Page 101 of A Little Bit Dangerous
“When will you learn to stay out of my affairs? This has nothing to do with you!”
“It has everything to do with me. The incident with Lawton and the conte proved our lives are entwined. Christian, I prayed I would arrive to find her in your arms. If something I said made her run, then I’m sorry. I never want to cause you pain, but I’m not sorry I issued the warning.”
Christian dragged his hand down his face and sighed. Being part of a powerful family was a blessing and a curse. “One day, you might find yourself in love. Then you will understand how it feels to have your heart wrenched from your chest.”
“I think we both know that’s doubtful.”
A sudden knock on the front door caught them both unawares.
Someone entered the hall. A woman and a breathless companion.
Aaron reached for the blade tucked into his boot, but Christian raised a hand to stop him. He would know that sweet sigh anywhere.
“You’ll behave, or I’m taking you back,” came Isabella’s frustrated whisper. “For heaven’s sake. Must you be so impatient? Stop it, or I shall demand a refund from Mr Warring.” Then she called to him. “Christian!”
His heart almost burst from his chest.
He resisted the urge to punch the air.
“I’m in here, Isabella.” He cast his brother an arrogant grin. “It seems the lady does possess a backbone of steel.”
Aaron managed a smile. “I didn’t doubt it.”
The drawing room door burst open.
Isabella appeared, dragged into the room by a young, droopy-eyed bloodhound. “I’m sorry I’m late. Mr Warring demanded I spend an hour with the dog before he’d agree to sell him.” She gripped the lead as the eager hound pulled her around the furniture. “I’m told he’s well-behaved, and this is him learning to sniff out scents. I thought we could call him Albert.”
Christian swallowed deeply. He couldn’t love her any more than he did in that moment. Strands of hair escaped her simple knot. There was a splatter of mud on her cheek, more covering her pelisse.
Their eyes met.
He saw his future glistening in those sultry brown pools.
“Albert?”
“Yes, though I shall make certain this one doesn’t leave.”
Aaron’s sigh was one of relief and an unnameable emotion he rarely showed. “You know how to test a man’s patience, madam.”
She flashed him a brilliant smile. “Christian knew I’d come.”
“I’m not referring to Christian. I thought our talk may have given you a reason to run. A better man might be plagued with guilt.”
“Then one must assume your experience of strong women is limited. Might I suggest you spend more time with Miss Lovelace? Christian told me she’s quite a formidable lady.”
Aaron firmed his jaw. “I shall take that as my cue to leave.” He stopped to stroke the hound busy sniffing his boots. “Though I loathe sounding like an overbearing parent, I suggest you both remain at Fortune’s Den until you marry. For appearances’ sake, Mrs Maloney will remain as chaperone.”
Christian snorted. “Since when did you care about appearances?”
“Since I inherited a sister-in-law.”
Aaron left them.
Christian crossed the room as soon as the front door closed. He took hold of the bloodhound’s lead and brought him to heel. “I trust you’ll be stricter with our children than you are with Albert.”
Her hand came to rest on his chest, and he melted beneath her touch. “I believe it’s important to strike a happy balance. Besides, there was no mention of children in your note, only marriage.”
“I want all or nothing. Children and dogs fall into theallcategory.”
