CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Itwas the truth that she felt warm and safe in Leo’s arms. And his response to what she had told him had felt good. He did not blame her, as her aunt had said people would. In fact, Leo had believed her without hesitation.
“You are safe with me. I would never hurt you, Beth,” Leo said once more.
“I know, but it is probably best I sit on the seat now.”
“I like holding you.”
And she liked him holding her.
“Tell me the rest of the story now.”
“The day after the Tottingham ball I received a note stating that the writer knew my secrets. I then received more, with threats and blackmail. I think it is him, Leo. As only four people know what happened that day. My aunt, father, me, and this man. He wants money, and if I don’t hand it over, he will harm someone I care for. He mentioned you, Nick, and Grace. I cannot allow that to happen.”
“Nick will keep Grace safe, and I can look after myself, and you. The church,” he added, “you were delivering money?”
Beth looked up at him. “Yes.”
His body was pressed hard to hers. Warmth surrounded her, and she actually believed, sitting there like that, that he would keep her safe.
“But what can be done, Leo?”
“Plenty of things, but for now, tell me his name.”
Beth wasn’t sure why she hesitated; perhaps it was the thought of speaking his name out loud. For so long just thinking the words had struck fear into her.
“Mr. Lloyd... Jason,” Beth added with a shudder.
“It’s all right now.” Leo held her close. “He won’t hurt you again.”
“For so long I slept with my father’s pistol under my bed. I only stopped a few years ago. I wanted to kill him for what he’d done to me, not just to my body, but taking away my father and leaving me alone. I even planned how, if he came back to England.”
“I’ll kill him for you.”
The words were spoken calmly, as if he was requesting milk in his tea.
“You cannot do that, Leo. I will not be responsible for losing you also because of that man.”
“You won’t lose me, and I will kill him if I find him, and no one will know I have done so.”
“I-I can’t believe you are speaking of killing someone so calmly.” She looked up at him. His jaw was clenched, face set in anger, and saw the ruthless man he could be when provoked.
“He deserves to die for hurting you. No other justice will suffice.” He ran a thumb over her cheek. “I’m sorry he caused you pain, Beth. Sorrier than I can say. And for him to take your father’s life at a time when you needed him the most, was yet another blow.”
“Thank you for believing me, Leo.”
He touched her again. “Did you think I wouldn’t?”
“Yes, that was one of the main reasons I never spoke up. Who would believe me, as my aunt said? She also believed my reputation would be ruined if it came to my word against his, and no man would want me afterward. Of course that suited me, as I never wished to marry.”
“She was wrong, a man would be a fool not to want you.”
Their eyes caught, and held. She read the compassion and tenderness in his, and knowing it was for her made warmth flood through her.
“Beth.” His whisper was ragged.
She braced a hand on his chest and closed the distance. Touching her lips to his, she kissed him softly and waited for the fear. It never came. “Leo,” she breathed. Beth had never instigated contact with another, but she wanted that now... wanted that with Leo.
