Page 81 of The Duke and Lady Scandal
She felt his determination, and she believed he’d go to any length to keep her safe.
“I’m not entirely defenseless, you know. I have a basic understanding of how to use every weapon we carry in the shop—pistols, swords, knives. Mama insisted.” If they were going to handle antique weapons or display them for customers, she believed they should be familiar with their use. Papa had relished teaching Allie and her siblingswhile also delivering a history lesson about each piece.
“It won’t come to that, but promise me, Alexandra. You’ll stay at home for the next few days.”
Allie pushed gently at his chest before stepping out of his embrace. She began pacing. “I’m not sure I like the idea of being caged up at home.”
“Only for a few days.”
“You’ll catch him in that time?”
“I have to.” His jaw was so tight now that she was shocked he could speak. The more he said, the more tension seemed to rise in him until he was like a coiled spring. She had the sense that he wished he could leave her now and begin the hunt.
Then realization dawned, and the pain of it nearly stole all the air in her lungs.
“I won’t see you while I’m to remain at home, will I?”
He shoved a hand through his hair and then faced her. His expression had become that same cool mask he’d worn the day they met. “It’s safest for you if we remain apart.”
Allie was momentarily dumbstruck. The day was turning out to be one of the worst of her life, and she still didn’t understand why.
“There’s a great deal you’re not saying. Perhaps you think you’re protecting me, but I won’t be left behind and left out of things anymore.” She approached but kept her arms crossed.
If she reached for him, or if he touched her, she feared tears would come. She didn’t want to beclouded by emotion at this moment. She wanted to understand what he was wrestling with.
For a moment, his unyielding expression softened. He was no longer the formidable Inspector Drake. He was Ben, who she’d come to care for— No, it was more than that. Ben, who she’d come to love.
“Do you not understand that if I could take you away from the city, I would? Believe me, Alexandra, there’s nothing I want more. To take us both off to some seaside village. I dream about that.”
“Then let us go,” she said impulsively. Though as soon as the words were out, trepidation and guilt rushed in. Leaving the shop at such a crucial time was not ideal. Yet she couldn’t imagine anything sweeter than a few days alone with Ben, just the two of them.
“I cannot,” he told her with biting finality. “I will not. There’s a man somewhere in this city planning his next act of mayhem, and I must catch him.”
He was back to the man she’d met at Scotland Yard—fierce and grim-faced.
Allie hugged her arms around herself, feeling further from him than she had since that first day.
“He’s been toying with me for months.”
“Toying with you?”
“This is a game to him, Alexandra. One of his men said we’re like chess pieces to be moved about.” His eyes had gone stark, his mouth tight. “And now he’s dared to cause you harm.”
“I still don’t understand. Why do you think the theft is connected?”
“Because the theft makes no sense and because he left a calling card of sorts. Scraps of paper with an initial that I believe indicates his name. Or perhaps his rank.” He disheveled more hair, then reached up as if to tug at his necktie, apparently forgetting that he’d shed it an hour ago. “I’ve already said too much.”
In two steps, he was in front of her again. He touched her hesitantly, carefully, a hand against her arm. Not holding her but creating a point of contact that somehow instantly warmed her insides.
“Now do you understand why I must be single-minded in this? I’ve underestimated him, and I cannot do that again.” He ducked his head to catch her gaze. “So will you promise me? I cannot be distracted. I need to know you’re safe.”
Allie drew in a long breath and sighed. “I’m to have lunch with Jo this week.”
“Can she not come to you?”
“Perhaps.”
She drew her lower lip between her teeth and considered all that she’d planned to do in the next few days.
