As they entered a nearby pub, Aislynn wasn’t about to admit she’d never set foot inside these doors. She generally avoided places like this at night because of the threat she had just escaped. Such establishments were no place for a respectable lady hoping to keep her reputation intact. However, since she had an escort, she knew she would not have to worry about any more unwanted advances. And to be honest, she could use a drink.
It was not as difficult as Aislynn imagined finding an empty table for two and as the serving wench brought over two pints of ale, she lifted it to her lips and took a long drink. She had never cared for the bitter notes but as they hit her tongue now, she was grateful for the slight calming effect. She hoped it would numb the rest of her senses like the cold had stolen the feeling from her fingers and toes.
She tried to relax but there was something about the direct, lazy stare coming from Mr. Steele that she couldn’t ignore. With a resigned sigh, she asked, “Is there something you would like to ask me?”
“Not particularly. I just wondered what your story was.”
“My story?” She snorted. “It is not that exciting. I would not want to bore you with the details.”
“Try me.”
Aislynn narrowed her gaze slightly on her unlikely companion. She had never imagined a moment like this, sitting with an inquiry agent and drinking from ale in the midst of a crowded pub as easily as if they were in a fashionable parlor having tea. He might get to enjoy such comforts in his finely spun clothes, rubbing elbows with polite society, but Aislynn would never share the same experiences. Although she might have men vying for her favors, it was not the same as earning the respect from an entire assemblage as Mr. Steele had done. Unfortunately, women were not given the same advantages to make those sorts of respectable ripples in the pond.
Leaning back in her chair, she tapped a finger against her mug. “Is this an interrogation because of what happened to Geneva? Do you consider me a suspect in her demise?”
“Not at all,” he returned smoothly. “I am just genuinely curious about you.”
Aislynn didn’t want to look too closely at why that was. Instead, she squared her shoulders and said, “Very well, Mr. Steele. If you want the sordid truth, I have nothing to hide. I am the bastard child of an abusive mother and a father I never knew. It was not a pleasant childhood and I do not really care to relive it, although I am forced to do so every time the temperature dips in the winter.” She held out her right arm where there was a slight curvature. “A physician was never sent to have the bone set properly. Instead, my mother got angry at me for complaining that it hurt and forced me to eat scraps not suitable for a dog for the next three days as a punishment.” Her jaw clenched together. “Is that what you wanted to hear?”
Chapter
Four
Cordell would have never imagined that this confident, independent woman before him would have suffered through such a hellish life. It was no doubt she was so determined to keep a smile on her face and retain a special bow to her admirers.
“I apologize if I overstepped in my curiosity.”
She gave a shrug. “I am sure it is in your nature to act this way toward everyone.” She tilted her head to the side and he was struck by how lovely she was. Her green eyes flashed with fire and vitality, a contradiction to her early years. Her light hair framed her face and softened the otherwise harsh lines of an existence that had shown more hardship than anyone should have to bear.
“No doubt you are correct,” he admitted. “I am generally intrigued by anyone who interests me.”
“I interest you, Mr. Steele?”
He considered evading her question, but since he didn’t want to deny the attraction swirling beneath the surface, he returned boldly. “Very much, Miss Sims.”
She seemed as though she wasn’t sure how to respond to his statement. Instead, she said, “I suppose it is only fair you know about my past since you were so forthcoming with your own last evening when we met. I daresay I was surprised you were so generous with such delicate information.”
She took a drink from her ale and he was transfixed by the way her pink tongue darted out and licked the liquid clinging to her lips. When he was capable of coherent thought again, he answered, “As you said, I have nothing to hide. Most everyone of note in London is aware of my father’s history. The side glances I receive, wondering if I might follow suit someday, continuously trod in my shadow.”
“You should tell them all to sod off.”
He couldn’t resist a smile. “I rather prefer your version of fuck off.”
She grinned and he was stunned by the powerful reaction he felt. The sensation shot straight to his groin. He shifted in his seat.
“It has long been a favorite phrase,” she noted.
“I can see why if your suitors are men like the earl.”
She waved a hand. “I have grown accustomed to it at this point. It is why I always keep a dagger handy.” She tapped her upper thigh and Cordell stopped himself from asking to see it before he made a fool of himself. He didn’t like men like the earl, who thought their position was enough to gain whatever they wanted, no matter if it was warranted or not.
“I do not think he will be bothering you again.” He took a long, slow draw from his mug.
“I suppose I ought to thank you for your intervention.”
He glanced at her in surprise. He hadn’t been expecting that.
She tossed her blond head. “So, we are clear, I would have properly dealt with him whether you had been there or not, but it is not often that anyone comes to my defense, especially where the peerage is involved. Are you not concerned this will injure your future business should word begin to circulate that you insulted someone of prominence?”
