Page 6 of The Miracle of Love
The response constricted in her throat.
Yet again, neither Lady Miranda nor Mrs. Quinton spoke up.
She tried to slip into her bedchamber, but he was at her door and blocked it before she could step through. “Do not run from me.”
He took her by the shoulders, his touch surprisingly gentle but firm enough not to let her get away.
“Please, just let me go. You will want nothing to do with me when you find out, so why put me through the humiliation?”
“Let me be the judge. Just tell me, will you?”
What was she going to do about this man?
She understood why his family spoke his name in hushed, reverential tones whenever he came up in conversation.Deklan.He moved with the stealth of a wraith in the night. He exuded heat and power. Even his voice had a sensual growl to it.
His eyes had the power to penetrate her soul.
In truth, to shatter her soul.
She did not want anything to do with him, and yet she could not bear to see him repulsed by her. “My family name is Montford. Sound familiar? And yes, I am fromthoseMontfords.”
His fingers tightened on her shoulders. “I see. You are the daughter who was about to have her society come-out?”
“Yes, the very one. But it will never happen now. Who would ever sponsor the daughter of an art thief and forger? At best, I am a laughingstock. At worst…” She was unable to hold back a light shudder. “I cannot repeat the horrible things they are saying about me. Now will you let me crawl back into my bedchamber?”
“Grace–”
“Just leave me alone. I do not require your condescension to remind me my life is in ruins. Nor do I need your comments. You cannot possibly make me feel worse than I already do.”
“Blast it, I would never hurt you. You must trust me.”
“Why?”
“Because…well, it will take some explaining. What on earth are you doing here? Under this very roof? How do you know my family? I don’t suppose it matters. But you had better prepare yourself.”
“What are you talking about? Prepare myself for what?”
He sighed. “Unfortunately, the worst is not over yet.”
His aunt, who had remained in the hall and was listening to their conversation, snorted in dismissal. “Honestly, Deklan. What a thing to say to poor Grace. You can see how distraught she is over this sad affair. Why add to her worries? I’d hit you with a rolling pin if I had one close at hand.”
His gaze swept over the three of them, for his mother had also remained beside them and regarded her son dubiously. “I’ll explain in a moment. First, I need to ask Grace a few questions. Have you ever lied, cheated, or stolen from anyone?”
She tipped her chin up in indignation. “No!”
“Would you ever lie, cheat, or steal from me or my family?”
“Of course not!” She stared at his aunt and mother to see if they understood what he was going on about. “You are the only ones who have shown me any kindness. I would never hurt any of you. I give thanks for your family every night in my prayers.”
“We know, my dear,” Mrs. Quinton said and turned to her son. “Why are you asking Grace these questions?”
“Because she is the reason I am back in London.”
His tone sent a shiver up her spine. “Me? Why?”
And now his leopard gaze was on her again, but this time in a protective manner and not at all predatory. “Yes, you. However, I had no idea you were staying with my aunt. I meant to catch a solid night’s sleep, then go looking for you. Seems you’ve saved me the need to hunt you down.”
“Hunt me down? I was never in hiding.”
