“Agirl?!” the boys cried in unison.
She twisted in Rayne’s grasp and lifted her face. “Now how do you expect me to pretend to be your footman?”
“You.” He spoke through clenched teeth. “Don’t. Talk.”
If she couldn’t talk, how was she going to inform him he was being abducted?
Although, now wasprobablynot the best time. Not when a long, jagged vein in Rayne’s forehead pulsed as if it might pop.
“Of all the bloody,” he spat, “foolish, harebrained schemes you could have come up with—”
“Looks like they’s acquainted, fellas.” Jack smacked his hands together as he wiped off the dust. “Our work is done.”
“You, there. Bring the valise up once the carriage is settled. At the moment, my hands are full.”
“Sure thing, guv,” Jack answered.
“Plenty respectful to him, are you, Jack?” she taunted. “But you’re all bluster and greed.”
“Isaiddon’t talk,” Rayne gritted.
His breath in her ear caused striking sensations in her bound breasts.
“Ruffians,” she huffed under her breath. “Allof you.”
Rayne yanked her back. His gaze traveled down her body, slow and hot, rather like the way a flame traveled over a lard-soaked wick. He made the untamed sound again. And then repeated the fascinating curse.
Even the skin behind her knees quivered.
“Go!” He pushed her toward the inn.
Her boot heels hollowed tiny trenches in the earth, but she gained no purchase. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“You,”he sneered, “are not in a position to ask me anything.”
“Well, if you think I am going to follow you meekly while you’re in this state—”
“You don’t have a choice,” he grunted. “Trust me, I’m your best option.”
Option?
She hadoptions?
Well—she struggled to look over her shoulder—if her options were a choice between the dark, wet night, a couple of proprietorial, belligerent postilions, a tavern full of God-knows-what, and…and…
She stole a sideways glance.
Whateverthat six feet of breathing beast formerly known as Rayne had become, she’d take the wet night, thank you very much.
She regained her footing. “Youare not in charge.”
He bared his teeth, sending pinpricks down her spine.
She mustered her last shred of dignity. “Now that I reconsider, perhaps we should continue this discussion inside after all.”
He threw open the door to the inn. They vied for first as he hustled her across the empty tavern and into a stairwell beyond. There, he released her arms.
She rubbed her shoulders, urging the blood to return.
