Rules for Reforming a Rake(120)
She followed his gaze to her wound. “It’s a little sore. Nothing I can’t handle.”
“My battle-hardened warrior,” he teased. “Major Brandt is recommending you for a medal.”
She laughed. “Me? That’s ridiculous. Desiree is the one who saved your manly hide.”
“Bloody hell,” he said under his breath, his smile fading. “I’m sorry, Daisy. I never meant... she wasn’t... she doesn’t hold a candle to you.”
She tried to hide the flicker of pain in her eyes. “She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. You thought so, too. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have taken her under your protection. Is that the proper expression? It’s such a polite expression.”
He glanced at her, appalled. “Appearances are deceiving. She was a necessary part of my dissolute reputation. There’s nothing between us. I’m deeply grateful for what she did, for she risked her life in warning Graelem. I’ll make sure the Prince Regent generously rewards her. She’ll do well for herself. Such women always do.”
He stood to dress, his golden body on exquisite display. She remained in bed and watched him, admiring his perfectly proportioned torso and its sinewed strength. He quickly donned his trousers and shirt, then nudged her out of bed and helped her into her gown, though he took a disproportionate amount of time smoothing it over her breasts, insisting they were woefully in need of his attention. “Tell my idiot cousin that he’d better be more careful with his injured leg.”
She had been so distraught about reaching Gabriel in time to save his life that she had made no mention of Laurel’s distress. Dear heaven! Please, let Laurel survive. She quickly told Gabriel everything.
His tawny eyes darkened and he frowned. “Sweetheart, I’m so sorry. Graelem’s by her side as he should be. Your uncle is a most extraordinary man, best physician I’ve ever seen. He won’t let her come to harm.” He took her into his arms and held her gently.
She rested her cheek against his chest, wishing they had more time together, but knowing it couldn’t be. At least he’d be pleased to know that the Malinors would get their due. “What will happen to Auguste and his father? Will they be placed under arrest?”
Gabriel nodded. “Hopefully tried and hanged before the month is out. I’m sorry I’ll miss their disgrace. Bastards. I think they meant to shoot you that day in the park.”
She gasped. “Me? Why?”
“It was their way of threatening me, of expressing their hatred for me. Perhaps they didn’t intend to kill you, but from that range, it would have been easy to miss your shoulder and hit a vital organ.”
“Is that why Lord Malinor invited me onto his phaeton? To make me an easier target?”
He gave a curt nod. “Likely.”
“I hate them,” she said at his nod. “I’ve never met two more loathsome characters.”
“They’ll get what they deserve. The punishment for treason is death.”
She shuddered, wishing she better understood the art of political intrigue. Having been raised in a family in which everyone voiced their honest opinion and valued love over wealth, she was at a loss to understand why the Malinors, a family with more wealth than could be spent in a lifetime of profligacy, should lie and scheme to attain even more. Was it mere greed that motivated them, that left them dissatisfied and hungry for more? “Why did Auguste propose to me? First he plots to shoot me and then to marry me? It makes no sense.”
Gabriel shrugged, though there was nothing casual about his anger. “I don’t know. Perhaps they changed tactics and decided it was a better way to get back at me. Perhaps I’m wrong about all of it and Auguste did care for you.”
“No,” she said with a grim laugh. “He barely tolerated me.”
His gaze softened. “The man would have to be a fool not to fall in love with you.”
She caressed his cheek. “He didn’t love me. I don’t think he even liked me. I never cared for him either. I would never have accepted his proposal.” She sighed. “Certainly not after I’d met you. I suppose it doesn’t matter. None of their plans came to pass.”
“But something else quite important did.”
She tipped her head and gazed up at him. “What?”
“Your family will soon know they almost made a terrible mistake, one that might have cost you your life, certainly your happiness, had you not held your ground and refused to marry Auguste.” Gabriel took hold of her hands. “I should have done more to protect you. In truth, I’m the one who put you in danger. Can you ever forgive me?”