Page 38 of A Little Bit Dangerous
It was as if events were being controlled by an otherworldly force. “I suspect this is a rare opportunity to feel something real. Be it a wild and passionate love affair.” Be it something more profound.
Her breath quickened as she searched his face. “I run from everyone and will undoubtedly run from you. Despite outward appearances, we’re both fragile beings and will probably cause each other a wealth of pain.”
The burning need to have her forced him to say, “You don’t know that. You shouldn’t make presumptions.”
“Your family hate me.”
“What happens between us has nothing to do with them.”
Her laugh held a wealth of cynicism. “They’ll drive a wedge between us. You’ll tire of me. Grow to despise me. It’s like an old play I’ve seen too many times not to know how it ends.”
So hadhe, but this was the first time he’d felt something more than a fleeting attraction. “Isabella,” he dared to say, noting how her lips parted at the sound of her given name. “Do we not owe it to ourselves to—”
“Miss Lawton?” A deep masculine voice cut into their conversation. “It is you. Good Lord! What an uncanny coincidence.”
Christian turned to meet the gaze of an extremely handsome man sporting a mop of greying black hair. He wore his collars high, his cravat fastened so tightly he continually gasped for air.
Miss Lawton turned ghostly pale. Her bottom lip trembled, but she straightened her spine and forced a smile. “Mr Griffin. Good heavens! How strange we might run into each other in such a busy metropolis. I’m surprised you recognised me after all these years.”
“I’d know you anywhere, my dear,” Griffin replied with smooth familiarity. His gaze searched her face like he’d been deprived of her company for far too long. “Though I never expected to find you on England’s shores. Your father replied to my letters and told me you were living in Positano.”
She floundered upon hearing the news. “He did?”
Christian was equally out of his depth. He had money and power and could have any woman of his choosing, but he’d never had to deal with jealousy’s poison slithering in his veins.
Murderous thoughts consumed him.
He considered punching Griffin and breaking his perfect nose.
“I thought I saw you leaving the museum yesterday, thought I saw you again in my favourite bookshop. Well, if this isn’t the most marvellous coincidence.”
“How strange we should meet like this,” she said, a tinge of fear evident. She gestured to Christian. “Allow me to introduce my husband, Mr Chance.”
Her husband?
Who the devil was this fellow?
Griffin’s countenance changed dramatically. His eyes darkened. His shoulders rose, hunching like a cat ready to pounce. “Your husband? Your father assured me you remained unmarried.”
“He was mistaken. I’ve had no contact with my father since leaving the seminary.” She reached for Christian’s hand and gripped it tightly. “Mr Griffin made regular visits to Bramling. Being a keen theologist, he kindly devoted his time to the students’ studies.”
“How benevolent,” Christian muttered.
“I still give the odd lecture on occasion,” Griffin replied while observing the breadth of Christian’s shoulders. “When I can spare the time, of course. I’m in London for a month, speaking at Mrs Gossman’s School of Enlightenment in Covent Garden.”
Miss Lawton feigned interest. “I’m certain they will appreciate the depth of your knowledge, sir.”
An awkward silence ensued.
Griffin ignored the cue to leave.
One word from Miss Lawton and Christian would put his boot to the buffoon’s arse. Indeed, the desire to beat this man to a pulp left his fists throbbing. It wasn’t jealousy rousing these barbarous thoughts. It was a primal need to protect his friend and colleague.
Keen to escape the fellow, Miss Lawton said, “Well, we have an appointment across town and cannot be late. I pray you enjoy the rest of your day, Mr Griffin.”
“I’m staying at Mivarts Hotel if you’d both care to join me for dinner. We might reminisce about your time at the seminary.”
The lady looked like she would rather gouge out her eyes with a blunt blade. “I’m afraid we’re away to Bath this afternoon and must make haste. Good day, sir.” Miss Lawton was already moving, clutching Christian’s hand and pulling him through the courtyard.
