He nodded. “I’m afraid your father is correct. You may be in danger.”
She swallowed, and his eyes lingered on her slender white neck peeking above the high pale-rose collar. Tears shone in her eyes, sending a bolt of pain straight to his heart.
“Don’t cry,” he said, feeling helpless. If this was his sister, he’d wrap Nora in a tight hug. But she wasn’t his sister. Far, far from being his sister.
“I have no place to go where I wouldn’t put someone else in danger.” Her bottom lip trembled just before the tears spilled over onto her cheeks. “I d-don’t know what to do.”
Ben watched her slim shoulders shake while her hands covered her face. He reached out to pat her arm, not sure how to comfort her, when he suddenly found himself holding her.
How the devil did this happen? he wondered as he rocked her back and forth, rubbing her back, his chin resting on her head. Her hair smelled of lemon and something flowery, and he breathed in the scent. Her dark waves shone in the lamplight, and beneath his palm, he found the tresses comparable to fine silk.
Just as suddenly, she pushed away, shaking her head. “Now I must apologize,” she said, a look of horror in her shimmering eyes. “I don’t know what came over me.”
“Fear,” he said softly. “A human emotion which usually requires some means of comfort.” He wanted to lighten the mood, take her mind off the grim situation.
His hands reached out to cup her face, wiping the tears away with his thumbs. Before his brain could refuse, his lips brushed her cheek, then lingered… His body’s reaction to the contact was immediate. A desire of such intensity surged through him that it almost knocked the breath from his chest. But it wasn’t just a physical desire, a man wanting a woman. It was a longing to protect her, to make her happy, to have her smile light up his world every day for the rest of his life.
Miss Felton peered up at him and sniffled, confusion clouding her deep-violet eyes. “Th-thank you for being so k-kind and helping me.”
Blast! It was as if some other man had taken control, pushing Ben forward to seize the moment.
Her cheeks were splotchy from crying, her sooty lashes spiked from the tears. He’d never seen her look more beautiful. He ached to pull her back into his arms and swear to her that no one would ever hurt her. That he would keep her safe till his dying breath.
Perdition! What kind of tricks was his mind playing on him?
He could hear Maggie’s words in the back of his brain as she scolded one of his brothers.
It’s not yer brain, ye daft man. It’s yer heart.
CHAPTER 8
Next afternoon
Kitty forced a smile on her face as her father stared at her. Mr. Cooper was explaining the possible danger to their family and a plan to keep them all from peril.
“There was no murder reported and no body found,” continued the solicitor. “But there is someone missing in the gang my brother has infiltrated. Someone who wanted out. The new arch rogue fits Miss Felton’s description, and he’s been trying to work his way up the ladder, so to speak.”
Kitty took a deep breath. If Mr. Cooper thought this was best, she would do it. Her brain told her he was an intelligent man and a caring one. Her heart said she could trust him. And her body… Well, after last night, her body wanted to stay close too. She’d never experienced the feelings that fluttered through her each time she saw him.
“Unfortunately, I cannot tell you where your daughter will be. It would no longer be a safe house if?—”
“Do you think I would give out information on the whereabouts of my Kitty?” bellowed her father. “I’d let them beat me to death before I said a word.”
“Pa, that’s not what he means.” She ran to his side and pulled on his arm, making him look at her. “You’re a terrible liar, and your temper is short when it comes to anyone threatening those you love.”
“As soon as we can apprehend this man, Kitty may return, and you can both resume your lives in peace.” Ben swiped a hand over his head, forcing strands between his fingers.
Kitty fisted her hands. She wanted to smooth the tufts back down. Stop. Her life was in danger, and she’s thinking of playing with a man’s hair.
“When will you… take her?” Her father’s tone broke her heart.
“What shall I bring?” she asked. “How much should I pack?”
“Bring whatever occupies you in the evenings. Try to keep something normal in your daily schedule. I’m not sure how long. Clothes for at least a week?”
Kitty sensed a false optimism in Mr. Cooper’s tone. It might be longer. “Will you escort me?”
“I’m afraid not. I am one of your customers, and I know your father. It will be my older brother.” He smiled for the first time. “Sir Harry Walters can don a disguise, and Paddy himself wouldn’t recognize him. He will pick you up and take you to a nearby public house, where you will walk straight out the back door. A hackney will be waiting to take you to your temporary home.”
