Page 58 of An Unexpected Earl

“Run!”

The boy jumped and darted down the hallway, racing through the tavern toward the street.

Pearce closed the door. He grabbed the wooden chair from the corner and placed it in front of the door, sat down, and kicked out his long legs. The perfect vision of a man at leisure.

Although her head knew better, Amelia’s foolish heart panged with disappointment that he wasn’t attempting to pick up where they’d left off. With his lips on hers. “Why are you sitting there?”

“In case you attempt to distract me and escape.”

She arched a brow. “Wearing nothing but a wet shift and a blanket?”

“I didn’t say it wouldn’t be thrilling to watch,” he answered dryly.

She snatched up one of the pillows from the bed and threw it at him. It smacked him in the chest.

With a low chuckle, he tucked it behind him and eased back against it.

She cinched the blanket tighter around herself. “All comfy, are we?”

“Very. But a man needs to be comfortable in a situation like this.”

A warning prickled at her bare toes. “What situation is that?”

“Finishing our conversation from the shop.” He leaned forward, knees on elbows, and narrowed his gaze on her. “And you can start by telling me what you wanted with Charles Varnham at the masquerade.”

Sixteen

Pearce waited for her to begin, not moving a muscle. He wasn’t bluffing. She wasn’t leaving this room until she told him what he wanted to know. Starting with Varnham.

“Well?” he pressed.

Amelia crossed her arms. “No.”

“No what?”

“No, I’m not telling you anything.”

Damnably stubborn woman. “You know, you were a lot more cooperative when I was removing your clothes.”

Even in the dim light of the fire he could see her face flush. The sight was pure temptation.

Knowing she was practically naked beneath that blanket didn’t help. He squirmed uncomfortably on the chair and tried again. “Why are you so interested in Varnham?”

“Why did you follow me out of the ball tonight?” she countered.

“Because rescuing you has grown into a habit. What did you want with the man?”

“Only to talk to him. Why did you follow me?”

“Because I’ve grown fond of your neck.”

She frowned with faint bewilderment, her hand going to her throat and the old locket that hung there. “My neck?”

“I knew it was only a matter of time until you put it at risk. Again.”

She angrily dropped her hand away. “Very funny.”

“If those men had caught us tonight, no one would be laughing.” Men he was certain were connected to Scepter. Men who’d wanted to kill her. He pinned her with a hard gaze. “Tell me, Amelia. What did you want with Varnham?”