“No.” He planted his hands on his hips. “Not happening. It isn’t your place.”
“My place.” Her voice was flat. “And you think you have the authority to tell me what my place is?”
There was a loud shuffling as the other agents stepped out from behind their desks and hurried towards the back. “We’re just…” “This seems private…” “Good luck.” This last was directed at Brogan and said with a snort.
Wil followed them into his office. “Let us know what you decide.” He closed the door.
Juliana waited for his answer, eyebrow raised, hip cocked to the side.
Brogan rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m only thinking of your safety. You’re the daughter of an earl. You should be enjoying your teas and balls and salons. Leave the work to me.”
She swallowed. “You still think I’m spoiled.”
He huffed. She had everything and didn’t even see it. “Only someone who has every comfort provided for would risk them so easily. You think life is a grand adventure. You don’t know how easily everything can be taken.” Someone in her position couldn’t know that, and for that he was glad. He didn’t want her cynical. He didn’t want her exposed to the harsh realities.
She turned her back on him. Her shoulders were rigid blocks, and he fought the urge to rub the tension out of them.
“I…” She cleared her throat. “I want to help. Be useful for once. I’ve never felt more alive than I have during this investigation.” She laughed bitterly. “Which must prove to you just how horrible I am, enjoying myself when my father’s life is at risk.”
He did move to her then, resting his palms on her shoulders and drawing her back to lean against his chest. “It’s natural to feel a thrill at life and death situations.” He rested his chin on top of her head. “That doesn’t mean you should seek them. You can be useful in many other ways.”
“Are you certain about that? The daughter of an earl is expected to look pretty and keep her mouth shut. Be an adornment instead of a partner.” She rested her head against his shoulder. “You think you’re protecting me, but it feels like you’re taking away my one chance to live a life with value.”
His resolve wavered. Men could choose to go into war, duel over their honor, even become investigators. They could seek glory or execute their duty without anyone trying to cosset them away, protect them from harm. He didn’t want to deny Juliana the same opportunity.
But he didn’t want to see her body knocked senseless by a rock. Or pierced by a bullet. Or hurt in any manner of ways that his imagination provided.
“Besides,” Juliana said softly. She turned and rested her hands on his hips. “We can’t wait a month for my father.” She huffed. “I don't know if I have the funds to pay for another month of your agency's time. This is a good plan, and I'm not scared, because you're going to be there, and you'll protect me.”
Her eyes were as rich as chocolate. Soft, intelligent, and full of an emotion Brogan didn't want to identify.
“Please.” She ran her hand up his abdomen and rested it over his heart. “Please Brogan, let me be a part of this. I need to be a part of this.”
He closed his eyes. His muscles loosened as resignation took hold. He was a fool. But when she looked at him like that, he couldn't refuse her.
And she was right.
He would protect her. He would keep her safe. Anything else was unacceptable.
“Fine.” He opened his eyes and pinned her with his glare. “But you’re going to do everything I say.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Juliana hummed along with the music, twisting and turning her way down the dance floor. She did so love to dance. She had yet to entice Brogan onto the floor as her partner, but there were plenty of other men who did her the service. The glower on Brogan’s face every time one of them placed his hand on hers was enough to warm her heart.
He was a conflicted man, but she finally felt that she was making progress. Her presence here, to take part in his plan, was proof of that. Most men would have dismissed her arguments, patronized then ignored her. He thought her spoiled, and to a degree, perhaps she was. But she knew how fortunate she was to be involved with a man like Brogan. To have his respect. She would show him they were compatible in all regards. She didn’t want their affair to end.
She wanted more.
She dipped into a curtsy, her chest heaving with exertion, and thanked her partner. He led her back to the corner where Brogan stood, scowling. “Your cousin is a fine dancer,” Mr. Chancey said.
Brogan nudged her behind him, blocking most of her with his body. “And now the dance is over.” He crossed his arms and stared the man down.
Mr. Chancey shifted on his feet. “Yes. Quite. Well… I’ll just be going now, shall I?” He nodded to Juliana and slunk off.
She slapped Brogan’s arm. “Why are you being so difficult? He was a nice man, and a good dancer.”
“I can dance.” Brogan sniffed. “I choose not to.”
