Page 98 of A Rogue to Watch Over Me
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Seated on thegarden terrace beneath the light of the full moon, Amelia studied Logan behind the veil of her lashes. His words played in her thoughts. Again and again.
Mine to watch over . . .
In Logan’s eyes, he was her protector. He would defend her, whatever the cost.
Pity she wanted more.
Ever so much more.
She should have known better than to heed her foolish heart. Now she’d fallen for a rogue, a charming, handsome man who could stir her hunger with his tenderness.
With his desire.
She had understood the risk she was taking when she kissed him that very first time. Logan knew how to be a lover. Knewhow to be a protector who would do whatever it took to keep her safe.
If only she’d listened to the instinct deep within, warning her against her heart’s desire. If only she had not fallen in love with him. Logan had given her his passion. His courage. He’d adored her body with a tenderness she had never before imagined.
And still, he spoke of watching over her, as if his debt to her brother would never be paid.
Yer brother trusted me to keep ye safe.
Did he see himself as a guardian, willing to sacrifice even his own life to fulfill his obligation?
Seated in a wicker chair, he stretched out his long legs. “This has taken a toll on ye. We should’ve waited until the morning to meet with the detective.”
“No,” she countered softly. “It’s a relief to have it out of the way. To know the truth... at least in part.”
“Ye’ve nothing to concern yerself about, Amelia. I meant what I said. I intend to watch over ye.”
She took a sip of wine from a cut crystal glass. “I don’t believe that will be necessary.”
He shook his head. “I will not take any chances with yer safety.”
“The Caravelli sketch is now out of my possession. Before long, it will be returned to France, to its rightful owner. I am confident the threat has passed.”
“Ye cannot take any chances.”
Amelia pushed her back against the chair, steeling herself against her doubts. She couldn’t go on like this. She needed more than a lover. More than a bodyguard.
She couldn’t stay here for much longer. Heaven knew she wanted Logan more with every passing moment. With every breath, she craved a place in his heart.
No, she had to leave. She had to protect herself. The pain of leaving him behind would cut to the bone. But now, she could endure it. It wouldn’t be long before she’d be at the point of no return. She would be hopelessly in love. And then, the misery when they went their separate ways would be far too much to bear.
“I have an aunt in America, my mum’s sister. She’s a widow. Quite well off, with a lovely, rambling home. When Paul died, she invited me to come to live with her.” The words tasted bitter on her tongue. “Now, doing so might be for the best.”
“America.” His brow furrowed, as if he weren’t convinced he’d heard correctly.
“I have not seen Aunt Jane in more than a year. This seems an opportune time.”
Lines creased on his forehead. “And what of yer library?”
“I cannot go back there and simply carry on as if nothing happened. I must start over.”
Slowly, he shook his head. “I cannot let ye do that, Amelia. The risk is too high.”
“I do not require your approval.” Softening her tone, she forced herself to meet his eyes.
