Page 41 of A Tempest of Desire
“Ollie was explaining the unfortunate circumstances that brought you to his shore. I would be more than delighted to take you back across to the mainland.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Langdon said so sharply that both Marlowe and Stuart snapped their heads around to stare at him in surprise, like maybe they’d forgotten he was even there. He fearedthey could see the green-eyed monster presently sitting squarely on his shoulder. He was swamped with possessiveness and jealousy when he had no right to either emotion because she wasn’t bloody well his. “I’ll be taking her across this afternoon.”
It was ridiculous for him to go to the bother of doing so when Stuart would already be taking the same route. He was certainly capable of getting her to the village and ensuring she boarded a coach that would get her to London. But Langdon wanted to be responsible for her, care for her, and, in essence, be her hero. Could he be any more of a fool?
He expected both to object or to argue the ridiculousness of his plan.
“Would you mind if I stayed a bit longer?” Marlowe asked. “Just until I’ve finished mending the balloon. You have so much more room here, and your lack of furnishings allows me to spread it out. My town house has no chamber as large as all this and it’s not nearly as sparsely decorated.”
Langdon was very much aware of his brother’s rapt attention. Still, he nodded. “Very well. It won’t be a bother for you to stay.” Could he sound any more disaffected, especially as he was grateful to have her to himself for a few more days? He turned to his brother. “I’ll walk you down to your boat.”
Stuart’s sardonic grin conveyed that he knew Langdon was striving to get rid of him. Once more, he bowed toward his guest. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Marlowe.”
“You as well, my lord,” she said sweetly.
Where was her tart tongue when it came to hisbrother? On the other hand, he rather liked that she reserved it for him.
It wasn’t until they were outside, walking down the path, that Stuart said, “I think you’ve stolen her from Hollingsworth without even realizing it.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“So you do realize it.”
He growled. “I’ve not stolen her. She’s as loyal to Hollingsworth as I’ve seen any woman be loyal.”
“But she asked to stay.”
“Because she cares about her bloody balloon.”
“What do you care about?”
Nothing he was interested in discussing. “Assure Mother that I’m fine. I’ll visit in a few days so she can see for herself. Donottell her about Marlowe. Mother will want to come over to check on matters, and I’d rather she not.” Selfishly, he wanted whatever time was left to him and Marlowe to be theirs and theirs alone. “I’ll introduce Marlowe when we arrive.”
They walked along in silence for several minutes. Langdon preferred his brother quiet.
“I heard you once had an opportunity during a card game to win her from Hollingsworth. I’m surprised you didn’t take matters in hand to ensure you won.”
“It would have been only for a few hours.”
“I would have cheated to have her alone for a fewminutes.”
Langdon was hardly aware of quickly twisting around and grabbing his brother by his shirtfront. “If you cross paths with her in the future, you will show her the utmost respect. You won’t be leeringat her the way you did in there.” He jerked his head toward the tiny stone castle. “And if you wish to retain all your teeth and continue to receive an allowance after Father passes, you will absolutely do nothing in order tohave herat all.” He gave Stuart a little shake. “Have I made myself perfectly clear?”
“Good God, you’ve fallen for her.”
Releasing his hold, he shoved his brother away. “Don’t be daft.”
He’d come to like her. Certainly. But fallen for her? He was too practical to make that sort of tragic error in judgment.
“You seem terribly protective.”
“I’ve read that in some cultures if you save a person’s life, you become responsible for them.”
“Not in ours.”
“Still, I saw the woman near death—and I’ve seen others succumb to its call—so yes, I suppose a part of me doesn’t want to see any harm come to her and feels a need to defend her from those who might use her callously.”
“I wouldn’t, but”—he held up his hand before Langdon could issue a retort—“I’ll honor your request to steer clear of her.”
