Page 82 of Pride: The Rogue
And just like that commiseration of two people who’d been born outside the peerage, Caleb found a tie that bound him to Lachlan.
He peppered the proprietor with questions.
The only hint of Lachlan’s discomfort sharing those personal details came in the way he slightly traded weight from his left to right foot.
And yet, he did so for little Caleb.
As if he felt Livian’s eyes upon him, Lachlan glanced over.
She couldn’t even care he found her staring.
His thickly hooded lashes revealed nothing more than an opaque gaze that he swiftly shifted over to a prattling Caleb.
“Caleb,” he dropped a knee beside the boy. “Can you do me the greatest favor and service?”
As little Moira in the stable yard had earlier that morn, the boy grew several inches taller under Lachlan’s attention. “Of course.”
“Your mistress? She needs protecting.”
“Protecting?” Livian sputtered, the magic daze he’d cast effectively quashed.
Boy and man alike ignored her.
“I’m going to escort you and Miss Lovelacebackto the inn. When there, you are to remain with the lady until her driver returns?”
His high-handedness forgotten, Livian’s heart sped up. Lachlan cared enough that he’d see her safely back?
Caleb gave an eager nod. “Will do, sir.”
“That means you don’t let her out of your sight.”
The romantic bubble popped. Livian tossed her arms up. “Of all the most ridiculous—”
A solemn Caleb placed a small hand over his heart. “I understand, Mr. Latimer.”
Lachlan nodded. “I knew you would.” He held his hand out, and this almost proved too much. For the sight of his larger palm and then a much smaller one set off a maelstrom of emotions within her breast.
Ones where she imagined the kind of father Lachlan would be. He would be loyal and a staunch protector. And the woman who stole his heart, he would love fiercely and passionately and confer that same love on any children they had.
Livian felt Lachlan and Caleb watching her and found herself too cowardly to look at the man who, in just a sliver of a moment of time, had wrought havoc upon her existence.
Clearing her throat, she stretched her own fingers out in the same way he’d done for Caleb. “Lach—” she caught herself. “Mr. Latimer.”
He hesitated, then placed his palm around hers, enveloping her hand in such warmth it was impossible to feel the cold.
“Thank you so much, Mr. Latimer, for your concern.”
“Miss Lovelace,” he murmured.
Lachlan drew his hand back so quick her fingers reflexively curled.
Taking that unspoken cue, Livian took Caleb by the hand, and headed back towards the inn.
She’d gone several yards before she found herself looking for Lachlan.
He followed some four or so paces behind Livian.
Then, it occurred to her…
