Jamie looked down at her fingers and could do nothing to stop from settling his over them. Hers turned and slid through his.
“Alice.” Her name came out strangled. “Leave here now.”
“You will not hurt me, nor could you in your current condition,” she said with a small smile, as if teasing him.
She should be bloody terrified. He wanted to pull her close and feel all her heat and lush curves pressed to his body. Wanted to lose himself in this woman he’d come to need.
He should step away. Instead, he lifted their joined hands and placed them against his bare chest. Her gaze flicked up as she no doubt felt the thud of his heart.
“What really woke you, Jamie?”
“I was dreaming,” he admitted.
“And I promised to be here, so here I am,” she whispered. “Do you dream of Blackwood Hall often?”
Her lovely eyes were steady on his and Jamie saw the compassion and felt the last of his restraint start to slip. He didn’t bother to deny her words, so he nodded.
“I want that bastard to hurt as he hurt you and my brother.”
Her words surprised a huff of laughter out of him because he’d not expected them.
“He will pay, Alice. Have no fear of that.”
“We will make him pay,” she added.
She stood on her toes and then, with a boldness that stole his breath, brushed her lips to his cheek. The simplest of touches, and yet heat rolled through him at the feel of those warm lips.
Move away from her, Jamie. She is not like other women. She’s not someone you can touch and walk away from.
“What are you doing, Alice?” His words sounded raw and hungry.
“Let me light the lamp,” she said instead of answering him. “You look pale.” She backed away, but only one step.
“No.”
“Will you sit then?”
“I am strong enough to take a beating, Alice. Have no fear I am about to faint.” He’d been telling himself he was strong for many years. In fact, since he’d left Blackwood Hall, it was a constant refrain running through his head.
“I know you are strong, Jamie, but anyone who took the beating you did still needs to take care of themselves until they are healed.”
“Will you tell me about this clinic of yours, Alice?”
“You have an excellent memory.”
He didn’t answer, just studied her.
“I run a medical clinic where those who can’t afford it get help. I have a wonderful doctor, who actually treats nobility, who was willing to work with these patients three times a week.
“You are an amazing woman, Lady Alice,” he said quietly. “And I want to know more about that, soon. But not now. Right now, I have another question.” Their eyes met. “Why will you leave London, Alice?”
If he kept talking, perhaps he could stop his mind from fixating on the way that thin cotton nightdress clung to her body, and how much he wanted to strip it away.
“It need not concern you,” she said, voice cool and steady.
“So I am to bare all,” he countered, “and you will tell me nothing in return?”
“You are as secretive as I, Jamie, and you will not convince me otherwise.”
