Whowasthis woman?
She’s a victim, that’s what, he reminded himself. The thought had him shaking off the temporary delirium. “The masquerade...at Sir Cedric’s—”
“Yes, that’s the one,” she said.
That smile was fading, along with that sudden burst of confidence, and he didn’t want to see it go.
“Will you save me a dance?” he asked, his tone teasing.
Her eyes widened in surprise, and her lips parted...and his heart reacted as if she’d just punched him in the gut.
Lud, but her eyes were hypnotic when they glinted with surprise and pleasure. And her lips...
His lungs seized as the urge to tug her into his arms overtook him. His fingers clenched and unclenched as he fought the urge.
They were in public. In broad daylight. And this woman was working with the enemy.
But nothing in him believed her to have dastardly motives. His gaze took in her gown. It was simple, but good quality. She did not seem poor, but who knew what her story was?
Maybe she had family that relied on her. Siblings or even children of her own.
Protectiveness swelled in him so quickly it threatened to destroy reason.
“I will take care of you,” he said.
Mainly because he couldn’tnotsay it. He needed her to know that whatever it was that troubled her, he would handle it.
And then what? His mind was already racing ahead. Would he make her his mistress?
The thought was unsettling. This girl was delectable, yes, but she should not be a mistress. She ought to be cherished and protected and...
He blinked.
And he needed to keep his head on straight until this was all over. Once she was safe, then he would decide what to do with her.
Her brows drew together in confusion. “T-take care of me?” she repeated. “But—”
“I meant I will find you,” he said. “Tonight. I will find you and we will talk.”
Someone called after a child in the distance and the mystery woman looked over her shoulder. “I ought to go.”
“Yes, of course,” he said. And yet, he didn’t want her to go.
He didn’t want to lose her again.
He wondered if she felt the same because she lingered for a moment, and then her head tipped to the side as she considered him. “Until tonight?”
His smile was so very real it terrified him. The pleasure that bloomed in his chest, the rapid beating of his heart as his mind began to count down the moments...
What was wrong with him?
But he couldn’t stop himself from reaching for her gloved hand and bringing it to his lips. When he glanced up, he saw her eyes grow dazed and, sweet mercy, all he wanted to do was hold her close and kiss those lips.
His voice was too gruff as he said, “Until tonight.”
He watched her walk away and smiled when she cast a glance over her shoulder, her answering smile shy and sweeter than honey.
What was he doing?
