Page 29 of Summoner of Sins

She set hers on the table between them as well. “I don’t mean to add to your fear. I just…”

“You’re worried. I am too. I actually like that big lug.” He picked up his glass again and took a healthy swallow. “But as neither of us is with him, there is nothing to do but pass the time while we wait.”

He was right, which is why she relaxed back into her chair, picking up her glass again. “You said you had a story for me, Caden?”

He gave her a wink then, the half-smile curling his lips sin incarnate. This man must have his choice of women. Not that it had much effect on her. Her heart firmly belonged to Max. If something happened to him, she didn’t know how she’d go on. She’d have to, for the sake of Abigail, but the idea of marrying another man left her hollow and empty. Then again, they had no formal promise, just an admittance of feelings. It all unsettled her.

“So, the story of my name. Let’s see. First, it’s an important detail to know that I had an older brother. I was never supposed to be the duke.”

She gasped, her hand coming to her chest. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

He waved his hand. “I hardly knew him. I was a toddler when he died. But my mother, hating my father, and having delivered an heir, set about having a very public affair with a known rake and philanderer by the name of Thomas Caden.”

The glass paused halfway to her lips, her eyes going wide. “Oh, Ironheart.”

“Might as well call me Caden, we’re in it now.” He smiled, but the expression held no joy.

“She gave me the name to rub my father’s nose in it, I’m certain. But it all fell apart when the real heir died, and they were left with me. A bastard who was inferior in every way except for the part where I managed to keep living.”

Her heart ached for him. She took another sip, noticing that her limbs were relaxing. “Life does like to present its challenges, doesn’t it?”

“It surely does.” He sighed. “I know you care for Max.”

“I do.”

He gave a small jerk of his chin. “But if the worst happens, I’ll see you settled, Sophie.”

“Thank you, Caden.”

“Caden?” Max rumbled from the doorway.

She nearly spilled the glass in her haste to set it on the table, and then, lifting her skirts, she ran toward him, vaulting herself into his arms. “You’re unharmed.”

He caught her, settling her close to his body, his nose settling into her hair. “I’m here.”

“Thank goodness.” Her feet dangled off the ground, her arms about him as he squeezed her tight to his chest.

Finally, he lowered her to the floor, easing back far enough to look down into her eyes. “I have to go out again.”

She sucked in a breath, her heart aching. She didn’t wish him gone from her side any more today, or tomorrow, or the next day for that matter. But she had no claim to make such demands. Her face, however, surely betrayed her, because he leaned down, pressing his forehead to hers. “I’ll be safe.”

“Please don’t go.” She couldn’t quite hold back the words.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can,” he whispered before he eased back.

Then he crossed to Ironheart, and taking her glass, downed most of the liquid in a single swallow. She stood by the door, one hand holding her other elbow as she tried to control her feelings.

“Where are you going?” Ironheart asked, with a tip of his glass.

“Cranston gave me the address of a warehouse. I’m going to investigate.”

Ironheart pushed out of his chair. “I’ll go with you.”

Her breath caught. She knew Max had only found her because he was investigating Lord Whitehouse, but watching him put himself in danger was too much. Tears welled in her eyes. Max and Ironheart came toward her. Her breath stuttered as she drew it in, trying to think of the words that might sway him.

He stopped in front of her, and reaching into his overcoat, he pulled out a hefty bag of coins.

“What is that?”

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