Page 19 of The Earl and the Reluctant Lady
“What? Why me? You don’t like me nor trust me.”
“True on both accounts,” Chris said.
“What about Malcolm?” Fletcher asked. After the kiss they’d shared, he was not too keen on spending any more alone time with Agnes lest he be tempted to break all of his rules.
Malcolm waggled his eyebrows.
Insufferable bastard.
“No,” Chris said. “Malcolm is London’s most eligible bachelor. If he were to spend more time with Agnes, rumors of their impending engagement would start.”
“I’m out,” Malcolm said, hands up as if to ward something off.
“But if I’m seen with her there won’t be rumors?” Fletcher asked. “I’m fairly certain I have a specific reputation as well.”
“He’s right you know,” Malcolm said with a grin.
“No one asked you, Lockwood.”
Malcolm shrugged, but his grin never faded. “You boys are so entertaining. I should really venture out more often.” Then he stood. “But I’m afraid I must leave you.” He grabbed his glass and downed the contents. “Safe travels, Chris.”
Chris nodded, and they said their goodbyes.
“What about her friend, Viscount Glenbrook? They’re often together,” Fletcher said once they were alone again.
Chris frowned. “Glenbrook is harmless, but I need someone trained. I can’t very well bring this to the Seven. It’s not an official assignment, but I need to ensure her safety.”
Fletcher exhaled slowly. He couldn’t tell Chris that it was fear of being alone with Agnes that held him back. Good God, he could certainly control himself around her for a few days. He’d done so for years. Yes, but that was before he’d tasted her, felt her supple curves pressed to his body. Damnation.
“You think I’m happy about this?” Chris asked. “You are the last man I’d want alone with my sister. I don’t exactly trust you to keep your hands to yourself. So, I’m prepared to make you an offer.”
“I’m listening.”
“You do this for me. Keep Agnes safe and I will send you on the big assignment we’re putting together. It leaves next month.”
Fletcher eyed Chris. Everything he’d been asking for the last five years only to be repeatedly denied.
“But if you touch her improperly, I shall end your career. Do we have a deal?” He held his hand out waiting for a shake.
Fletcher gripped the man’s hand and nodded. “I will keep a watchful eye on her.”
Chris shook his head. “No, not merely watching. I need you with her, protecting her.”
Fletcher nodded.
“And, Fletcher, God help me if you lay one finger on my sister, I will dismember you…and then I will end your career.”
“Understood.” Wouldn’t Chris love to know that his perfectly virginal sister had come to his townhome begging for a kiss all in the name of experimentation?
Chris held out a folded piece of paper. “I’ve written down what I know of Agnes’s schedule for the next two weeks. Hopefully, I won’t be gone that long, but there are several parties and other engagements that you’ll need to attend.”
“Do you wish me to engage or merely shadow her?” Fletcher asked, not knowing which option he truly preferred.
“Both. Depending on the function. You’ve been trained, use your judgement.”
Fletcher’s brows rose. “So despite the fact that it isn’t, you wish me to consider this an official assignment?”
“Yes.”
