Bran may not have been a violent man by nature, but his reputation for protecting himself and his was well deserved. No one who wished to see their next sunrise would ever dare touch what he kept under his roof, whether it be a priceless emerald brooch…or a beautiful blonde-haired angel.
He couldn’t say his actions were completely selfless. He desired the lass, and if they became lovers, well, then so be it. But he’d been true to his word. He wouldn’t force her. Women were never forced into his bed. They went there willingly. Sometimes more than one at a time. And while they never stayed for very long, they always had a damned good time. He made sure of it.
“All right,” she said quietly as she lowered her hand on top of his. “I’ll go with you.”
The spark of heat that flashed between them when they touched went straight to Bran’s loins. Having never experienced the like of it before he stared down at their joined fingers in wonder before reflexively tightening his grip.
Mine. The single thought, as foreign to him as the brilliant flare of electricity had been, consumed his entire mind as he met her unblinking gaze. Her expression was composed, but he could feel the rapid beat of her pulse against the base of his wrist. Quick and slight as the flutter of a hummingbird’s wings, it sped up when he raised her hand and grazed the back of it with his mouth. Her skin was silky soft and tasted like apricots that had been left out to ripen in the sun. He was tempted to nibble his way up her arm, but at her startled exhalation of breath he reluctantly lifted his head and gifted her with a roguish grin.
“Apologies, love. You’re too beautiful tae resist.”
A tiny line of distress appeared in the middle of her forehead. “If ye expect me to sleep with ye for protection–”
“No,” he said immediately, shaking his head. “There are no expectations. Not to say I wouldn’t refuse ye if ye were so inclined to offer…” His voice trailed away as his grin deepened. Blushing, the barmaid looked away.
“If we’re going to leave we – we should probably go now,” she murmured.
“Yer right.” Jules would just have to take care of herself. If she wound up in Newgate, well, it would be no less than she deserved for getting wrapped up with the likes of Grant Hargrave. He’d told her to leave the runner alone, hadn’t he? Go to ground for a while, he’d said. Let things smooth over, he’d said. But of course she hadn’t listened. She never listened. Headstrong as a donkey, that one. Although in this case he preferred the term ass.
“Is there anything ye want to bring with ye?” he asked, looking around the tiny room.
“No,” the barmaid said softly.
“Are ye sure? It won’t be any trouble to grab it. Jest tell me where–”
“There’s nothing,” she interrupted, and for the first time he saw a flash of ire in the depths of her amethyst gaze. The small display of temper suited her far better than sadness, and revealed there was more to the little maid than met the eye. For all that she looked like a stiff breeze would blow her sideways, he sensed strength and resilience beneath the fear. She was a fighter, this one. He was willing to bet his life on it.
“I have nothing,” she continued, and the weary bitterness in her voice squeezed at his heart.
“Well that’s not true, is it love?” Curving his arm around her tiny waist, he tucked her protectively against his side as they headed for the door. “Ye have me.”
BOW STREET BRIDES
Looking for danger, excitement, and steamy romance? You’ve found it with the Bow Street Brides! Fall in love with dashing runners, handsome criminals, and headstrong heroines as they discover love and passion outside of the ballroom.
“Gritty Bow Street Runners instead of gentlemanly lords...yes please!” - 5 star Goodreads review for A Dangerous Affair
Each book in the series can be read as a standalone, although you’ll have the best experience reading them in order.
A Dangerous Seduction
A Dangerous Proposal
A Dangerous Affair
A Dangerous Passion
The Summer Duchess (A Duchess for All Seasons Book 3) Page 8