Heather’s eyes widened in sudden panic.
Foolish! Foolish!
Why had she confided in this dangerous man?
“Your Grace, have I offended her in any way? Is this why you are here, talking to me now? Or have I offended you?” Yes, of course she had riled him with her loose mouth and ridiculous need to spout unwanted opinions. “Do you… Does she intend to—”
“No, Miss Alwyn.” He sat up and opened his eyes to stare at her. “Calm yourself. Your position is secure. I did not mean to frighten you. It was merely idle curiosity on my part. Forgive me if my question alarmed you. I phrased it badly.”
She placed a hand over her racing heart. “No, I’m sure I overreacted. It has been a year since my father’s death, and I am still not used to being on my own. In truth, it terrifies me.”
Oh, why had she just blurted that?
Why would he care anything for her feelings?
Indeed, he appeared decidedly uncomfortable by her admission. His shoulder muscles flexed as he reached up to rub the back of his neck. “Miss Alwyn…”
“Yes, Your Grace?” Heather waited for him to continue and was disappointed when he said nothing more.
He rose and held out his hand to help her up. “I want you to come to me if ever you are in need of assistance.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “Come to you?”
“Yes. Are you not in need of a protector? Allow me to take on that role. I want your promise on it.”
“My promise?”
His dark eyes once again pierced her soul.
What did this handsome brute of a man want with her? Certainly nothing respectable, for she knew of his reputation. He was not a rakehell in the strictest sense, not one to spend his nights drinking and gambling. In truth, he was not known to drink, and his aunt had bragged he never lost a wager, although he was not much of a betting man, either.
However, he was known to go about Town with the most beautiful ladies, some of them respectabletondiamonds. But usually, his nights were filled with less respectable ladies of thedemi-monde. Was this what he had in mind for her?
Protector?
He would protect her straight to ruin. “Um…thank you for the generous offer. Your Grace, I must go.”
He did not prevent her from darting away, but she felt the heat of his gaze on her as she hurried toward the house.
“Heather, you fool.” She had let down her guard, and this was what it led to. She broke into a run, desperate to get away from him now that she realized his intentions.
Protector, indeed.
He meant to take her on as his mistress.
Was this not what all depraved men, such as he and her father’s cousin, Sir Thomas Alwyn, did?
Why else would he insist on her coming to him?
But a more distressing thought crossed her mind, for she was not immune to his considerable charms. Her body still tingled from his touch.
Those hands.
Masculine, rough, and at the same time exquisitely gentle.
Come to me if ever you are in need.
Would she refuse his offer?
