“If anyone else is a nuisance, promise that you will come to me,” he said.
Her breath puffed from her lips. He stood so close. Close enough for his scent to tickle her nostrils, a virile mix of exotic spice and clean male. Heat bloomed inside her, her knees melting.
He increased the subtle pressure of his finger on her chin. His strength seemed to flow into her from that single point of contact. “Give me your word, my dear.”
No man had ever offered to be her champion. To defend and protect her.
Her voice hushed with wonder and amazement, she said, “I promise.”
Satisfaction flared in his eyes before his gaze hooded.
“Good.” He dropped his hand. “For the sake of your reputation, you’d best go back inside.”
She hadn’t even noticed that they were once again near the main building. Although she didn’t want the magical interlude to end, she knew he was right.
“Good night, Mr. Garrity,” she said with a tremulous smile. “I shan’t ever forget this evening.”
He bowed. “Adieu, Miss Billings.”
She floated back toward the house.
“If you insult Miss Billings again—if you even look askance at her—you will answer to me.” Adam kept the target of his displeasure pinned against the wall of the stables. “Do I make myself clear?”
“Crystal,” Lord Parnell gasped.
“From here on in, you and your cronies will ensure that her dance card is full. Except for the waltzes; those are mine. Otherwise, you’ll do the pretty, and you’ll do it well.”
“Y-yes, sir. Anything you say, sir.”
The scent of urine wafted into Adam’s nostrils. With distaste, he saw the dark spot spreading over the front of Parnell’s trousers. The lily-livered bastard had no problem destroying a young woman’s confidence to further his own popularity, yet he hadn’t even tried to fight back against Adam. Like any bully, Parnell was a coward who only preyed upon the vulnerable.
Having dealt with this despicable sort all his life, Adam knew how to deal with them. There was only one thing a bully respected: a bigger bully.
Releasing the blackguard with a hard shove, Adam opened and closed his hands, feeling the burn of his well-used fists. These days, he didn’t dirty his hands much, but this was a matter of honor. His soon-to-be-bride’s honor.
Recalling Gabriella’s sweet departing smile, he felt a surge of satisfaction.
Everything is going according to plan. Soon she’ll be mine. And I’ll be one step closer to getting my vengeance.
Numquam obliviscar—never forget.
“Shall I finish up here, sir?”
This came from Kerrigan, one of Adam’s personal guards. A giant with a shaved head and an eye patch, Kerrigan had a special hatred of toffs who hurt young women. Adam felt the same way. And Gabriella, with her poignant sweetness, stirred his protective instincts in a way no woman had for a long, long time.
Adam straightened the lapels of his jacket. “Avoid the face. Leave no visible marks.”
Kerrigan grinned, cracking his knuckles.
The last thing Adam heard as he left the stables was Parnell’s terrified whimper.
2
Ten days later
“You wanted to see me,Miss Billings?”
At the deep, silky tones, Gabby spun around. She’d been nervously studying one of the gilt-framed landscapes in the gallery whilst waiting for Mr. Garrity’s arrival. She’d chosen this room for the privacy it offered. The cross-shaped chamber was situated in a low-traffic corner of the East Wing. And, if other guests happened to come by, she had the excuse that she was showing Mr. Garrity some of the paintings.
