“What happened?” he asked, his eyes examining her as if searching for some sign of injury.
She scrambled to sit up so as not to be at a disadvantage, and who wouldn’t be with him so close? “I went to see Artemis. I wanted to show him the bracelet. He gave me some information.”
She reached into her shirt and pulled out the papers. Her hands trembled as she smoothed the ruffled edges.
Ridge smoothed his hand over hers, picking up her fingers, caressing them softly.
She tried to ignore the sharp tingles that shot up her arm, just as she avoided his gaze. Instead, she concentrated on the papers in front of her, and hoped her voice came out normal. “When I left, the man who broke into my house was there. He called out to me, and I ran. He chased me, but I was able to escape.”
Ridge cursed then stood and began pacing in front of her.
“I know it was foolish,” she murmured. “I should have waited for you, but I didn’t think.”
“I’ll post more footmen around the perimeter of the house. Our man is rather determined, and he may try to break in again.”
India nodded.
“Are you all right?” he asked, as he bent over her again.
He cupped her cheek in his palm and forced her gaze upwards.
“I’m fine,” she said. And she was. Now that she was here. With him.
He stood and began pacing in front of her. He stopped and focused the full force of his stare on her. “That was the most bloody irresponsible thing I’ve ever encountered.”
Her eyes widened in shock.
“Aside from the fact that you took unnecessary risks with the only means we have of finding the city, you could have beenkilled.”
She bristled at his high-handed tone. “I am perfectly able to take care of myself. I’ve been doing so without you my entire life.”
He didn’t even address her comment. “Don’t leave without me again. We made an agreement to be partners. I can’t protect you if I’m not with you.”
He finished fiercely, and a warm curl bubbled in her stomach up into her chest quickly overriding her irritation.
She stared at him for a long moment. “Oh all right,” she grumbled.
“So, when do we leave?” a man drawled from the doorway.
Chapter Twelve
Ridge turned to see Robby standing in the doorway, hands stuffed into his pockets. He looked like hell, and his timing was rotten.
“Am I interrupting?” Robby asked, casting a curious glance at India.
“Not at all,” India said, rising from the settee and standing stiffly by Ridge.
She was obviously embarrassed.
“Are you unwell, Robby?” Ridge asked, ignoring the question.
His brother’s eyes were bloodshot, his hair in disarray, and he looked haggard. Tired. Desperately tired.
“Rough night at the gaming hell,” Robby said with a shrug. “So, when do we leave? My trunk is in the foyer.”
“Uh well, I haven’t yet discussed with India the final preparations, and in light of this morning’s events, I feel compelled to rearrange our plans.”
India’s eyes darted up to him, questions burning in their depths.
