Page 34 of Wicked Rivals
“And your brothers? What of them?”
“I love them all, but as long as they remain in Scotland, I cannot see them.” She pulled the dressing robe tight and sighed. “My lord, could I trouble you for a glass of water?”
“Of course.” He rose from his chair and walked into the dressing room.
Rosalind rested her head against the back of the chair.
If I close my eyes for a brief moment, I won’t fall asleep…
Chapter Nine
Poor creature.
Ashton paused in the doorway between his bedchamber and the dressing room, a full jug of water in his hand. From where he stood, he could see Rosalind fast asleep in the chair by the fire.
After tonight’s events, she was worn out. It was a miracle she’d held out as long as she had. He set the jug of water down on the dresser and walked over to her chair. She did not stir as he cradled her in his arms and carried her to his bed. He set her down long enough to pull back the covers on one side, then picked her up again and placed her under them.
When he tried to tuck her hands under to keep them warm, she grasped his fingers and wouldn’t let go. The connection sent soft warmth through his chest. He didn’t want to let go of her hand. He pulled off his boots, then scooted her over in the bed so he could lie down beside her, still holding her hand in his. He lay there, watching the firelight play across her face and the shadows under her eyes.
He had learned much about his darling rival tonight, things that made him respect her that much more. The idea that she’d lived under the heavy hand of an abusive father vexed him, however. Godric had also lived such a life. He’d learned that the people he loved could hurt him, a lesson he had carried with him for far too long. It had taken the words and wisdom of Emily Parr to break down the duke’s defenses and prove to him that love could be gentle and kind, not full of pain.
Ashton brushed a lock of dark silky hair back from Rosalind’s face and tucked it behind one of her ears. She had such dainty little ears, ones he’d fantasized about nibbling as he slid into her over and over again.
He stifled a groan. It had been months since he’d taken a lover. He’d been so caught up in the League’s silent war with Hugo Waverly that he’d not bedded a woman in ages. He had too many people he cared about who needed his protection, and satisfying his own desires had taken secondary importance to his duty. Until this moment, finding measures to keep Waverly from destroying everything he held dear had been his main concern.
If only I knew what Waverly was dreaming up next…
Rosalind curled deeper into the pillows and released his hand so she could tuck it up against his chest, like a child. She had survived so much harshness. Ashton could let her have this sweet weakness here in bed, let her sleep deeply and without fear.
“I’ll watch over you.”
A soft knock on his bedchamber pulled away his attention. Jonathan and Charles both appeared in the doorway.
Ashton pressed a finger to his lips. They waited for him to carefully exit the bed without disrupting the sleeping Highland lass.
Once he was away from the bed, he joined his friends at the door.
“How is she?” Jonathan asked.
“Exhausted. She had quite an adventure trying to reach my house.”
“I imagine so, given the way she looked when you found her.” Charles started to laugh, but Ashton shot him a disapproving scowl.
“What? I thought that was your grand plan. To make her come to heel.”
Ashton gritted his teeth. “My plan was to remind her who was the better businessperson. I had no intention of her getting robbed, or having to spend the night waiting tables like a common bar wench, or sleeping on sacks of grain before walking here through a storm.”
Charles and Jonathan looked toward the woman in shock.
Jonathan shook his head. “Good God. That would be a hard night for any of us.”
“Remind me to place all my bets on that woman inanyfight,” said Charles.
“I think, given the late hour, that I shall retire and keep watch over her. You both should rest as well. We have our hands full tomorrow clearing away the burned farmhouses.”
“Right.” Jonathan paused, then turned at Ashton. “Ash, I meant to tell you, your brother came in from London after you went upstairs. It seems he took a nasty fall and hurt himself during the storms. Your mother sent for the doctor, but he won’t be here until morning. If Lady Melbourne feels ill tomorrow, the doctor could look in on her as well.”
As always, Jonathan surprised Ashton with his thoughtfulness. He had many of his older brother’s wicked ways, but the same tenderness as well. He was a fine addition to the League.
