Page 28 of How to Ruin a Rake

“I thought you told me to lock the door against degenerates.”

There was a short silence. “Please let me in before the landlord comes up the stairs to see what’s going on.”

Allegra unlocked the door and stood back as Max came in, grinning from ear to ear.

“Where have you been?” Allegra asked, far less calmly that she intended to.

“Don’t tell me you’ve been worrying about me, my lady?”

“Of course I have! I thought you might have been hurt, or that you’d abandoned me, or—”

He spoke over her. “Abandoned you? The thought never crossed my mind. I’ve been busy improving our fortunes!”

Not wanting to give him the satisfaction of asking what he meant, Allegra flounced away and went to sit by the fire. He followed her and took the chair opposite, bending down to remove his boots and set them on the floor. He looked far too pleased with himself, his eyes bright, his hair windswept, and Allegra wanted to murder him.

He looked at her. “What’s wrong?”

“I told you. I was worried.”

He waved away her concern. “I went to pawn my watch and met an old acquaintance who was putting up at the George at the other end of the high street. He invited me to dinner, and one thing led to another, and we ended up playing cards.”

“For money?” Allegra asked.

Max raised an eyebrow. “Is there any other way?”

“Are you saying that you risked the money that you received for your watch gambling?”

“Yes.”

“Do you not think that was a remarkably stupid thing to do?” Allegra was impressed by the calmness of her own voice.

“No, because Roberts is an amiable ass who can’t keep two thoughts in his head, so I knew I’d win, and I did.”

Allegra shook her head, and Max frowned.

“Why the long face? I made us enough money to pay for our accommodation and for the rent of the gig to get you all the way home.”

“I suppose you think I should thank you.”

“Well, it would be nice, but I’m not going to insist on it.” He dug his hand in his pocket and pulled out a handful of gold coins to show her. “Luckily, Roberts is the kind of fool who always travels with spare cash. I had no compunction in relieving him of it, as our needs are far superior.”

Allegra couldn’t deny that having the funds to complete her journey was very welcome, but she found it hard to match Max’s exuberance.

“It would have been nice if you’d told me your plans,” Allegra finally said.

“In truth, I didn’t want to draw attention to your presence,” Max said. “My main thought was to keep Roberts away from this inn at all costs. He is a terrible tittle-tattle.”

“Oh,” Allegra said. “That was good of you.”

Max yawned and stood up. “I’ve definitely had too much brandy, and I’ve kept you up. Why don’t you get into bed while I undress?”

Allegra nodded, laid the shawl over the back of the chair, and climbed into the bed. It wasn’t as large as the one they’d shared previously, and when Max got in, it shrunk considerably more. His weight on the feather mattress compelled her to roll back toward him, and he gathered her against him with a deep sigh.

“You wouldn’t have liked having dinner with Roberts. He’s a fool.”

“I am fully aware of his reputation, sir,” Allegra said repressively, all too aware of Max’s arm wrapped around her waist.

“I’m far better company,”