“That’s not what I’m saying. It’s not safe for you here,” he whispered urgently. “These events are notorious gathering places for criminals.”
“I’m perfectly safe with the baron and with my group.”
“And you can’t be seen speaking with me.”
“Then, you should let me rejoin my friends.”
“I’m serious, listen to me. No one here must suspect that we know one another.”
“Because you’re an unsavory character?”
“Because there are things that I can’t tell you. Sandrine—” his grip tightened on her arms “—I know I’ve given you no reason to trust me, but I’m asking you, I’m begging you, to trust me on this.”
“I absolutely will not.” She thrust out her chin. “I’ll never trust you ever again.”
“It’s for your safety. There are bad men here, men my brother owed a debt to, and they’re blackmailing me. I don’t know who they are or what they look like. I’m worried that any young lady I’m seen conversing with could become a target for them. I can’t keep you safe if you persist in following me everywhere I go.”
“Are you making this up?”
“I’m not, really. This is serious.” His gaze was steady, his tone urgent, his grip punishing.
“Then, I will endeavor to help you.”
He sighed and relaxed his hold on her arms. “Thank you. It will be best if you don’t attend any of the same events that I—”
“I’ll help you by keeping a watch on the crowd. If any man takes an inordinate amount of interest in you, I shall report back to you in a safe and distant manner.”
“Good God, Sandrine, you’re driving me insane. I forbid you from involving yourself in my investigation in any way, however safe or distant you think it might be!”
“Hush. Someone will hear you shouting at me.”
“Promise me you won’t do what you just said you’d do.”
“I don’t owe you any promises.”
“And another thing. You can’t entertain Baron Chisholme as a suitor.”
“Suitor? I only met him today.”
“And yet I’ll wager he’s already made plans to see you again, hasn’t he?”
“He has been making a list of sites in London he’d like to show me, but I find him to be—”
“Forget about Chisholme.”
“What right do you have to tell me who to step out with?”
“None whatsoever. Only think of your mother. Would she approve?”
“She certainly wouldn’t approve of me held inyour arms, pressed up against a tree, where no one can see us.”
She tried to laugh but the sound caught in her throat. He was so possessive of her. And she liked it. No, she didn’t.
“What’s wrong with Baron Chisholme?”
“He and I have a history, and he’s only courting you to nettle me.”
“Let me see if I comprehend correctly. What you’re saying is that there’s no way that the baron could be attentive to me simply because he finds me attractive? He’s only speaking to me to infuriate you? Your arrogance knows no bounds.”
