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Before she could slip her arms around him, he bolted past her. His footfalls pounded on the planks. Blinking hard, she watched him pull open the door to the living quarters and disappear inside.
“Ewan?” Gisela whispered.
Behind her, Dominic cursed. “I will go after him.”
Gisela whirled. “Do not!”
Dominic frowned. “I will not have him believing I was doing you harm.”
“I will speak with him. I will explain.” How? Her mind shrilled. What will you say that shall make a difference to Ewan? He is a child. How can he possibly understand the complex relationship between you and Dominic?
“I want to speak with him,” Dominic said, his tone barely a civilized growl. “Are you saying I cannot?”
Frustration became a cruel fist digging into Gisela’s ribs. Before she could reply, Ada touched her arm. “Are ye all right? Did he hurt ye grabbing at yer bodice?”
Waving away the woman’s concern, Gisela said, “I am not hurt.”
Ada flicked her black braid over her shoulder and turned to the open doorway to the street. “Good. I will scream fer ’elp.”
“Nay!” Gisela cried. ’Tis all she needed, to attract more suspicion from Crenardieu’s men—or to have Dominic beaten again in misguided heroics.
Glancing back, Ada scowled. “Do not feel ye must protect ’im. Even if ’e is a lord, ’e—”
“Thank you, but I am certain we can resolve this situation on our own.” Brushing past the older woman, Gisela shut the door.
Ada’s lips pursed. Planting her fists on her hips, she said, “I saw ’is ’ands upon ye. ’E was yellin’ in yer face.” Her indignant gaze slid to Dominic. Jabbing a finger at him, she said, “Before ye say one word, milord, do not try ta be clever and tell me ye was shoutin’ because she did not ’ear ye. Anne ’as perfectly good ’earin.’”
“I would not dare to be clever with you, Ada,” Dominic muttered. “You are right. I did shout. While I should be chivalrous, drop down on one knee, and offer a gallant apology, I will not.”
Ada’s brows raised.
When Dominic’s sharp gaze settled on her, Gisela shivered.
“Anne and I have important matters to resolve between us. I raised my voice because I lost my patience with her.”
“Ooh! So ye cannot control yer temper, then?” Ada crossed her plump arms.
A tight smile curved Dominic’s lips. “In this instance, nay. I am not a man who likes to be teased—”
“Ha, milord! Teased?” the older woman snapped.
“—with the barest snippets of information. She owes me the rest. I will have it.”
The sheer determination in his voice sent a shudder raking through Gisela. Part of her—the idiotic, naïve part—had hoped that with Ada and Ewan’s arrival, Dominic would cease questioning her about her scar. However, their conversation seemed far from over.
In his opinion, mayhap. She had other pressing matters. Giving Dominic a pointed glance, she said, “I am going to check on Ewan.”
“I will come with you.”
“He is my son.” Not just your son, her mind corrected. Be fair, Gisela—
A thump sounded inside her house. She hurried across the shop. Booted footsteps came after her. Dominic.
Spinning to face him, she snapped, “Ewan is very upset. Please. Wait here—”
A shrill cry erupted inside her home. The little boy ran out, brandishing his wooden sword. His face scarlet with fury, he lashed out at Dominic.
Whack. The flat of the sword hit Dominic’s thigh.
