Her skill showed in every parry, but her movements had slowed. Declan noticed her eyes seemed drawn to his arm. He felt the blood dampening his shirt and saw her stance relax slightly as she focused on his injury.
With a lightning thrust, he slipped his blade under hers, then caught her weapon near its hilt. Surprise crossed her features as he forced her rapier upward. Alex’s hold faltered. Her weapon clattered to the floor, sliding across the polished wood.
Declan placed the tip of his blade at the base of her throat. For what seemed like an eternity, he gazed into emerald eyes, black flecks swirling in their depths, the tension rife between them.
Alex lowered her gaze first. Only then did he remove the point from her neck. “Now do we understand one another?”
“Yes.” Her hands fisted at her sides, the knuckles white with strain. “Is there anything else, my lord?”
“Not at the moment.” Declan tried not to let his satisfaction show. Being her guardian might be easier than he thought.
Alex made a quick turn and stumbled over the rolled carpet. She almost fell, but he grabbed her arm and drew her to him so that her cheek rested below his shoulder.
He’d only meant to steady her, but surprised himself when his arms came around her in an embrace. She felt soft and warm from their recent exertion. The air surrounding her was musky with a hint of vanilla. Declan breathed deeply. He liked the smell and the way her body fit to his.
For a moment, Alex relaxed against him, and he had the strangest urge to comfort her. When he attempted to bring her closer, she stiffened and backed away.
“Don’t.” Her posture ramrod straight, she turned and crossed to the corner of the room.
He tried not to notice her backside as she bent to collect her rapier. Male attire suited her, clinging in all the right places. Perhaps that was the reason for his uncharacteristic behavior. He’d have to find some way to get her in a dress.
Alex turned toward him. She checked her weapon for damage, then lovingly ran her hand over the intricate design on the hilt. When she raised her gaze to his, Declan saw dignity and pride in her eyes. “I’ll obey you because I have to. You’ve won my cooperation. Nothing more.”
She unlocked the door and opened it. With her chin held high, Alex faced the staff. Silence descended as they cleared a path for her. With graceful movements, she passed through them and ascended the stairs.
Declan unrolled the sleeves of his shirt, while trying to decide what to say to the onlookers. He couldn’t tell them the truth. Even if he were believed, there was her reputation to consider. He shrugged into his coat, favoring his injured arm, and headed to the door. The astonished gathering watched him expectantly.
Damn. He’d thought Alex a menace as a child, but the woman promised to be much worse.
The Perfect Duke Page 28