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SIXTEEN

Outside London

Three hours later – 21 December

Jack glanced down at Aubriella,fast asleep in his arms. The snow had stopped half an hour after they departed the inn. Though teeth-cracking cold outside, the journey hadn’t been as arduous as he’d expected. That was due, in part, to the Flemish horses Templeton had provided. Larger and stronger than typical horses, their endurance matched their big, gentle hearts.

Unnaturally subdued, Aubriella had eaten, and after he’d arranged for the mail coach drivers to deliver her and Miss Danforth’s luggage, she’d meekly allowed Jack to lift her onto his mount. His gun at his waist, he climbed into the saddle, then wrapped them both in the extra blankets Templeton had sent.

Across the circular courtyard, Tellinger did the same with Miss Danforth.

Both women had fallen asleep within minutes, and more than once on the trek to London, he’d caught Tellinger watching Miss Danforth just as Jack observed Aubriella.

Were his feelings as transparent as Tellinger’s?

Apparently not to the women they loved, who disdained them at every turn.

In a few minutes, Jack would awaken Aubriella. He had things he needed to say and would have her word that she wouldn’t pelt off again without telling him. Skimming his gaze over her winged eyebrows, the delicate flare of her sweet lips, and the slope of her cheeks, his heart swelled with love.

How could he not have known he loved her?

God above, when he’d entered the Boot and Crow and seen that behemoth looming over her, her face waxen and fraught with fright, Jack had wanted to kill the bloody cur. He’d also wanted to spank her for terrifying him by leaving without telling anyone and then kiss her tears away while begging her forgiveness for hurting her.

Instinct told him to tread cautiously when declaring himself to Aubriella. She probably wouldn’t believe him. His heart ached for her. She’d erected such a wall of protection around herself that he’d have to use all his wit and skill to tear down the ramparts.

Truth be told, Jack wasn’t certain he of his success, but by thunder, he would try.

She stirred as if sensing he gazed at her, and her eyelids fluttered open. It was impossible to read her expression in the dark, but he thought a smile might’ve bent her mouth.

“How long have I slept?” She yawned delicately behind her hand.

“About two hours, I think.” The fresh snow had made progress slow. He adjusted her on his lap so she sat more upright and gritted his teeth against the sensual onslaught the movement caused. “We are near London. You can see the lights in the distance. You should be home, tucked into your bed within the hour.”

An owl hooted, breaking the night’s stillness interrupted only by the plodding horses’ footsteps.

“Thank you, Jack.” Huskiness tinged her voice. “I don’t know what…”

“Shh.” My darling. “You are safe now.” And I intend that you always shall be. Somehow, he must convince her of his love, and she must marry him.

“Why did you come after me?” She cupped his jaw with her gloved hand, and his heart swelled to bursting.

He barely resisted the urge to turn his head and press his lips into her palm. On the verge of declaring himself, he swallowed his vows of adoration and love. When he told Aubriella of his affection, it wouldn’t be while freezing atop a horse in the middle of the night when he couldn’t see her reaction.

Instead, he murmured, “With Emmet injured, I was the most logical person. Besides, I had to return to London. No sense disrupting the other house guests’ revelries.”

“Yes, I suppose you are right.” She angled her face away, but Jack would’ve sworn disappointment leached into her voice. “I’m sorry to be an inconvenience and to have detained you from your business.”

Stupid,senseless tears stung behind Aubriella’s eyes.

For a few timeless seconds, she’d thought Jack meant to say something entirely different. Lord, she’d wanted him to say something to convince her not to move to Aunt Astrid’s house. To persuade her that what Aubriella felt for him wasn’t one-sided—that she wouldn’t live out her days alone and misunderstood. An oddity who people whispered about behind hands and fans.

More fool her.

She craned her neck to see how Roxina fared.

Her friend still slept, slumped against Shelby’s chest.

Aubriella narrowed her eyes.