Free If You Give a Rake a Ruby by Shana Galen Page B

covered her completely. She wanted to speak, but her mouth was too dry.
    â€œThe good news is I do not think your rib is broken.”
    â€œNo?” she rasped. Absently, he handed her the cup of tea on the bedside table.
    â€œI think it’s merely cracked. I can wrap it for you, but I’ll need some strips of old linen.”
    â€œI’ll have my lady’s maid fetch them.” She rang for Anne and made the request. She would think about how she would feel when he touched her again later. He was a man, she reminded herself. He was the same as any man. There was no reason he should make her skin burn or her breath hitch. There was no reason she should imagine his fingers walking up the bare skin of her breast, sliding over her hard nipple…
    â€œAnd when you’ve finished the binding,” she said to break the silence and divert her thoughts from the path they seemed hell-bent on traveling, “then you shall go home.”
    â€œNo.”
    She blinked and waited for an explanation. When none seemed forthcoming, she added, “What do you mean, no ? You can’t think to stay here.”
    He paced to her window, parted the draperies, and peered out before shutting them again. Fallon had a brief glimpse of bright sunlight before gray descended. “That was my thought, actually,” he said, turning to face her. “Unless you’d prefer to come to my residence. But I assure you, yours is more comfortable at the moment, though mine is undoubtedly safer. Of course, you do have that ox of a man—”
    â€œWhy would I want to go to your residence?” she demanded, sitting forward. How she hated the persistent jab of pain in her side. If not for it, she would be on her feet and challenging him. He seemed to know she was slightly incapacitated because he gave her a sympathetic look. Pity—the last thing she wanted from the likes of him.
    â€œYou and I will stay close together from now on,” he said.
    â€œNo, we won’t.” Damn this pain. She was standing. She winced as she slid off the bed, and he moved to assist her. She pushed his arm away. “Don’t help me. It’s your fault my rib is cracked.”
    â€œI’m prepared to accept the blame for your injury.”
    â€œGood!”
    â€œIn return, I don’t believe a little gratitude for saving your life would be too far amiss.”
    â€œSaving my life? You all but killed me!” She liked this much better. Standing toe-to-toe with him, she felt much more in control. Why, the tingles of arousal had all but faded.
    â€œThe men who were after us might have killed you.”
    â€œAfter us ? They were after you.” She poked him in the chest. Unfortunately, she had forgotten his shirt buttons were undone, and she touched warm, bare flesh. She drew her hand back quickly.
    â€œThey were, but they would have taken you in my stead. I can’t say they would have killed you. They might have taken you to their leader. He’s the one who wants me dead.”
    â€œAnd who is that? Lucifer?”
    He shook his head. “No. Your father.”
    ***
    Warrick watched as all of the steam whooshed out of her. She deflated like one of those new balloons people were using to fly. So she hadn’t known. He hadn’t thought she did, but he couldn’t be certain. He still wasn’t certain. Courtesans were known to be excellent actresses, and she was no exception.
    Of course, she was no courtesan—and that only proved her acting abilities were exceptional.
    â€œWhat are you talking about?” she said coldly, backing away from him.
    â€œThose were your father’s men after Daisy’s carriage last night. Well,” he conceded, going to the window again and peering out, “I cannot be certain until we speak to Gabriel, but all of the information I have points to Joseph Bayley.”
    â€œHe’s dead,” she said, but her eyes slid away and