Page 102 of The Formidable Earl

“Don’t be silly,” she chuckled, dismissing his suggestion with a wave of her hand. “What I need is much simpler than that. Less taxing too, I imagine.”

Blayne fought his curiosity. And yet, he could not help asking, “How so?”

She was more than a head shorter than he and of slender build, but when she straightened herself, the confidence and strength she emitted demanded respect. “What I need is an escort who can ensure my safety.”

Blayne stared down into her emerald green eyes. “You seem quite capable of protecting yourself.”

“Nevertheless, having a strong and capable man accompany me when I travel about the City would be the sensible thing to do.”

If he was smart, he’d refuse. Then again, he could use the blunt. It would certainly bring him that step closer to purchasing the property of his dreams and settling down to a quieter way of life. And Claus could easily handle the running of The Black Swan while Blayne was busy with other work.

A distant voice at the back of his head told him to decline the offer.

Instead he asked, “How long would you need me for?”

“Oh, I don’t know. What if I hire you on a monthly basis?”

Her suggestion didn’t sound bad. In fact, a limited contract appealed. It meant he was able to see if the job suited him within a reasonable time frame while leaving him free to quit soon enough if it didn’t.

Ignoring the signs that suggested she’d be a heap of trouble, he stuck out his hand. “Very well. You have yourself a new employee. When would you like me to start?”

She clasped his hand with admirable force, producing a jolt of awareness that zigzagged its way up his arm. The woman stilled for a moment, then cleared her throat and pulled away while he tried to tamp down whatever the hell that had been.

“Tomorrow,” she said in a businesslike tone. “Shall we say ten o’clock at Number Two Berkley Square?”

“Indeed, Miss…”

“Russell.” She swallowed. “And you are?”

“Mr. Blayne MacNeil.”

“A pleasure.” Her gaze held his for three long seconds before she turned away and moved toward the exit.

Blayne knew he should stop her. He knew he ought to call her back and tell her he’d changed his mind. That she’d have to hire someone else. It was the right thing to do since she’d unwittingly placed her wellbeing in the hands of a cold blooded killer. And yet he just stood there, unable to utter one word while she slipped out the door.