Page 62 of Cocky August Rake

“Then I’ll take you.”

Her brows lifted. “Is that an order?”

The question struck uncomfortably close.

After what had passed between them in that room, he could hardly command her into his carriage simply because he was not ready to watch her walk away.

“No,” he said. “It is not an order.”

A teasing light entered her eyes.

“Then what is it?”

Reginald stepped down from the carriage and came to stand before her.

“A request.”

Rose searched his eyes, as though trying to discover what lay behind the words.

But then her expression faltered, and when her voice came, it was quieter.

“You have been avoiding me.”

The street seemed to narrow around them. Wheels rattled behind him. A horse whinnied.

Yes, he had. “I have been occupied.”

“Of course.” Her mouth curved. “Solicitors. Dukes. Account books. All very demanding.”

The comment came out a little too casually.

Which had him wondering if he had hurt her. Not merely frustrated her by thwarting her plans.

But… hurt her.

Because of what had passed between them in that private parlor. Because of whatever this was between them. Something he couldn’t even begin to name.

The realization should have alarmed him.

Instead, something inside him softened.

“I am on my way to the docks,” he said. “I’m needed at the ship to answer a few questions.” And then he added, “Before I return to The Domus.”

“The Phantom Gale.”

“Yes.”

“My rival for your affections.”

His brows drew together. “My affections?”

“The ship,” she said. “Do keep up, my lord.”

This was a mistake.

And yet Reginald held out his hand to help her into the carriage.

“Come with me to the docks first. Then I will take you to the apothecary.”