Free Rescue Me Please by Nichole Matthews Page B

with a degree of urgenc y.  “And if I do not inform you of where I am from, will you toss us out?”  She held her breath waiting on his response, her heart pounding.
    Parker’s gaze came up sharp and witnessed the brave but despairing look that flashed in her eyes.  He shoved to his feet, the chair scraping loudly across the floor and Persephone flinched.  “I can assure you, Miss Smith, that I would never throw you or Tillie out of this house.  And I can promise you this that you will not leave this house unless you can prove to me that you have somewhere better to go.”  His tone was soft, yet firm at the same time brooking no argument .
    A strange relief filled her as he r eyes locked on his.  She dragged in a breath and fought to dam the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes.
    Parker reached into his jacket pocket to pull out his handkerchief, forgetting that it was still clutched tightly in Tillie’s clenched fist.  He watched as Persephone’s chin began to tremble and tears flowed lik e a waterfall down her cheeks.
    Parker leaned over and removed the sleeping infant from her arms, carrying her to her cot and laid her down.  He stood still, dragging in angry breaths disturbed by the fear that had flashed in Miss Smith’s eyes.  Disturbed that anyone could harm any woman and child, let alone this speci fic woman and baby .  He thought of his own sisters and what he feared he w ould do if they came to harm and was surprised that the protective instincts he felt for Miss Smith and her daughter were already running as deep.
    He turned back towards the bed and Miss Smith.  She felt his gaze but refused to meet it.    “Do what you must to ease your fears, Miss Smith.  Cry, scream, curse.”   He ground out angrily.
    At his words she forced her watery gaze to his blue eyes that were flashing sparks of anger.  How did he know?  How did he know she wanted to shout and scream?
    “But know this. ”  He sighed heavily.   “ No one will harm either you or your daughter while you are under my protection.”  Parker looked at her solemnly and said with dangerous quiet, “No one.”
    Persephone was so tired.  She drew in a deep breath.  “Thank you, my lord,” she replied, her voice quivering a little.
    They were both silent for a moment.
    His smile was indulgent.  “We are unconventional in this house, informal if you will , Miss Smith.  You may call me Parker as any one o f my intimate acquaintances would .”
    “Impossible, my lord.”  Persephone cast down her eyes.
    He lowered his hand and lifted her chin .  H er eyes were closed and he could sense her internal struggle.  “You will call me Parker and I will call you Persephone as if we have been lifelong friends.” She opened her eyes and Parker grinned , his white teeth gleamed, his eyes twinkling with mischief.  “I have not received the slighte st hesitation from Tillie.  She is perfectly content with treating me as an intimate acquaintance.  Why can you not do the same ?”
    She twined her fingers together in her lap.  “It is unseemly, my…”
    He cut off her protest holding up one manicured hand.  “Besides, you would be doing me a great favor if you acknowledged our burgeoning friendship.”
    “How so, my lord?” s he asked cautiously, doubt spread ing across her face.
    He watched as she worried her lower lip , weighing the request.  “I swear it is not solely a selfish request, but if we were intimate acquaintances, the n I mustn’t dress for dinner.”
    Persephone paused for a moment at first doubt was still evident on her face, then her lips twitched and he watched as her fight to hold back her laughter failed miserably.
    Parker’s brow quirked at the soft tinkling sound she made .  “Please say you will accept my request, Persephone.”  A small smile played around his lips as he se arched her eyes with his gaze.
    His persuasive .  It was clear the he expected her to acquiesce.  Persephone