Page 31 of If the Duke Dares
“I unnerstand. And I’m goin’ to flash the hash.” The man clapped his hand over his mouth.
Acton threw him into the corridor. “Not in here, you won’t.”
Without waiting to see what happened next, Acton slammed the door closed and threw the lock. Right away, he could feel that it wasn’t catching. “This is broken.”
“Apparently.”
“You can’t stay here.” He turned toward her and saw that she’d stood. She’d wrapped her arms around herself, as if she were cold.
“No.”
Acton was surprised she didn’t argue, but then he could see she was pale and frightened. And why wouldn’t she be?
He wanted to comfort her, to take her in his arms until she stopped shaking. But he had to think she wouldn’t want that, especially from him.
“You said this would happen,” she whispered in a ragged voice. “That a degenerate might assault me.”
It almost sounded as if he’d predicted it, which he hadn’t. He’d just been trying to talk sense to her by pointing out things thatcouldhappen. “I certainly didn’t hope for that.”
“That would make you even more terrible than you are,” she murmured.
“I don’t think I’m terrible.” Why was he defending himself in this moment? She needed his care, not conflict.
“No, you aren’t. I can see you are actually trying to help. However, I can also see that you are still a libidinous rake. Do you need to get back to the woman downstairs?”
“No.”
“Because she’s going to meet you in your chamber?”
“Absolutely not.” In the past, hell, a fortnight ago, he would have arranged that. But not now while he was watching over Miss Barclay. “I admit I was distracted by her, and for that, I am deeply regretful. I hope you can forgive me. You are my primary concern. I only want to keep you safe,” he said firmly, taking a step toward her so that a foot or so separated them. “I just did that, didn’t I?”
“Yes, and I am most appreciative.”
He could see her pulse moving in her throat, and her cheeks were now flushed. “I’m so sorry that happened.”
“I should go home first thing tomorrow.” She hesitated and took a stuttered breath.
“You sound uncertain.”
“It’s just…I’m not sure I can go home. Not unless I agree to marry you. Or someone else of my parents’ choosing.”
Acton had never seen her so vulnerable. “Did they threaten you somehow?”
Again, she seemed reluctant to answer. “I am their least favorite daughter.”
That didn’t really answer his question, but it gave him insight. “You have a younger sister. Any other siblings?”
She shook her head.
“She is at home?”
“No. I can’t—” She looked away from him. “I don’t want to discuss this with you. It’s…private.”
It was also obviously upsetting. “I’d like to comfort you. If you’d let me.”
Her gaze shifted back to meet his. “How?”
“I could hold you until you feel better?”
