Free Belmary House Book One by Cassidy Cayman Page B

terrifying look to Nicholas.
    “Did you touch her?” he asked.
    Tilly shivered, never thinking such a quiet, calm question could ever send chills up her spine. She edged closer to him as the wretched Nicholas looked like he might try to lie. Ashford made a sound in his throat, almost a growl, and repeated his question.
    Flustered at Ashford’s anger, he whined, “I didn’t know she was exclusive, or that she was so violent.”
    Tilly couldn’t believe his audacity and jumped forward to punch him again. Ashford grabbed her around the waist and held her back, her fist swiping uselessly half a foot from his face.
    Ashford laughed, still holding onto her. “Well, she is. Exclusive, and violent. And I like that sort of thing, so if you’re going to wag your vicious tongue about her, make sure you tell the whole story. If anyone makes a move on my Miss Jacobs, one of us is going to get testy.”
    Her head spun at his words, and he hadn’t yet let go of her. She leaned back against him and gave Nicholas a triumphant look. He shook his head and huffed off, leaving Ashford swearing quietly.
    “Sorry,” she said instantly.
    “You needn’t be sorry about protecting yourself. I’m sorry I left you alone to be accosted by that louse.” He seemed to realize he still held onto her and let go in a hurry, pacing away a step. “But why did it have to be him?”
    “Is he special or something?” she asked, hoping she hadn’t disfigured someone overly important. She’d only meant to stop his unwanted attention, and she hoped it didn’t permanently ruin Ashford’s reputation.
    “No, not particularly. He’s the brother of the man I needed to speak with, though. It appears my friend has already left for his home in Scotland. I might have spoken to Nick about it, but it would be awkward now. Ruinous wee scoundrel.”
    “Sorry,” she said again, feeling bad that he’d missed his friend and the important information about his sister.
    He shrugged, giving her a once over before taking off his jacket and swirling it around her shoulders, pulling it tightly closed across her chest.
    “Where did you learn to do such a thing? Do you think you really broke his bones?” He marveled down at her and she glowed with pride.
    “Might have. I can’t say I wasn’t trying.” She had to pause to take in the smile he gave her. It was as sunny as the first one. “I used to work for my town’s police department. We gave a free self defense class every month that I always went to. I even taught it sometimes.”
    “That’s astonishing. You really didn’t need me at all.”
    “Well, I’m glad you showed up. This way he knows not to mess with me again.” She paused, thinking back on his words to Nicholas. “Oh my God, he thought I was your mistress. And you all but confirmed it. Does everyone think that?”
    Oh, the indignity of it. It was bad enough his servants thought it due to her living in the house, but couldn’t he have thought of a different story to tell these society people? Now she’d never be able to get to know anyone while she was here. She slumped as much as her undergarments would allow and he put his arm around her, leading her through the garden. She hoped it was another way out to the street, because she couldn’t face anyone back in the house. His solid warmth was a comfort, and after a tiny hesitation, she leaned against him.
    “Probably,” he said. “Can’t be helped at this point. My good name will be as tarnished as yours once this story gets out.”
    She laughed ruefully, thinking of his outlandish reply to Nicholas. “Well, I’d smack you, but I think you might have been serious about enjoying that sort of thing.”
    He dropped his arm as if she’d become an active volcano and jumped away, looking first amused, then scandalized. They came out at the front of the house near a row of carriages, and regaining his composure, he looked down at her with a distinctly devilish glint in his