“Let this be a lesson to you, boy.”As usual, the duke’s voice had dripped with icy disdain.“This is what weakness buys you. You’re lucky you only lost an eye.”
Hawker had been accustomed to his father’s callousness. As a child, he had watched with helpless rage as his sire terrorized his mama into an early grave. His attempts to defend his mama had only resulted in beatings for him and her. As a sixteen-year-old lad, he’d vowed to leave the brutal world of the Reids behind. After his injury had healed, he had run. And he hadn’t looked back…until now.
“I have something that they believe belongs to them,” he said flatly.
Pearl lifted her brows. “Did you steal it to fund your escape?”
“I didn’t steal anything—didn’t even want the blasted thing. But it doesn’t matter. No one leaves the fold without permission. Because I did, they want to teach me a lesson.”
Curling his fists, Hawker realized that he couldn’t involve Pearl in this bloody business. The less he told her about his family, the better. He wanted her safe and out of harm’s way…and then he would deal with his problems the way he always had. On his own.
“Change o’ plans,” he said brusquely. “You’ll take the train back to London tomorrow, and I’ll deliver the package to Northfield.”
Hawker knew his cousin. Claude was likely regrouping. Planning his next murderous move.
I’ll lure the bastard out. Capture him and have him arrested for attempted murder.
“We will follow that plan when pigs fly.”
Pearl’s assertion cut through Hawker’s strategizing.
Bracing his hands on his hips—and himself for a battle—he bit out, “Don’t be difficult about this. I’m watching out for you.”
“Who is going to watchyourback?” She marched up to him; the stubborn angle of her chin did not bode well. “If I hadn’t been with you today, you might have been killed. I fired back at the enemy, hit one of them, and found this blooming inn in the middle of nowhere so we’ll be safe for the night. Instead of trying to get rid of me, yououghtto be thanking me.”
“I’ll thank you by not getting you killed. This is my damned problem, not yours.”
“Since we’re on a mission together, your problemismy problem.” She poked him in the chest. “If someone had shot at me, wounded me, would you just leave?”
“I would rip their bloody head off,” he snarled. “But that is different—”
“It is not. For better or worse, we’re partners,” she stated. “Partners stick together.”
He stared into her firelit gaze, his heart pounding like a fist. He knew he ought to unequivocally reject what she was offering, yet he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Because it was the very thing he’d dreamed of finding.Shewas the woman he’d been searching for: fierce, loyal, and capable of taking care of herself. Recognition flooded him…the same sense of certainty he’d felt last Christmas.
Pearl Peabody was home.
Maybe you should tell her everything,his inner voice whispered.Maybe she’ll understand. Want to be with you anyway.
He knew he was putting the cart before the horse. Even without knowing about his lethal legacy, she was ambivalent about a relationship with him. Skittish at best about exploring a future together. He didn’t want to spook her before they’d had a chance to begin. Moreover, he resented the fact that there was anythingtotell. He’d cut ties with the Reids, done everything in his power to be free of them. All the years of running…and they were reeling him back in.
I will not let them ruin my life again. My future is mine to decide.
“My enemies are violent and ruthless.” He spoke with emphasis, making sure she understood the perils of the situation. “I’ve a target on my back; being around me puts you in danger. I would lay down my life to protect you, but even that is no guarantee o’ your safety. Knowing all this, you’re certain you want to continue our journey?”
“I’m certain. I know what I want, Hawker.”
Hearing the sultry passion in her voice, he hardened with shocking swiftness. Her gaze dipped to his trousers, and he nearly groaned when she traced her lips with her tongue. In a blink, she was Pearl from last Christmas again. While he could not fathom what had brought about the change, he wasn’t going to question it.
The brush with the cutthroats was an acute reminder of how tenuous life was. Of how much more he wanted to experience. And with whom.
He cupped the back of her neck, drawing her closer. Close enough to see the flames from the hearth dancing in her eyes.
“You’re sure, then, that you want to stay with me?” he rasped.
“As I said, I am not a woman who abandons her partner.”
He slid his fingers into her hair, savoring her shiver of awareness. “Ain’t talking about the mission. I’m talking about tonight. About us sharing one room…one bed.”
