Page 27 of The Tantalizing of a Scandalous Rake

She nodded and swiped a hand over her face. “Though why he did not simply destroy all of the barrels, I do not know.”

“He might have been scared away by something. One of the guests rising perhaps.”

“I shall have to get a better bolt.”

“And a dog,” Adam suggested.

“That’s not a terrible idea.”

He should be pleased she liked the idea but the only reason he’d suggested it was because he hated the thought of her being alone and unprotected once he was gone. She’d made it clear she did not expect him to remain around forever and she wasn’t wrong. He felt fitter than ever and he could not use the excuse of his injury for much longer. Soon it would become obvious why he was staying.

For her.

Besides, she’d made it clear she did not wish him to remain here forever. The taste of her still lingered in his mind, still kept him awake at night, but she had been careful to keep him at arm’s length since.

Adam had to face facts. He should be gone within the next week or so. For both their sakes. Rosie deserved someone with a much less sordid history. A man not being followed about by rumors that by some miracle Rosie had not heard yet. He couldn’t bring himself to explain the true reason for his being in Cumbria and that worried him more than ever.

He had done nothing wrong, yet it bothered him what she might think of him. He smirked to himself. He could not recall the last time he’d worried what anyone thought of him.

“Go upstairs,” he ordered before he gave in and took her in his arms. The desire to kiss away the creases on her brow made his feet twitch. “I’ll clean up.”

“You shouldn’t.”

“I can manage. It’s only a few bits of wood—nothing heavy.”

And he was well enough. But once he admitted that, would be like admitting he could leave. It also meant he was up to making love to her and he wasn’t certain he wanted to put that temptation into either of their heads.

She nodded slowly, eased out a breath then twisted and headed upstairs.

Adam set to work on gathering the splintered pieces of wood then snatched a broom.

“Whatareyou doing?”

He spun to find his brother Leo smirking at him. Behind him, Mary-Anne skipped down the steps and came to a stop on the last step. Nearly five-and-ten and as vivacious as her wild red hair might imply, his new sister shook her head and grinned.

“You look like you belong here, Adam!” She cocked her head and jumped down the last step to rush over and embrace him.

He bit back a grunt of pain and looped an arm around her. “What are you doing here, Mary-Anne?” He looked to Leo.

Leo shrugged. “She begged to see you.”

“I hardly begged. I asked nicely.” She stepped back. “Last I heard, you were on your deathbed.”

“That is not what we said,” Leo interrupted.

“Now you are sweeping, and you look like a regular innkeeper.” Mary-Anne peered up at Adam. “I read that the Beauty of Buttermere owns this pub, and I can see why. She’s very handsome.”

“She is,” Adam agreed.

“I knew it.” Mary-Anne turned to Leo. “I told you.”

Adam frowned. “Told him what?”

“Oh nothing.” Mary-Anne looped her hands behind her back. “When are you coming home?”

“Yes.” Leo stepped forward. “When are you returning home? Rebecca sent me to find out. Everyone is most concerned about you.”

“I am almost healed,” he lied.

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