Page 24 of A Rogue to Watch Over Me
The flickers of amusement left his gaze. “Tell me what ye need of me, lass.”
“You say my brother sent for you. I need to understand why... why he chose you.”
“Paul knew he could count on me.”
“Because of the debt you owe?”
“That is one factor.”
“Why else, then, Mr. MacLain? Out of all the men in London, why you?”
“Yer brother knew he could trust me. He never doubted I’d have his back. And now, he is counting on me to protect the person he most treasured.” A muscle in his carved jaw flexed. “I will not betray his trust. Nor yers.”
The intensity in his gaze left her nearly breathless. She glanced away, steadying herself against a sudden wave of emotion.
“I would like to see the letters you received,” she said.
“They’re secure in my safe. I’ll take ye there in the morning. Ye can confirm they are in yer brother’s hand.”
She veiled her gaze with her lashes. “Thank you.”
“Now, we’ve settled one matter—I will not be leaving ye tonight. But I have another question.” His attention raked over the abundance of shelves. “Where in blazes do ye sleep in this place?”
“My flat is upstairs,” she said, collecting her thoughts. “Unfortunately, there’s only one bedchamber.”
A slow grin spread over his features. “Well, if ye’re thinking we will be sharing it, think again. I already told ye I’m too bloody tired to be ravishing a woman, much less one I am sworn to protect.”
“Well, that’s quite a relief,” she teased in return. “I would hate to have to sic Heathy on you.”
He cast the dog a sidelong glance. “Ah, the furry warrior. Now I can rest easy.”
She couldn’t help but smile. “I’ll have you know he is truly fierce when he wants to be.”
“As I said, ye’re a poor liar.” He caught her hand in his. Gently, he drew her closer. “Believe me when I say this—ye’re beautiful, lass, and if ye were any other woman, I would barter my soul to warm yer bed. But I came here to keep ye safe. Even from a rogue like me.”
*
At the touchof his hand to hers, Logan knew he’d made a mistake. Blast it, he never should’ve touched her.
Never should’ve looked into those ocean-blue eyes that could draw a man far out of his depth.
Far over his head.
Her skin was warm and smooth as fine silk. No doubt the rest of her would feel as good against his body.
Bugger the twist of fate that had set her off limits.
By thunder, he was tired. But the weariness had not stopped his male body from responding to this, the simplest of touches. Hadn’t kept him from going rock hard at the innocent brush of her fingertips against his.
Her almond-shaped eyes had darkened to the color of the sky after a summer storm, hinting of an elemental desire. Had she felt it too, this low-simmering heat he could rapidly kindle to a blaze?
Deep within, an instinctive hunger stirred. What in blazes had come over him? He knew better than to be drawn to her. The man who had once been his friend had trusted him to protect his sister. Amelia was out of his reach.
Damned shame his rebellious body didn’t understand that truth.
A heavy silence fell over them. Behind them, the rhythmic swing of the clock’s pendulum marked the moments as Amelia seemed to study him. Was she trying to puzzle out his true intent?
A touch of a smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “I’m not so certain you are a true rogue, Mr. MacLain. Of course, I’ve heard the tales. But I know better than to believe every snippet of innuendo that comes along.”
