He lay on his side, his knees were drawn up, creating the smallest space on the settee for her to sit. A hollow created by the curve of his body.

She did so, her knees touching his chest, her rear pressed against his thighs and she brushed his hair back again.

He’d saved her life twice. The first from gunshots, the second from kidnapping.

What was a woman supposed to do with that?

Even one as strong as Eliza would surely succumb to dreamy, romantic fantasy for such circumstances. But Emily…she needed saving regularly and so Brandon Winthrop, Duke of Lancaster, was absolutely irresistible.

She might have fallen hopelessly in love. She touched his hair again, feeling the soft strands slip through her fingers.

“He was a gentleman?” Bash rumbled behind her.

She didn’t look at her brother-in-law. Instead, she stared at Brandon’s face. “Bash. He’s been shot on my behalf and then chased down an attacker. How is that not the most gentlemanly thing you’ve ever heard?”

He chuckled behind her. “With what he’s found, his standing will be reinstated, Emily.”

“Good. I’m glad for him.” She brushed back his hair.

“And I’ll help him.”

“Also good news.” She smiled down at Brandon, glad he was going to get what he most wanted. “I’m sure he’ll be very happy to hear that.”

“And right now, before he’s returned to a seat of power, you could claim him as your own.”

She grimaced. A different woman might do exactly that. But she didn’t have the heart.

Because…

Well first, because she was fairly certain she’d fallen in love. Or perhaps that was just a fantasy she’d created in her mind. She knew she wanted this man. And what other could possibly compare?

But she also knew that he didn’t return her affection. Sure, it would be easy to fool herself that he did. He had raced to her rescue. But he was doing that for her father’s benefit, not hers.

And the fact that his investigation took precedence over her told her he didn’t really care for her. She shivered.

She wasn’t the sort to inspire such loyalty.

She’d had suitors. Plenty of them. But none of them ever seemed to stick and she knew the reason. Once a man got past her beauty…

She shook her head. “I don’t want to trap a man while he’s weak.”

Bash sighed behind her. “I might have to insist.”

She turned then, her rear pressing into the hollow of Brandon’s body. He was warm and even in sleep, she could feel the hard ridges of his muscles. “I beg your pardon?”

“I don’t like it either,” Bash said. “But you were alone with him. For a lengthy period of time. On a public street, if I’m not mistaken.”

A wave of shock coursed through her as her hands flew to her mouth. “But…”

“Someone might have recognized you,” Bash continued.

She swallowed, trying to clear her throat of a very large lump. “You’re going to force him to marry me because he saved me?”

Bash shrugged. “He clearly loves the business. In this arrangement, he’d get a controlling share. And Emily, you are…” Bash paused, looking up at the ceiling. “Quite comely. There’s a great deal for him to enjoy about this match.”

She sighed, tears stinging at her eyes. Because. Well, because wasn’t this exactly like her? Isabella and Eliza got great loves. Men who’d given them their heart and soul. And what had Emily inspired? A good business deal and…enjoyment. Not passion, not all-consuming fire. She was just…good enough. No better. A convenience.

And here she was enjoying all sorts of romantic fantasies. Alone.

Tags: Tammy Andresen Lords of Scandal Historical
Source: readsnovelonline.net