Page 67 of When a Lady Kisses a Scot
He frowned, somehow all the more appealing with that storm front flashing in his gaze. “You are a puzzle. One that I long to solve.”
“Once again, I fear you will be disappointed. I am not an enigma. Far from it.”
Cupping her cheek against the palm of his hand, he slowly shook his head. So very gentle, that touch. Not quite tender. Yet a study in restraint, in longing held tightly leashed.
She managed a breath, even as her heart stuttered. How she wanted to touch him, to caress his skin and feel him react to the elemental contact.
“You’re wrong, Sophie. You’ve intrigued me from the first.”
Dash it all, why did he have to look at her likethat? She longed to drink him in, the texture of his skin, the tantalizing essence that set her senses ablaze.
“At this point, we have far more pressing concerns.” Despite her desire to lean in to his strong, warm body, she managed to retreat a step. “Someone tried to kill you last night. I’d say that takes precedence over any supposed intrigue.”
“I believe the two are linked.”
She considered his words, working out the situation in her mind. He was right—there was a connection between the threat against her and the cold-blooded curs’ intention to add Gavin to the list of men who’d all-too-conveniently met their end in the river. But in her bones, she knew the attempt at murder went beyond simple retribution.
“If you’d randomly encountered the blokes in some dark alley, I might well believe they’d seized their opportunity to unleash their anger on you in retaliation for thwarting the abduction. But this was a well-planned attack.”
“So now the question is, why? Who wants me dead?”
“Whatever the reason you were targeted, the motive goes beyond your defense of me,” Sophie said. “Someone knows your ways, knows your patterns of behavior. The blighter took advantage of that knowledge to administer the drug that stripped away your defenses.”
“That much is indisputable.”
“There is a third party involved, someone with access to your club. An elite with tin to spare and a name that would allow him to come and go through the Hound and Fox’s doors, no questions asked. For what reason would someone like that make you a target?”
He regarded her silently for a long moment. Was that suspicion flaring in his eyes?
“The common threads here are Trask.” His voice had gone low. “And you.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Sophie dropped her gaze, studying the elaborate pattern woven in the carpet’s plush threads.And you.Gavin’s words hit her with the force of a blow.
“Your defense of me may have spurred on the brutality of those men,” she said, collecting her thoughts. “But I suspect you would have been targeted even if you had not come to my aid. The man who drugged you would not risk his neck on behalf of those vermin.”
“True. The question is, what does it all mean?” He pulled in a long breath. “How can I protect you?”
“I do not need you to keep me safe. Your gallantry is admirable, but I do not require a man’s protection.”
His lips quirked. “Other than the old chap with the rifle.”
She smiled, despite her misgivings. She could not let him draw her in. He was not a danger to her when he was surly or provocative. But when he was charming…ah, that was another story entirely.
“Agreed. Though in truth, he was defending you.”
“He is a good man.” Gavin moved to the settee and leaned casually against its back. “How does one acquire a driver with his specific skills?”
“Luck, I suppose.”
His brows dipped. “Am I to believe your affiliation with that gent is the product of good fortune alone?”
“He is employed by a dear friend and her husband…as loyal as they come.”
“I must find a way to demonstrate my gratitude.”
“In time, I’m sure you will think of something.” She fiddled with the lace at her cuffs. “Given what happened last night, you must use caution. I’ve reason to suspect the risk is not over and done.”
