Page 80 of Love with a Notorious Rake

He couldn’t wait; he had to see Lottie. Upon entering the back room, Aidan nodded at Middlemiss and Delaney and continued on to Lottie’s bed. Carter was showing her a picture book.

Her face lit up when Aidan sat next her. “Hello, sir,” she whispered. The child looked fragile, bundled in blankets with a large bandage about her head. It made his heart ache to see how she’d suffered, but he was also relieved she was recuperating. She smiled broadly. “My prince. You saved me.”

“I’d do it again.” He took the girl’s small hand. “How would you like to come live with me? You and Carter. You will not have to work anymore. I will care for you. Nothing or no one will ever harm you again. Either of you. Would you like that, Lottie?”

She looked to Carter, as she often did, and the boy smiled and nodded. Lottie squeezed his hand and gave him a sweet smile. “Yes, sir. Would you be my father?”

Aidan’s heart swelled. “I will be whatever you want me to be. Your father, your friend, your prince—or perhaps all of them rolled up together. You do everything the doctor says and get well, my dear.”

He felt a hand lay gently on his shoulder. It was Cristyn—he knew it instinctively without turning around, for sizzling heat traveled through him. How much had she heard? “There’s a good girl.” He kissed Lottie’s hand and released it.

After he’d followed Cristyn out of the room, he took the cup of tea she offered and sipped it, savoring the warmth. They stood in the doorway, and he inclined his head toward Delaney. “How serious are his burns?” he murmured.

“All burns are serious, but Paris states it hasn’t reached the inner layers of skin. He will be in some pain and discomfort, but he will recover.”

Middlemiss and Delaney were out of sight, but within earshot.

“Am I going to die?” Delaney rasped.

“Not if I can help it. There will be some scarring,” Paris replied, his voice gentle.

Delaney scoffed. “Then I will be uglier than before.” He paused. “I’ve got nowhere to go, Doctor. No way to pay for my keep and care. I don’t want to wind up at one of those miserable workhouse infirmaries.” His voice shook on the last sentence. There was real fear in his whispered tone.

Once Aidan paid Delaney, he would not be destitute, but he remained silent, not wanting to disturb the intimate conversation.

“Here, take my hand. You will stay with me as long as you like. I will care for you. See you well. On that, I promise. You will not have to go through this alone.” The doctor’s voice was soft with compassion.

A gruff but wretched sob escaped Delaney’s throat.

Aidan took Cristyn’s arm and led them away from the private moment. “Middlemiss, he prefers—”

“Men?” Cristyn replied in a quiet tone. “Yes. It’s why I said he hadn’t any romantic interest in me.”

Aidan arched an eyebrow. Delaney and Middlemiss? It would be an odd pairing, if anything came of the emotionally charged atmosphere. It was also none of his business.

“I am weary beyond all reasoning,” he murmured.

“Then perhaps we should head to your room. You must be hungry. It is past three in the afternoon.”

“We?”

“Yes. Carter is looking after Lottie. Paris is looking after Delaney. Allow me to care for you. Anything relating to today’s events can wait until tomorrow. I am your nurse, and you must heed me.”

Aidan nuzzled her neck. “I do enjoy it when you order me about,” he murmured. “And when you care for me.” He was laying hot, insistent kisses along her neck, moving toward her chin and, ultimately, her mouth when Samuel burst in through the front entrance.

“Begging your pardon, sir. Jacob arrived with a message from Wollstonecraft Hall. Says it’s urgent.” He handed the sealed note to him. Aidan tore it open.

Aidan,

Please come at once. Sabrina has gone into labor. It is too early, and she is in distress. Dr. Faraday has been sent for. It may be all over by the time you reach here, but I need you. Pray it is not the curse.

Riordan

Fuck it all, what else had to happen? The words “Pray it is not the curse” had chilled him. Jesus, what if it was?

Cristyn squeezed his arm. “What is it?”

Exhausted beyond words, he handed her the note. She scanned it, her brows furrowing.