“And we’ll continue to search for them and their father.” Her pretty face was filled with determination, and her mouth set with resolve.
He wanted to agree with her. But how could he allow her to roam the streets and alleys of St. Louis when he’d passed by wagons filled with the bodies of those who’d died overnight from cholera?
The new Committee of Public Health was working vigorously to keep up with carrying the deceased to cemeteries. But even the cemeteries were overflowing with bodies waiting to be buried, and grave diggers were constantly having to find more room.
The only way to alleviate Zaira’s concern and to prevent her from putting herself at risk of catching cholera was to continue the search by himself. “If I promise to keep looking for the children, will you promise to nip along home and stay there?”
She sniffed, as if offended he’d even ask her such a thing.“Of course I won’t agree. I’m perfectly capable of searching too.”
Her answer was exactly what he’d thought it would be. The only situation that would work was to search with her, then he’d be able to steer her away from the areas of the city most affected by cholera.
He released an exasperated sigh. “Then at least be promising me you won’t go out without me.”
She opened her mouth, the protest easy to see in her eyes.
He rapidly touched a finger to her lips to stop her. “At least that, Zaira. Please.”
She studied his face, and some of the fight seemed to leave her expression. Could she sense his sincerity? Was she seeing that this time he wasn’t being antagonistic, but that he did truly want her to be safe? He hoped so.
She didn’t move. Except that her gaze dropped to his finger against her lips. She drew in a sharp breath, and the green in her eyes darkened.
His touch was affecting her. Even if she claimed she didn’t like him, it was becoming more and more apparent that this attraction between them was mutual.
“Please don’t go out without me,” he whispered without moving his finger.
She closed her eyes but couldn’t hide her desire.
Echoing desire rippled through him, but he fought against it. He had to stay in control. Because the truth was, if a brief touch could command her this way, he’d have to use it to his advantage. He didn’t want to manipulate her, but he also had to find a way to keep the upper hand.
“Do you promise?” he whispered.
“Aye.” She lifted her lashes, and as her gaze connectedwith his again, he had an overwhelming need to bend down and replace his finger on her lips with his mouth. She was so soft and warm, and he knew she would taste as delicious as she had the last time.
But he couldn’t—wouldn’t—give in to physical desire. Because that’s all this was between them, and all it would ever be. She was a stunningly beautiful woman, and any man would feel drawn toward her.
Oh aye, what he was feeling was ordinary and nothing to worry about.
He dragged his thumb across her bottom lip, then let his hand fall away.
She didn’t move from where he’d immobilized her.
A strange sense of satisfaction sizzled through him.
“Bellamy?” Jenny’s call from the back door of the pub broke the spell that had somehow been cast between them.
He didn’t budge from where he stood in front of Zaira, and Zaira remained motionless, as if she hadn’t heard Jenny.
Zaira was an innocent. She’d already admitted she didn’t know about relationships. That’s why she’d wanted to hug or kiss him, so she could expand her life experiences.
He hadn’t considered the fact before, but he was her first kiss. Her only kiss.
“Bellamy?” Jenny said again. “Did you know Da’s inside writing out a contract with Kiernan for your match to Zaira?”
Oscar was writing a contract for a match? The news penetrated the haze that had settled over Bellamy. He shifted to take in Jenny wiping her hands on her apron. “Zaira and I are agreeing on a courtship. That’s all.”
“Well, he’s pretty determined to get the deal settled, so he is.”
Of course he was. With a shake of his head, Bellamy stalked across the alley toward the pub. He brushed past Jenny, made his way through the kitchen, and then ducked into the dining room.
