Page 20 of Once a Scoundrel

Reluctantly, she stopped, and her shoulders stiffened as she turned to face him.

“I want you to be able to trust me.”

Her face melted into an expression of deep sadness. “I don’t know if that’s possible anymore.”

Then she hurried toward the stable door, calling to the dog to follow her. But the animal wouldn’t have strayed from her side if someone had waved a boiled chicken before its nose for all that he’d latched so possessively onto her. Stephen couldn’t blame him. He wanted nothing more himself than to be by her side, now and for the rest of his life. Although he suspected she would have come after him with a club herself if he suggested such a thing to her now.

Hehadchanged, damn it, but she wasn’t willing to believe it. And he’d never have a chance with her until he proved it.

But for God’s sake, how did a man prove what hewasn’t?

Muttering a curse beneath his breath, he yanked off his gloves and slapped them against his thigh as he started forward toward the stables after her. He couldn’t help himself. He was just as besotted as the dog.

As he reached the stable door, Edward Westover stepped out from the stall where he’d been inspecting a horse. His dark gaze met Stephen’s. “Dunwich.”

He stopped, his spine straightening. “Strathmore.”

The duke turned to glance down the wide aisle at Faith as she gave rapid instructions to one of the stable boys about the dog’s care. The shaggy beast sat at her feet and scratched a hind foot behind his ear. When he switched legs, he forgot to put the first one down and fell forward onto his nose. Immediately, she knelt down and pulled the dog into her arms, fussing over him even as he joyfully slobbered wet licks across her face.

Stephen shook his head.Christ.He was jealous of a damned dog.

“Where did she find this one?” Strathmore asked. The two men were far enough away that she couldn’t overhear.

“In the lane near the river. Rescued it from a man who was beating it.”

Her father nodded with a heavy sigh. “She’s always bringing home one kind of stray or another. And speaking of strays...” He slid Stephen a sideways glance. “She’s happy to have you back in England. We all are.”

Stephen didn’t believe that for a second, but his lips twisted wryly as he answered, “Thank you, sir.”

“The duchess and I have always thought well of you, and we’ve been honored to be your godparents. You were named after my late brother, you know.” He smacked his riding crop against the sole of his boot to dislodge a piece of straw clinging to the heel. “We’ve cared about you as if you were one of our own.”

“Yes, sir.” His gaze returned to Faith. “And I’m grateful for—”

“Stay away from my daughter.”

Stephen slowly turned his head and found Strathmore’s dark eyes boring into him. “I would never do anything to harm Faith,” he assured him. And meant every word.

“Good to hear it.” Strathmore smiled and slapped him good-naturedly on the back. “Because it would be a shame if I had to shoot you.”

He walked away toward Faith, who greeted her father with a kiss to his cheek.

Stephen arched a brow. Adamnedshame, indeed.