Page 34 of The Miracle of Love
He was glib when he wanted to be, but those easy words failed him now. “Grace, dear heaven. You do matter to me.”
He often played the role of fawning gentleman when on assignment because women fell for it and gave up whatever secrets he was after.
But he was not playing any such games with her.
No, he was just the arrogant agent of the Crown who was ready to give his life for her. “You don’t need protecting from me. Have I not vowed I will never hurt you?”
The carriage chose that moment to hit a rut, and she bounced directly into his arms.
He closed them around her like two iron bands.
She tried to wriggle out of his grasp, but he would not let her go.
More to the point, he could not let her go because she felt too good against him. Awareness surged through him, especially of the crush of her full, soft breasts against his chest.
Blessed saints.
He was going to expire from the pleasure of it.
This was a terrible turn of events.
He had only to tip his head to hers and all restraint would be lost the moment his lips met hers. She did not need to worry about her heart, for it was his at risk here.
How was it possible to lose his heart to a girl he hardly knew?
He released her and set her back on the opposite seat. “You don’t get to replace me, Grace. I am with you to the end.”
“And then what?”
“Let’s find the crown first and then we’ll figure out the rest of it.” He rapped on the roof and asked Rivers to speed their return to Miranda’s residence.
Upon arrival, he hurried her inside.
Just getting her safely through the front door was a battle plan, for there were several strangers watching the house.
But he managed it without further incident.
A footman came forward to take their cloaks, gloves, and scarves.
“Wait, let me take off my hat as well,” she said when Deklan tried to take her upstairs. She quickly removed the jaunty thing and added it to the pile in the footman’s arms. She spared only a glance in the hall mirror to brush back a few stray curls with her fingers before turning to him. “Were we watched as you hurried me inside?”
“Yes, Grace.”
“But I did not see anyone. Not that I doubt you after what just happened. You’ve taken your predator’s stance again.”
“My what?”
“That leopard stance. You know, your body becomes taut and you stand ready to spring into action at the enemy’s slightest move. Why are you still on edge?”
“Because that attack means you are in imminent danger. No one is giving us a week to find that crown. They are coming for you now.”
“And they are right outside our door?”
He nodded.
“Where are they hiding?”
“Come upstairs with me, and I’ll show you.” He took her hand. It was a simple touch, their fingers lacing together perfectly.
