Page 19 of A Rogue to Watch Over Me
But love was a myth, no more real than the dragons in a childhood fairy tale.
Love was for fools.
So, he would settle his debt.
He would protect Amelia. Whatever the risk. Even if it meant putting his own neck on the line.
Reining in his rebellious thoughts, he tore his gaze from her mouth. What in blazes had come over him? It wasn’t as if he was a wet-behind-the-ears lad.
He met the storm in her eyes. “In case ye wonder if yer ears are deceiving ye, they’re not.”
“Well then, that settles it,” she said, her tone cooler than her gaze. “When you claimed my brother had sent you, I wondered at your motives. But now, it’s clear. It would appear you’ve gone mad.”
Mad.He considered her words. “Seeing as I’m on a fool’s errand to play the protector to a woman who does not want to be protected, I am inclined to agree with ye.”
“In that case, I trust you will be on your way.” She turned her back to him and marched up the steps. “I am more than capable of letting myself in my own residence, locking the door behind me, and pulling the bedcovers up to my chin to settle in for the night.”
He joined her on the small porch as she fished her key out of her reticule. Throwing him a hint of a scowl over her shoulder, she looked as if she wanted to sigh but thought better of it. “I intend to spend the night in my flat.Alone.”
He shook his head. “Mad or not, I won’t be leaving ye on yer own tonight.”
She whipped around as if he’d pinched her. “I willnotremain under the same roof with you tonight, Mr. MacLain. Not here.” Her full mouth pinched together before she added, “Not on the blasted moon.”
“The bastard named Jack was the first to come after ye. But I’d wager my last coin he won’t be the last.”
“I suspect you will lose that bet.” She cocked her chin, then once again showed him her back as she fiddled with the lock.
“I will not leave ye defenseless.”
“Please, go. I do not wish to disturb my neighbors.”
As she whispered the words, a sudden movement caught his attention.
He turned.
Across the cobblestone road, a shadow against the apothecary’s shop shifted, low against the brick.
Probably a stray dog. Nothing more.
He turned back to Amelia. Suddenly, he caught the motion again, out of the corner of his eye.
The silhouette crept closer. Not so low to the ground now.
Not an animal.
Gaslight flashed against metal clutched in the man’s hand.
Bloody hell.
“Mr. MacLain,” Amelia continued, “I assure you, I do not need—”
He took a step closer to her, putting his body between Amelia and the man lurking in the shadows. In his mind’s eye, he worked out a strategy.
But first, she had to be safe behind a sturdy door.
He kept his voice low. “Go inside. Now.”
“You are not—”
