my hair.”

Those words made the cacophony of noise cease in a second.

“I do see,” he responded with a slight smile. “Are they always like this?”

She shrugged. “I’m the least useful of the sisters so—”

“Never say that again.” His voice was quiet, almost tender. “You were so brave tonight.”

Her heart nearly stopped in her chest. She’d needed someone to say those words to her. “Thank you.”