Page 78 of Lady Gambit
She turned to him, her temper easing as she noted his determined expression and the sheer power emanating from his toned body.
Her chest hurt to think of how much she loved him.
She would lay down her life for him, stand strong and take every blow.
“We were drawn to each other,” she confessed, her arms stretched between the men while she played referee. “I couldn’t have denied myself the pleasure even if I’d tried. If I could return to that moment, I would kiss you on the count of one.”
Dorian grinned. “I wouldn’t bother counting at all.”
That’s when she saw the blood coating his lip.
That’s when her temper escaped like a caged beast and went on a rampage. She flew at Aaron, prodding him in the chest. “Ifyou lay another hand on him, I’ll never forgive you. Do you hear me?”
“So you do care about him?” Aaron said, unperturbed by her threat. “I told Flynn if you loved him, you’d come. And here you are, rushing to his aid.”
“You prize fool! Do you think I would give my virtue to any man?”
“That’s the first time you’ve ever called me a fool.”
“I shall call you one again if you throw another punch.”
“Delphine,” Dorian said, a pleading tone to his voice. “You’ll never be mine if I can’t show Aaron I can protect you. This is about more than me breaking my oath. I need to pay my dues. I need to prove I’m worthy of your esteem.”
“Of course you’re worthy. This is absurd.”
“It’s what men do,” Theo called.
“Then you should all be in Bethlem. Nora Adkins’ cell is empty.”
“Flynn lied to me.” Aaron drew his hand across his damp brow and resumed a fighting stance. “He ruined any trust I had in him. He’ll go three rounds if he wants to make amends.”
“What poppycock!” She threw up her hands in protest but knew nothing would dissuade Aaron from proving a point. He had learned hard lessons while surviving in the rookeries. Trust was worth more to him than all the gold in the King’s vault.
Still, she’d be damned if she’d sit idly and watch the men fight.
That’s when an idea struck her.
When she realised there was only one way to disarm Aaron.
“So be it,” she said, marching towards the stairs. She had a weapon in her arsenal and wasn’t afraid to use it. “I’ll be in my bedchamber. Come find me once you’ve settled your differences.”
She did not go to her bedchamber but hurried across the street and knocked on the door of The Burnished Jade. Candlelight in the upper window brought a wave of hope.
It took Miss Lovelace no time to answer. “Miss Chance?” Her gaze dipped to Delphine’s nightclothes, and she peered out into the street. “Good Lord. Is everything all right?”
Delphine suppressed a triumphant grin. Miss Lovelace’s golden curls hung in glorious waves over her shoulders. The lady’s silk dressing gown clung to her womanly curves. One look at the delightful Miss Scrumptious would bring Aaron crashing to his knees.
“Forgive me. I know it’s late, but I need your help. Aaron won’t listen.” She pointed to Fortune’s Den. “I’m in love with Mr Flynn, and Aaron means to test his worth in the fighting pit.” She grasped the lady’s hands. “Please come before someone gets hurt.”
Miss Lovelace glanced at Fortune’s Den like it was the entrance to the netherworld. “What can I do? He never listens to me, either.”
“You’re the only person who unnerves him.”
“I am?” A mix of confusion and pride flashed in Miss Lovelace’s pretty blue eyes. “Well, if you think I can help, I’ll be glad of an opportunity to try. Come inside while I fetch my boots and coat.”
“There’s no time. They have fought one round already.” Delphine tugged the lady’s hand. Aaron needed to see her looking like the goddess Venus. “A punch from Aaron can be deadly. I can’t lose Mr Flynn.”
“Very well. At least let me lock the door.”
