Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 82367 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82367 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
“Now, I’m not sure what education you have, but if you don’t mind walking around and assisting where you can, I’ll let Lady Heartstone know you’re here when she arrives.”
“Thank you.” She took two steps before the woman’s hand landed on her arm, halting her.
“Don’t forget that while they look happy in here, they are still street urchins and will steal from you if the opportunity presents. Mind your items.” She walked away.
Not that I have anything to steal.
She made her way slowly through the room, looking at what people were doing.
Rosamunde jumped in and did what she could to help. The children were reserved but polite. When Keely came in, it was apparent she was well loved and respected. By both the staff and the kids.
Time flew and before she could believe it, the hour for her to head home had come upon her. Saying her farewells, Rosamunde put her cloak back on and walked to the door. Snow and wind immediately bit into her exposed skin.
With a whimper, she made her way down the few steps and onto the path, which had since been covered over. Slipping and sliding, she got to the street and peered up and down it, hoping for a hack.
“It’s like you want me to take you over my knee, lioness.”
The statement reached her before the man who belonged to that deep voice did. He powered out of the shadows and up to her, fury evident in every line of his face. Broad shoulders were stiff as he glared at her in the lone light.
If this had come from anyone else, she would have been worried they would strike her. But Bryn’s anger was only on her behalf, and she didn’t for one second think he would put his hands on her.
And definitely not in the way I’d like him to.
“What the hell are you doing down here again?”
He was going to spank her. Literally. Turn her over his knees and smack his hand on her plump ass until it went from pink to red.
What the hell was she thinking to not only return to this area of town but to be venturing outside alone at night?
The two guys he’d been with slunk into the light as well. Her eyes flickered over them and he noticed a hint of fear that flashed before vanishing. Good, because he’d never let anything harm her but she should fear him. Especially if she was determined to ignore his command she not come down here. Alone.
“Who’s the lovely lass, Bryn?” Remington Marlow.
“Aye, she’s a bonny one.” Piers Weaver.
She held out her hand. “Rosamunde Fletcher.”
Remington reached for her hand first and Bryn bit back the growl trying to rumble free. His friend was a well-known ladies’ man. Both of them were. Remington was dark-haired where Piers was light. Both boxed with him and spent many hours seeking out gratification.
“A true pleasure, love.” Remington bent over her hand and brushed a kiss over the back of her glove.
“You should spend the evening with us,” Piers said as he took his turn kissing her hand.
“I’m on my way home, but thank you. I definitely have no wish to impose.”
Bryn knocked Piers’ hand away from her and tucked her up against his side. “I’ll see her home and meet you there.”
They each gave a sly shrug. “If you think that’s best. I feel that would be a great night for her to be with us.” Remington touched his hand to his heart.
Rosamunde stepped away from him. “I’ll see myself home. Like I said, I have no wish to interfere on your night of”—she grinned at his soon-to-be-dead friends—“debauchery?”
Piers plucked her away from him and tucked her against him while Remington closed in on the other side, effectively blocking her from Bryn’s sight. And Bryn didn’t like that at all.
Not in the slightest.
“Debauchery? You wound us, milady. We are naught but upstanding members of society.”
Her laughter warmed him at the same time as it chilled something inside him. He wanted to be the one to make her laugh like that. Not his friends.
This wasn’t supposed to happen. I’m not supposed to develop feelings for her.
Mental chat aside, he focused back on the trio he wanted to rip apart and insert himself in the middle of.
“My mistake, my good sirs.”
“Now,” Remington insisted. “You have to make it up to us by joining us for the evening meal.”
“I shouldn’t,” she protested.
“We disagree. You most definitely should.” Piers. “Tell her, Bryn.”
She leaned back around Piers and locked her gaze on his. Seconds later, he knew he’d not been quick enough to school his expression, for her joy faded.
“I have obligations I must attend.” She vanished between them once more. “But, it has been a pleasure meeting the two of you.”
“Here’s hoping we get to see more of you, milady.”