He heard Rose gasp and shoved the man to the side before pushing through the curtains. Rose and a man both glanced up from a small statue, startled. The odd man stood far too close to her for Augustus’s liking.
“I asked you to stay by my side,” he scolded.
She frowned at him. “No, you didn’t.”
He sighed. “It is implied.”
“How would I know that?”
Because a lady didn’t walk around areas such as this place alone, he snapped back, but only in his mind.
“Let’s go.”
She sighed. “Fine. Mr. Bradford shared with me that he has no tablets up for auction tonight. Instead, he showed me a statue from Egypt. Isn’t it lovely?”
“Yes,” he bit out.
Augustus didn’t like the intensity of Mr. Bradford’s gaze on Rose. He was practically salivating. He didn’t like it at all. Not wanting to cause a scene, he held out his arm. “Let’s call it an evening then.”
Rose nodded. As they walked out, Mr. Bradford said, “Miss, come back anytime. I rarely meet a lady who can decipher ancient texts so well. What is your name?”
She smiled at him, and annoyance flashed through Augustus. “My name—”
“That isn’t necessary,” Augustus said, interrupting her and guiding her from the auction room.
She sputtered as he pulled her along the booth walkways. “How dare you? I can speak for myself.”
He stopped and spun around, causing them to collide with each other. Augustus grabbed her arms to prevent her from falling backward. Their bodies leaned against each other. Anger fizzled in him. “While with me, you will heed my advice. You have no idea how much harm could have come to you.”
She snorted. “From that man?”
“I need your assurance that you will listen to me before we attend the next auction.”
Rose pressed on his chest and stepped away. “I don’t like to be told what to do, Sinclair.”
“And I don’t like it when people make foolish choices to prove that they don’t have to do as they are asked. Do we attend together, or do I attend the next auction alone?”
Anger flashed in her eyes, and Augustus had no doubt she was silently cursing him. He wouldn’t allow any lady to explore the London Docks market alone, no matter how worldly they were. It wasn’t right. Yet, he knew it was more than that. He’d been worried. Far more than he should be for someone he barely knew. He looked down at her and said softly, “Please do this for me.”
They stared at one another intently. Augustus itched to touch her, to pull her to him. The power of his feelings was startling.
“As you wish, Your Grace,” she snapped before spinning on her heels and marching towards the main doors of the warehouse.
He sighed.
Chapter Eight
Afew nightslater, Rose walked to the ducal carriage out front, not looking forward to spending time with its occupant. During their last adventure, Sinclair had bossily told her that she must listen to him, all because she dared to step away for a moment. She didn’t like it at all, but unfortunately, Rose needed him because as much as she could find her way through dozens of markets across the world, she knew nothing about the ones in London.
He stepped out as she approached the carriage and assisted her inside. Of course, the man appeared as polished and handsome as the last time she saw him. She had an absurd thought to muss his hair. Rose smoothed out her skirts as Sinclair climbed back in. Today, she wore a brown one, a white shirt, and a practical overcoat. She doubted she was like any of the debutantes he was seeking. Not that she cared.
Yesterday, Rose attended a tea with Lisbeth, and Sinclair had been the main topic of conversation. So many ladies were angling to catch his interest. Rose imagined any of them would make a fitting duchess. She’d been surprised when one lady had revealed he was thirty-five. What was he looking for?
“I hope you’ve had an enjoyable few days,” Sinclair said.
She sighed. “Yes, it was fine. I spent some time validating my work on the remaining tablet. Other than that, it has been teas, walks in Hyde Park, and one ball.”
He chuckled. She frowned at him. “There are only so many times I can comment or have someone start a discussion with me about the weather.”
