“Since I couldn’t get Hurdy to act, I decided something needed to be done. I did what I could to disrupt the entire brothel as we left. Though what I managed to do was only temporary.”
“I wish I could’ve seen it. I can only imagine.”
“If not for you, I wouldn’t have known about Finch and his terrible deeds. I only wish he’d been there, so I could’ve confronted him.”
Beatrice couldn’t help but shudder at the thought. “I’m pleased he wasn’t. The man has no heart from what little I know.” She didn’t care for the steely look that entered Daniel’s expression—as if the matter was far from over. “I hope Mr. Hurdy can soon close down the brothel and arrest Finch.”
“As do I. Believe me, I won’t rest until that happens.”
Alarm filled her at his words. They sounded far too much like a vow. “The situation is not worth risking your safety. Please tell me you won’t do anything rash again.”
“I will take care. Have no doubt.” He tugged her closer until she sat on the edge of the bed. “I didn’t mean to make you worry.”
“Daniel, you could’ve been killed.” She blinked back tears as fear clutched her chest.
“But I wasn’t. I’m alive and well. Mostly well.” He released her hand to run the back of his finger along her cheek. “Each day that passed with nothing happening made me feel as if I were letting you down.”
“You’ve already done so much.” She pressed his hand against her cheek then turned her head to kiss it. His words meant the world to her. As did his actions. He truly was a hero. Her hero. She bit her lip at the thought. “I cannot believe you placed yourself in danger for me. And for Mary. You have our gratitude.”
Unable to resist, she bent to kiss his cheek. But to her surprise, he turned at the last moment to capture her lips. The heat of the kiss slid through her, chasing away the chill that had crept over her and taken hold since she noted his absence at the dinner party.
His firm lips felt magical against hers. He deepened the kiss little by little until passion speared through her. She wove her fingers in the hair at the back of his neck before running her hand along his strong shoulder. His bare skin was a novelty that threatened to overwhelm her senses and had her heart thudding. An unexpected heat wound through her as passion clouded her thoughts.
Several long moments passed before she remembered his injury, and she eased back, stunned by the feelings coursing through her. “You should be resting.”
“I’d rather kiss you.”
Pleasure had her smiling, but she straightened instead of giving in to the urge to share another kiss.
His golden eyes roamed over her, lingering on her attire. “Might I say you look especially lovely?”
“This is Margaret’s doing.” She smoothed the gown she still wore from the dinner party. “She’s so talented.”
“How was your evening? Did you enjoy it?” he asked even as he reached for her hand again.
The idea that he was reluctant to let her go pleased her even as a knot formed in her throat. How could she resist this man?
“It was nice enough. Though I worried about you.”
“I promise to join you for the next event.”
A throat cleared from the doorway, and Beatrice turned to see the earl walking into the room. Thank goodness he hadn’t caught them kissing. She released Daniel’s hand and stood.
“How is Miss Adams faring?” Aberland asked.
“Resting peacefully. Thank you for allowing her to stay.”
“Of course.” Aberland nodded. “And what of our other patient?” His gaze swung to Daniel, a brow raised in question.
“I’m pleased to say he seems to be doing well.” Beatrice smiled at Daniel. “I’ll bid you both good evening. Thank you again.” She glanced at both men, thinking how lucky she was to know them and to have their help. Her world was forever changed because of them, and she would never forget it.
DANIEL WASN’T THE LEAST bit surprised to see Pierre enter the bedchamber at Aberland House the following morning with a tray in hand.
“Good morning, sir.”
“And to you. How kind of you to join me here.”
“You left me no choice since you didn’t invite me along for your outing last evening.” The glare Pierre sent him as he placed the tray on the bedside table spoke of his displeasure.
“Forgive me, but I thought it best I didn’t drag both of us into the brothel.”
“Humph.” Pierre adjusted the pillow behind Daniel as he sat up gingerly in bed. “How is your injury?”
“I’ll recover soon enough.”
“I feel obliged to point out that you wouldn’t have received the wound or the bruise on your jaw if I had accompanied you.”
“True enough.” Daniel didn’t share that he’d been compelled to test his skills on his own. To prove that he could manage to defend himself when it mattered most. But it had been a near thing and could’ve ended much differently. “I’m relieved I was able to free Mary.”
“I’m pleased to hear that, but it doesn’t excuse your injury.”
Daniel drew back the covers to look at the bandage the doctor had wrapped over it. “It was minor.” He didn’t mention that the physician said if the blade had struck a half-inch higher, it would’ve pierced a vital organ. He intended to keep that bit of news to himself.
“That doesn’t make me any happier. But we’ll discuss it further after you’re feeling better. Coffee?”
“Please.” Daniel had no doubt their next sparring match would involve a lesson on how to defend against knives. “Did you bring me a change of clothes?”
“Of course.” He lifted the cover on the tray to reveal coddled eggs, sausage, and toast. Pierre left
