Free Tempting a Sinner by Kate Pearce Page B

hated me, the daughter of his own regimental sergeant who forgot her position in life and married above herself.”
    “That’s certainly one of the reasons. Do you think he wants you dead?”
    Damn, he was quick to make connections.
    “Why would I think that?”
    “Because you asked for my help. I’m probably the only man who can protect you from him.”
    She forced a tremulous smile and leaned forward, clasping her hands together on her lap. “Yes, that’s it. That’s exactly why I wanted your help.”
     
    Benedict rose to his feet, gathered up the supper dishes, and piled them on the tray. “I’ll take these down to the kitchen and get us both a glass of brandy. I think we need something to warm us up while we talk.”
    From her startled expression he guessed she hadn’t expected him not to pounce on her confession immediately. But he needed a moment to think. He took the tray down and received the thanks of Lizzy and Mrs. Goodman, who gave him a whole bottle of brandy and two glasses to take back upstairs with him. He didn’t doubt that his father was involved in some way, but why had she admitted it so easily? What was he missing?
    He paused outside the bedroom door, aware of his headache returning and the stiffness in his wounded shoulder. Despite being able to ride, he still wasn’t at his best either mentally or physically, and he needed to be at the top of his game with Malinda. She’d always been as sharp as a pin. It was one of the reasons why he’d spent so much time with her when they were both children following the army. His father hadn’t liked it, but Benedict had felt more at home with Sergeant Rowland and his family than with his own.
    He’d missed her.
    He’d pushed her memory ruthlessly to the back of his mind because it hurt too much to think about what he’d done, and how he’d allowed himself to be manipulated by the man who was supposed to have his best interests at heart. But he supposed his father would argue that he’d done what he needed to extract his son from a scandal. And Malinda hadn’t helped. She’d seemed equally determined to get rid of him.
    He pushed open the door to discover that she’d fallen asleep in the bed, one arm pressed over her eyes, curled up like a child. He removed his shirt and breeches and hung them close to the fire to air. Perhaps this was for the best. Tomorrow they’d reach London, and all the resources of his personal empire would be available to him. He’d be able to keep her more at a distance and use his mind instead of his cock to make the decisions that needed to be made. He’d never had to make that distinction before. But she was the first woman he’d ever made love to. He hadn’t realized until she’d left him and he’d embarked on his years of debauchery how unusual the connection they’d shared had been.
    It seemed that time hadn’t changed that at all. She was fire in his arms, and he was incapable of denying his lust for her. But hadn’t that been his downfall the first time around? His inability to separate his emotions from the facts? Whatever he felt for Malinda, he had to remember who he was now, and the painful process he’d embarked upon to rid himself of such weaknesses in his personality. It shouldn’t be too difficult. He was nothing like his younger self and was known as a cold-blooded bastard. If Malinda thought to manipulate him, she’d soon learn her mistake.
    He uncorked the brandy bottle and took a long slug. It would help ward off the pain of his injuries while he tried to get some sleep. He drew the covers over Malinda and climbed into bed beside her. It felt surprisingly right to sleep next to her. It always had. With a sigh, Benedict checked that his knife and pistol were close by and went to sleep.

6
    “I hope you don’t expect me to stay at Alford House.”
    “As I don’t live there myself, it’s highly unlikely.” Benedict turned briefly to look at her as they waited for a heavily laden cart