Page 65 of Once More, My Darling Rogue
Her blue eyes wide, she held up an ice pick. “I thought he was going to kill him.”
“I wouldn’t have blamed him if he had. I can’t abide someone abusing animals.”
Marla knelt in front of the icebox, chipped ice, and placed it on a linen cloth. “I’ve never seen anyone so furious. Or so frightened.”
“Frightened? Darling? I doubt anything frightenshim.”
Marla peered up at her. “You didn’t see his face. I think he fancies you.”
Phee started to laugh off the words, but then she thought of the kiss, felt her cheeks grow warm. “Our life is not a romantic novel.”
After folding the cloth over the chipped ice, Marla stood, worry in her eyes. “The way he looks at you, the way he talks to you, letting you spend his money on your own pleasures—he doesn’t treat you like a servant. He treats you like an equal.”
“Only the two of us are here, and so we’ve become—”Closewas the word that came to mind.
The door opened and Drake walked through, bold and confident. The joy that his presence brought was unmistakable. She did feel close to him, connected in a way she couldn’t explain. But with his arrival, she wouldn’t have to defend their relationship to Marla.
“I chipped off some ice,” Marla said, holding up the cloth. “Thought it would help the swelling on her face. I can’t believe he hit her.”
A corner of Darling’s mouth eased up. “I can’t believe she hit him.”
Marla grinned. “She was awfully brave. And you were, too.”
“Foolhardy more like,” he said, holding out his hand. “I’ll see to her injuries. I’m sure you’re needed elsewhere.”
Marla gave him the linen-wrapped ice chips, bobbed a quick curtsy. “Yes, sir.”
“If you’re reprimanded at all for your delay, let me know and I’ll have a word with your employer,” Drake told her.
“Thank you, sir.” Turning, Marla gave Phee a hug. “Take care.”
“I will. Thank you for everything.”
“I didn’t do nothing.”
“You rescued my packages.” Winking, she grimaced at the discomfort. “I’ll let you know when our purchases arrive.”
With only a nod, Marla left.
“Sit,” Drake ordered.
“I’m not a dog to be commanded about,” Phee said.
“Phee, my patience is on a short tether.”
“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be obstinate.”
“I think you mean everything you do and say.”
“I suppose.” But she did sit.
He drew a chair near and sat. She winced as Drake gently placed the cloth-wrapped ice against the side of her face. The concern in his eyes almost brought tears to hers.
“You’re going to have quite the black eye in the morning,” he said.
“I think I might have had one before.”
“When you were nine and fell out of a tree after trying to rescue a mean-spirited cat.”
