Love's Guardian by Dawn Ireland Read Free Book Online Page B

being part of a loving family.
    “Misty got along well with everyone,” Alex said, holding his gaze, her smile brittle, “except Luther. She hated him and would do everything she could to keep him away from me. Because of that, my cousin tormented her.”
    Alex lost any hint of a smile. “Late one afternoon I went to the stable where she often took a nap. Before I reached the entrance, I heard a terrible cry. By the time I’d arrived, she was...dead.” Alex slid her hands down the tops of her thighs, clutching the day gown’s thin material just above the knees. “Her neck had been broken.”
    She turned away, the gathering silence making him wish he’d not sought her out. He’d never comforted a woman before. Hell, he couldn’t recall anyone ever looking to him for solace.
    At last, she stood and went to the window, arms crossed, right hand rubbing up and down her upper arm. “I could never prove Luther did it, but I know he did.” Bitterness etched her voice as she turned to stare at him. “I understand he’s gone on to tormenting people. The servants are afraid of him, with good reason.”
    Anger coursed through Declan’s veins. He wished he could right the wrong somehow, but it was an old wound.
    He crossed to her and laid his hand on top of hers. She stilled at his touch and glanced down at the point where they were joined, then met his gaze. Anger replaced the vulnerability in her expression. She broke free, sidled past him, and returned to the trunk.
    Alex hated that look in his eyes. She didn’t need his pity. She hauled the remaining gowns from the trunk with rapid, jerky movements and piled them on the bed. Being nice to her guardian didn’t mean she had to tell him about her past.
    Damn Luther anyway.
    If Declan felt he had to protect her, he’d never let her be. He may be insufferable, but he’d defend her, if for no other reason than his love for her grandfather. Loyalty, in this case, would definitely prove inconvenient.
    She turned to see him watching her, a slight frown causing furrows between his dark brows. Stiffening her spine, she marched across the room and stopped within a foot of him. It was disconcerting to have to crane her neck to look up at him, but she held his attention with as direct a stare as she could muster.
    Standing this close, she could see the fine laugh lines at the corners of his eyes. His nearness disturbed her, but she wanted him to take what she had to say seriously. “Don’t worry, Lord Worthington. I can handle Luther. Death would be preferable to being married to him, and I enjoy living. I’d appreciate it if you’d decline his kind offer.”
    “I’m afraid I can’t do that. I’ve already agreed to his calling on you.”
    “What?” Outside lightning flashed, immediately followed by a crack of thunder. She stepped back. Cold fear washed over her. How could he do this? Couldn’t he see what Luther was?
    “Lady Lochsdale, it’s always a good idea to keep your enemy close.” Declan had the audacity to smile. “You’ll keep him off balance if you pretend friendship.”
    She almost choked.
    Was this his way of telling her he knew what she was doing? Fidgeting with her bracelet, she refused to look him in the eye.
    “Promise me you’ll be courteous.” He stepped toward her and tipped her face up to look at him. “Don’t worry, I’d never allow him to hurt you. Addington and I are going hunting in the morning. I’ll learn more of his plans then.”
    Declan pushed a lock of hair away from her face, hovering just a moment longer than necessary. The small space between them seemed more charged than the wild beat of the storm outside. Another moment, and she’d be burned like a tree scorched by lightning.
    She backed away. “I’ll be courteous, but no more.”
    “That’s all I ask.” Declan headed for the door.
    “Lord Worthington?”
    He paused, looking back over his shoulder.
    “Be careful,” she said. “I don’t want anyone putting holes