Page 83 of Her Tempting Traitor
Hunter, who’d ridden with them—acting as chaperone, much to Cassian’s dismay—now bounced impatiently on the balls of his feet. “Ye ken she’s a world-class veterinarian and I’m a bare-knuckled boxer. Comeon,Cass, we’re still the same people.”
Cassian wasn’t sure he liked that sobriquet, but glanced at the other man. “A boxer, really? Suits ye better than doctor.”
“Fook,” muttered Hunter impatiently. “Anythingsuits me better thandoctor. Are ye ready? I want to see Aunt Sophia.”
Smiling softly, Gabby slid her arm through Cassian’s. “She will be waiting for us in the foyer. Likely with Lizzie andBear—they are thirteen now—in tow. Lizzie is the one Hunter really wants to see.” She lowered her voice, although her brother had already bounded ahead. “They are adorably close.”
“Gabby, I…”
Cassian wasn’t certain what he’d intended to say, but she squeezed his arm, ensuring her pace up the steps was slow enough to match his careful tread. “Three days ago you knew me, Cassian Grey. What has changed?”
“I kenned ye to be kind and brave and bold and loving.”
She tugged him to a stop at the top of the stairs so she could smile at him. “And I am stillme.”
Damnit, but she was right. “Christ, I love ye,” he groaned, bending to claim her lips.
Which is why he was kissing Gabby passionately, his hand on her arse, when the door was thrown open by the Duke of Exingham himself who growled, “Stop mauling my bloody niece, for fook’s sake.”
Notthe best first impression.
But Gabby saved him by laughing and throwing herself into her uncle’s arms. “Uncle Rourke, you are just as handsome as ever! How is your leg? What is for dinner? Where are the children?”
“Gabs! Gabs!” A lad about Gus’s age barreled into her, and she was laughing as she hugged him right back.
“Barrett Lindsay, you are even taller than when I saw you at Eastertime! What in heavens is Aunt Sophia feeding you?”
“I’m taller than Lizzie now, Gabs, look!” The lad pushed himself up on his toes, then whooped when he saw her brother. “Hunter! Look, look! Look how tall I am now!” he called as he ran to where the tall man was spinning a giggling little girl.
Chuckling fondly, Gabby gestured for Cassian to join them in the foyer. “Uncle Rourke, this is Cassian Grey, heir to Sir Richard Biggenpans of Inverlochy Castle?—”
“And yerfiancé?” Her uncle growled. “That had better be what all that tongue-wrestling meant.”
Oh God. Cassian wondered if he could fake an earthquake and throw himself off the front steps. Could he unattach his foot and toss it, cause a distraction?
Buck up. The man might be a duke, but he’s only concerned about his niece.
So, taking a deep breath, Cassian limped forward, offering the other man his hand. The Duke took it and his handshake was firm, despite the silver at his temples and the lines around his eyes.
“Welcome to Exingham, Mr. Grey. What’s wrong with yer leg?”
Ah. The Duke wasn’t subtle, was he? Taking a deep breath, Cassian confessed, “It was blown off in my last mission for the Crown. A mission which ruined me—but Gabby and yer brother Bull believe they can clear my name.”
The other man, who had been studying him without expression, finally released his hand with a firm nod. “I ken a thing or two about that.” He shot his niece a glare. “Although I would’ve thought ye smarter than getting involved with aspy.”
There had to be a story there, because Gabby merely grinned and slid her arm through Cassian’s. “The heart does notchoose, Uncle Rourke, you know that. And Cassian is anex-spy. When Bull arrives, he will help us clear Cassian’s name and then?—”
“And then he’ll marry ye?” growled her uncle.
Cassian couldn’t help his surprised chuckle. Well, if the man didn’t want to adhere to social niceties, neither would he. “If Gabby will have me, I’d be the luckiest man alive.”
“Aye, ye would.” The Duke nodded firmly. “And if she wants to marry ye, yewill.”
This time Cassian’s laugh was more of a bark, and he tipped his head to smirk down at her. “Yer uncle isnae subtle. Would ye marry me, Gabby?”
She grinned cheekily. “Let us see what Bull has to say when he gets here?—”
“He’s here.” At the Duke’s announcement, both Cassian and Gabby’s gazes whipped round to him. The other man jerked his head toward a large archway. “Yer aunt is plying the Princess with tea and Bull is pacing impatiently. Likely nicking small valuables to distract himself, or keep in practice, or whatever.”
