Free Rescued by a Duke by Ruth J. Hartman Page B

not to have a care in the world. What would such an experience be like?
    Lucien crossed the room and sank down on the settee. He drummed his fingers on the armrest and sighed. "All right. I'm here. What do you want?"
    Garrett clenched his teeth . Why did it seem as if he were dealing with a spoiled child when he talked to his brother? "Since you have gotten straight to the point, so shall I."
    Lucien waved a hand in the air. "Let's have it."
    He leaned forward in his chair, planting his elbows on the desktop. Clasping his hands together, he stared straight at his brother. "Lucien, I didn't appreciate what I walked in on with you and Miss Douglas. Both in the bedroom, and in here."
    Lucien shrugged. "So?"
    "So, I don't want to see it again."
    "Then don't look." Lucien smirked.
    Garrett frowned. "Don't be insolent."
    "Insolence is more fun than being serious. Maybe you should try breaking free of your straight and narrow mold sometime."
    "Just stay away from her."
    Lucien leaned forward. "What's going on with her and you, anyway?"
    "What do you mean?"
    "Why is she here? And why are you so protective of her?"
    Garrett took a deep breath. Why couldn't his brother just listen to him for once? "It's none of your concern."
    "If I'm not to be alone with her, I at least deserve to know why."
    "You deserve nothing."
    Lucien raised his eyebrows. "Well, that's rude."
    "Sometimes rudeness is what it takes with you. I know you're an intelligent man, but you lack common sense and decency."
    Lucien spread his hands. "Where's the fun in decency? It won't get you anywhere with the fairer sex."
    Garrett raised his voice. "Miss Douglas is not one of the women you cavort with."
    "Cavort? Sounds intriguing. I'll have to try it sometime. How's it done, exactly?"
    "Stop it." He pounded his fist on the desk. Flesh and bone cracked against the wood, sounding as if he'd shot a gun. "I'm tired of your games and quips. Life isn't all fun."
    "Life isn't all seriousness and gloom. Maybe you need to ease up."
    "Just do as I said. Leave Miss Douglas alone."
    Lucien rose from the settee, grinned, and sidled toward the door. "We'll see, big brother. We'll see."
    Lucien walked out into the entryway. The front door opened and shut. Garrett sighed and relaxed a little. Maybe Lucien would be gone for a while. Then they could both cool off. And he wouldn't be around Sasha.
    He shook his head. It was a fine line to walk with Lucien. Garrett had to admonish his brother and warn him away from Sasha, but doing so was like tempting a dog with a meaty bone. The more Garrett told Lucien to stay away, the more he wanted to stick around.

Chapter Seven
     
    Maryann brought lemonade outside for Sasha and Garrett. The maid smiled as she pivoted back toward the bench where she had been sitting. Sasha's heart gladdened for the other woman's good spirits. What was the cause? Did it please her to see Garrett spending time with his houseguest? It certainly pleased Sasha. The warmth encompassing her person whenever the man was near mystified her. Still… it was a mystery that deserved further exploration. If only they were not of such different stations… She sighed.
    Garrett lowered his eyebrows to a frown. "Do you not like your lemonade?"
    Sasha's face heated. Must she always give him the impression that something was not to her liking? The last thing she wanted was to upset him or have him think her ungrateful. "No, it's delightful." She peered around the small area. The swing they sat on and a few comfortable-looking benches made the garden homey. Why, it in itself was nicer than any home she'd ever had! She and Garrett came from such different lives. "It is so peaceful here."
    He gazed past the enclosure's pillars toward the front lawn. "Yes, it is. Although…"
    She angled her head toward him. "What?"
    "Sometimes it is lonely."
    "I cannot imagine why someone such as you would ever be alone if you chose not to be." Questions perched just inside her lips. Why was Garrett