Page 73 of Love with a Notorious Rake

Aidan was still cross when he entered the clinic. The place was eerily quiet. “Hello?”

Middlemiss came out from the back room. “Wollstonecraft.”

“How is the girl?”

“Still sleeping. I imagine she will slumber the rest of the night. There is no change; her pulse is still weak. If she lives until the morning, there is a good chance of recovery. Most of the scar will be hidden under her hair; there’s a mercy.”

“Then I pray she survives the night.” Aidan thrust the sack of food at the doctor. “I brought pies from the tavern.”

Rokesmith entered the room and stood next to Middlemiss. “I want to stay the night. With Lottie. Until she’s better.”

The doctor took the sack. “She will sleep the rest of the night, lad.”

“I don’t care.” He pouted. “She needs me.”

“What harm will it do? He should not return to the damned mill, anyway.” Aidan met Rokesmith’s gaze. “Is there someone who can see to the children in your absence?”

He nodded. “Aye, Sarah and Charlie know what to do. They’re almost as old as me.”

“Where is Cristyn?” Aidan asked.

“She has gone to her rooms, to refresh and rest,” the doctor replied.

That was all he needed to hear. “Thank you. I will check in on the girl later.” Aidan departed before the doctor could respond. He’d no sooner stepped outside when he saw Cristyn walking toward him. His heart skipped a beat. Then another. He clasped her elbow and steered her away from the clinic. “Have you eaten?”

“No, I—”

“Excellent. Then you shall come and dine with me.”

“At the inn?”

He lengthened his strides, and Cristyn struggled to keep up. “Yes. More specifically, in my room.”

“Aidan…”

He pulled her into a nearby alley, away from prying eyes. With her back to the wall, he faced her. “What you make me feel terrifies me. I had plans, you see, to live a dissolute existence, only I went too far. All was in darkness until you came into my life. I was broken, like a rusty, neglected toy ready for the rubbish—until you. I thought the feelings to be gratitude for your medical assistance—what else could they be?” Aidan cradled her face in his hands, staring into her eyes. “I am still trying to puzzle it out. Please, be patient with me. I am a work in progress, as if a sculptor were shaping me and the clay is not yet set. Am I making any sense?”

Her eyes grew moist. “Yes. I understand.”

God, he didn’t deserve her. But for the first time, he was speaking from his heart. “I am a selfish being. I always will be, especially when it comes to you. We haven’t much time; will you come to my room?” He nuzzled her neck and whispered hotly in her ear, “I need to be inside you.”

“Oh,” she whimpered. “I’m selfish, too. Yes. Now.”

Her breathless words caused a torturous groan to escape him. Reaching in his coat pocket, he slipped his room key into her hand. “Go up the back stairs and wait for me. I will procure some provisions.”

“I can’t stay long. I told Paris I would return to help with Lottie.”

“Food and sex, then I will escort you to the clinic. Or, better yet, sex then food.”

Cristyn laughed, and his soul soared at the sound. She took the key, kissed his cheek, and hurried away. He waited in the alley until his arousal had dissipated enough not to be noticeable, then walked briskly toward the front entrance of the inn.

Mr. and Mrs. Atwood were busy serving customers. “Mr. Black. What can I do for you?” Mr. Atwood said.

“More food. What do you have available?”

The innkeeper chuckled. “You’re certainly keeping my wife and me busy with your requests. I swear you’re feeding the village.”

“Not the entire village, surely.”