Guardian Angel by Julie Garwood Read Free Book Online Page B

plenty of rest and care, in a few days you’ll realize your mind was just playing tricks on you. You’ll be worrying about what gown to wear to your next ball then.”
    â€œMy mind isn’t playing tricks on me,” she cried out.
    â€œYou’re confused.”
    â€œI am not confused!”
    â€œQuit shouting,” Caine ordered. “If you’ll only think about what I’m . . .”
    He gave up when she shook her head at him. “You’re too addled to be reasoned with now. We’ll wait until you’re feeling better.”
    â€œHe’s right, miss,” Monk whispered. “If you’d seen a titled gentleman murdered, the news would have hit this section of town right off. The men who’d done the deed would have boasted of their cunning. Listen to Caine now. He knows what’s best.”
    â€œBut if you believe I’m just imagining I’m in danger, then you don’t need to protect me, do you?”
    â€œOh, yes, I do,” he replied. “Only now I know who I’m protecting you against.”
    Before she could ask another question, he continued. “Like it or not, you’re a menace until you’ve recovered. In all good conscience, I can’t leave you on your own.” His smile was gentle when he added, “I guess you could say I’m protecting you from yourself, Jade. Now give me your satchel. I’ll carry it for you.”
    She tried to lift the bag before Caine could and ended up in a tug of war. Caine won. “What in God’s name do you have in here?” he asked. “This thing weighs more than you do.”
    â€œEverything I own,” she answered. “If it’s too much for you, I’ll be happy to carry it.”
    Caine shook his head. He took hold of her hand. “Come along. My carriage is waiting two blocks over. You should be home in bed.”
    She drew to an abrupt stop. “Whose bed, Caine?”
    His sigh was loud enough to wake the drunks littering the alleys. “Your very own bed,” he snapped. “Your virtue’s safe. I never take virgins to my bed and I sure as certain don’t want you.”
    He thought she would be relieved by his vehement promise not to bother her. It was only a half lie, of course. He did want to kiss her, yet he wasn’t sure if it was merely out of the need to have a few minutes of blissful silence.
    â€œIs that a little rule of yours?” she asked. “Not to bed a virgin?”
    She looked highly insulted. Caine didn’t know what to make of that reaction. “It is,” he answered. “I also don’t bed daft women I don’t particularly like, sweet, so you’re safe enough with me.”
    He dared to grin at her when he made those shameful remarks. “I do believe I’m beginning to hate you,” she muttered. “Well, you’re bloody safe with me, too, Caine. I would never let you touch me, either.”
    â€œGood.”
    â€œYes, good,” she replied, determined to have the last word. “If you don’t quit dragging me, I’m going to scream your name over and over again until the authorities come and take you away, Pagan.”
    â€œI’m not Pagan.”
    â€œWhat?”
    She almost fell down. Caine grabbed her. “I said, I’m not Pagan.”
    â€œJust who in thunder are you then?”
    They’d reached his carriage but she refused to let him assist her inside until he’d answered her question. She kept slapping his hands away.
    Caine gave in. He tossed her satchel up to the driver, then turned back to her. “My name really is Caine. I’m the Marquess of Cainewood. Now will you get inside? This is neither the time nor the place for a lengthy discussion. When we’re on our way, I’ll explain everything to you.”
    â€œYou promise?”
    â€œI promise,” he answered with a low growl.
    She didn’t look like she believed