Page 44 of Love with a Notorious Rake

“How are you going to protect us?” he grumbled, rubbing his arm.

“I will not see you all separated and sent to another workhouse or orphanage, or sold to another mill. I will find a place for the younger children so they can stay together. It will be a place you approve of. As far as yourself, I will find a good apprenticeship. Then, when you’re able, you can travel to Dover with your head high and coin in your pocket. I will even assist you in pursuing your rightful inheritance.”

“It’s not all that much money, Black. Not like you’re used to.”

“It’s the principle of it. Your uncle stole from you, locked you away. You deserve justice. He deserves to be punished.”

Rokesmith stared at him. “I can’t bloody make you out.”

“I have enough trouble trying to sort through it myself. Do we have a pact?” Aidan held out his hand.

Hesitating, Rokesmith stared at the outstretched hand, then met Aidan’s determined gaze. “I want one more guarantee: Lottie stays with me. She’s like a little sister. Family, you understand? I want to protect her.”

“How old is she?”

“Six. She thinks. She’s all alone. I’m all she’s got.”

“I will see to it that she stays with you.”

“As I said before, I must be daft, but all right. Pact.” He shook Aidan’s hand.

Good. Things were starting to fall into place. Now he would have to step up his evil overseer role, even though he found it distasteful.

Chapter 13

All the next day, Cristyn found it difficult to concentrate on the tasks at hand, knowing Aidan would be coming by the rooming house that evening. Perhaps she should send word for him to stay away, but she yearned to see him again. For all her supposed strength, she had none whatsoever as far as Aidan was concerned.

As for the sensual familiarity between them? Cristyn was not the least bit embarrassed, but she was astonished at her swift reaction to his intimate touch. Heavens, no wonder people risked all for such doings. And his breathless confession of thinking of her while he saw to his own pleasure…. The image of it haunted her dreams the entire night. It was easy enough to conjure, seeing as she knew what lay under his clothes.

“Cristyn. Where are you? Have you found the antiseptic?” Paris called.

Daydreaming once again. It was important she gain command of her wayward emotions. She located the glass bottle on the shelf and brought it to Paris in the outer office. “Sorry.”

“Thinking of your rescuer?” He gave her a teasing smile.

“How did you hear about that?”

“I have had three patients inform me of your robbery. How the dashing Mr. Black, overseer at Morris Mill, gallantly came to your aid, though he did not chase the thief.”

“I asked him not to bother, as it wasn’t worth the pursuit. I was knocked to the ground. Nothing injured but my pride. I was going to tell you.”

Paris crossed his arms. “I promised your father I would look after you. I am tempted to write and inform him Mr. Black is here. I should also mention the robbery.”

“Please don’t. It will only complicate matters, more than they are already. He would insist I leave, and I can’t. Not yet. I’m accomplishing something here, doing good work, and I’m not finished.”

Paris nodded. “I understand. For the time being, I will not mention Mr. Black or the thievery in my correspondence. You met with him last night, am I correct? Hence why he was close by to come to your aid?”

Cristyn sighed. “I cannot stay away. He is temptation incarnate.”

Paris rubbed his earlobe. “I understand that particular sensation. But this is a small village. People talk. With decided frequency.”

“He’s coming by Mrs. Trubshaw’s this evening. She invited him.”

“Do you wish for me to be there?”

With Paris in attendance, she would not be tempted to find a few minutes alone with Aidan. She could publicly state he need not bother calling on her again. But the memory of his evocative scent, devastating kiss, and searing touch overrode all common sense and propriety. “No, Mrs. Trubshaw will be there. I will make it plain to Aidan he’s not to call again.”

But, later that evening, all thoughts of avoiding him flew from her mind when Mrs. Trubshaw showed him into the main parlor. Immaculately groomed and wearing an expensive black coat and neatly tied silver cravat, he exuded wealth and privilege. Mrs. Trubshaw tittered as he bent over her hand. When Aidan turned to Cristyn, she held out hers for him to shake—not to kiss. Aidan gave her a sly smile, took her hand, turned it, then pressed his lips across her knuckles. “Miss Bevan,” he murmured sensually, “I do hope you have recovered from your ordeal.”