Page 55 of A Christmas Temptation for the Duke
“I saw what you let him do.”
“It ain’t my fault, Hobbs.”
The shorter one, Hobbs, groaned. “What did I say about using my name?Pike.”
“You just said mine!”
“I was making a point!”
Alison had never felt such fear. She tried to pull her arm free but was unable. She tried to look for a way out, but nothing came to mind. She was alone with these two men, and although she knew little of them, she knew well enough that they were unlikely to let her go.
At least Tommy got away…It wasn’t much, but it was something.
“Please…” She tried to stand up and appear brave. “If it is money that you are after, perhaps I can help you.”
“Oh, we know you will help,” Hobbs sneered. “The question is, what kind of help are you going to give?” He had a bulging sack flung over his shoulder, and he kept it there as he looked Alison over, his beady eyes flashing mercilessly. “Pike, leave me alone with this one, will ya?”
“What? How come?”
“’Cause I said to.”
“That ain’t fair. I’m the one that got her. Cost me my right nut to do it.”
“And I care?”
“It’s not fair! We’re partners. Why are you always givin’ orders.”
“I’ll give you more than orders in a minute!” Hobbs snarled at Pike. “Now, give her to me!” He tossed the sack at Pike, who groaned as it hit him in the chest. He dropped Alison’s arm, only for Hobbs to snatch her and then drag her further into the room.
“No!” she cried out pathetically.
“That’s right,” he chuckled as he threw her against the table. She landed hard, hands going flat on the polished surface of the tabletop. She tried to turn, but he was on her, one hand grabbing her by the hair and yanking it back. “Fight me. I like a bit of fight.”
“You’re going to love me then.” The words were spoken softly, but there was a darkness to them. A chill swept through the room so that even Alison gasped as if from fear.
She looked up and relief flooded her, because Daniel stood in the doorway like darkness smothering the light.
His expression was rueful. Fire spewed from his eyes and snarls ripped from his bared teeth. His hands hung by his sides as if he was relaxed, but she could see how stiff he walked, how ready he was. Two against one and she almost felt bad for the two men.
Behind him appeared Tommy, who wore a similar expression to Daniel’s, even if it was nowhere near as effective.
“Who are you?” Hobbs sputtered.
“Hobbs…” Pike took a step back.
“Let the lady go.” Daniel took a step into the room.
“We don’t want any trouble,” Pike said.
“Quiet,” Hobbs snapped. Nonetheless, he let go of Alison and took a nervous step away. As he did, his eyes flicked to the window at the room’s end. “This is all a misunderstanding,” he eased as he took another step back. “But seeing as you caught us in a good mood, we’ll let you go.”
“A shame I am not of the same mind,” the Earl said darkly. “Lady Alison, to me.
She did not wait for Daniel to give the command twice. Alison rushed across the room, quick to duck behind Daniel. The moment she did, she felt the immediate sense of protection wrapping around her like a blanket in winter, the sense that she would never be in danger again.
Daniel did not look at her. He stood tall, blocking the retreat of the two men and slowly penning them inside the room.
“Pike…” Hobbs licked his lips. Another step back and he grabbed at a second bulging sack that sat on the table. “Seems it’s time we leave.”
