“What is the job?” Pearl asked.
“I have a package to be delivered to Northfield in Worcester. As the contents are of a sensitive nature, I cannot trust a messenger. I wish you to deliver the parcel personally.”
Pearl gave a brisk nod. “I will secure the rail ticket—”
“I want you to take one of the carriages. The handling of this package requires the highest level of discretion, and the client is defraying all expenses.”
Although Pearl did not relish the idea of driving a hundred miles in inclement weather, she took pride in her ability to do what was needed.
“I will have the horses readied and leave this afternoon—”
“While I appreciate your enthusiasm, you will not be undertaking this mission alone.” Lady Fayne’s expression was chiding. “It is dangerous for anyone, and a woman especially, to travel on her own.”
Trepidation tip-toed up Pearl’s spine. “I do not require an escort. I can take care of myself.”
“I do not doubt that.” Lady Fayne smiled. “Nonetheless, it will be safer for you to have a partner on this mission…” She trailed off as a knock sounded on her study door. “And speak of the devil.”
Pearl shot to her feet as Hawker stalked into the room. Despite the butterflies swarming her belly, she schooled her expression. She did not know why Hawker had such an effect on her; before him, she’d never been attracted to large men. Her last lover, Daniel, had been of average height and build, his features smooth and refined. Hawker topped six and a half feet, with shoulders so broad they looked capable of bracing the world itself. His tanned, rough-hewn features bore the stamp of two-and-thirty years lived fully and unapologetically.
Over the recent months, he’d made some changes to his appearance. He’d stopped shaving his head; his cropped dark-brown hair had a reddish tint in the sun. His trimmed beard and mustache were as rich as a pelt, and the black patch covering his right eye added to his rugged appeal. Despite his brawny and rather piratical exterior, he possessed a decent and honorable soul. He was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word.
Experience had taught Pearl that no gentleman would want a woman with her background. Except in bed. And even then, things would not last.
“You were damaged goods before I met you, you little slut.”The memory of Daniel’s chiseled, sneering countenance caused her to flinch.“We had our fun between the sheets, but I bear no responsibility for your delusion that we could be a match anywhere else.”
His rejection had sent her reeling; what happened afterward had been even worse.
“I see you’ve told Mrs. Peabody the plan.”
Hawker’s rumbling voice focused Pearl. Standing a few feet away, he was scowling at her. He’d probably noticed her reaction to her past—for a man, he was surprisingly observant—and taken it personally.
It’s just as well. Let him think you’re disagreeable. Easier to keep him at arm’s length that way.
Deliberately, she injected scorn into her tone. “I don’t need a guard dog.”
“What you need is to ’ave your bloody ’ead examined,” Hawker growled. “You would ’ave to be daft to travel alone in the middle o’ winter.”
He crossed his burly arms, which only served to emphasize the powerful width of his chest. Memories of being held against that warm, muscular slab sent a quiver through Pearl. Nearly a year later and she still couldn’t forget how good he had made her feel. And how he’d done it.
Neither of her previous lovers had pleasured her the way Hawker had. He’d worshipped her with his touch and kiss, bringing her to the peak again and again until she’d floated on a continual cloud of bliss. What hehadn’tdone was equally new to her: he’d refrained from taking her with his cock.
Even when, she recalled with a flush of embarrassment, she had begged him to.
His smile had been a sensual flash of white in his beard.“There’s nothing I want more, love. But, for obvious reasons, I didn’t think to bring a French letter, and I don’t want you to ’ave any cause for worry. Next time, though, I’ll be claiming this pretty quim.”He’d thrust his long fingers deep inside her, curling them and groaning when she clenched helplessly around him.“And it’ll be bloody ’eaven to feel this tight little sheath milking my prick…”
Slamming a lid on the memory, Pearl raised her chin. “I can take care of myself. In case you’ve forgotten, I can best you and most men in combat.”
Hawker glared at her. “Going to brawl with a winter storm, are you?”
His exposed eye was beautiful, a shade of forest green speckled with gold. When he was in a mellow mood, his gaze reminded her of sunlight filtering through trees. At present, shadows darkened his iris as he continued his tirade.
“Going to show the icy road who’s in charge? Well, I’ve news for you: this mission ain’t about fighting. It’s about getting from ’ere to there and back”—he jabbed his finger in the air, following his imaginary route—“safely.”
“And you think you have the skills to be my escort?”
In that instant, she realized that she’d gone too far. Hawker was a patient man, with two notable exceptions. First, he did not countenance threats to those he considered under his care. She’d witnessed him protecting the Angels and knew he would lay down his life for them. Second, he took great pride in his driving, and insults about his rein-handling abilities were guaranteed to get under his skin.
His brows lowering, Hawker advanced toward her. She stood her ground; he loomed over her, his countenance as dark as she’d ever seen it. Even so, she wasn’t afraid of him. Not only because she knew she could take him down, but because she knewhim. This fierce giant of a fellow whose heart was fashioned from gold.
