Page 24

“Bloody hell.”

She hardly had time to register the coarse oath. The ladder wobbled beneath her, and she flung her arms wide to cling at something. But her awkward angle and the delicate nature of the ladder worked against her, sending her sideways.

Strong, thick arms caught her mid-flight. The air expelled from her lungs in one puff. Eyes closed tightly shut, she absorbed the feel of that body pressed hard against hers, cradling her as though she weighed no more than a cloud.

Slowly, she peeled open an eye. She stared at Reuben through the one eye then finally opened the other.

“Forgive me,” she said, grimacing.

“You hit quite hard for a lady.”

“Um…” She was tempted to tell him that she had met quite a few ladies who could hit harder than she, but now did not seem the right time. Not after she had just beaten him with a book and had been saved from a broken bone by him.

“I think you can put me down now,” she managed to whisper.

He jolted slightly as though he had forgotten he cradled her in his arms like some sort of prince rescuing the princess. “Of course.” Reuben eased her to the ground. “Are you well?”

She straightened her robe about her and nodded. “I think I should be asking you that.”

He rubbed the spot on the top of his head where she had struck him. “I’ll survive.”

“I should take a look.” Before he said anything else, she took his hand and led him over to the chair.

Lifting one of the candles, she sifted through his hair. Hair that was ridiculously soft for a man and made her want to run her fingers through it all day long. She forced her attention back on the practicality of the moment. She needed to check he was uninjured.

“Ouch.” She heard the air hiss through his teeth when she prodded a bump on his head.

“I am sorry, but it is just a bump. Nothing worse.” She lowered the candle and finally took in his appearance. A jacket hung loosely over an open-collared shirt. His breeches were worn without stockings. Angel tugged her bottom lip between her teeth.

“Why are you awake?” she asked, aware of the strangled quality of her voice.

He gave a tilted smile. “I have many things to worry about.”

Angel snatched the matching stool and perched on it. As much as he made her feel all tremulous inside, she wanted to know more. Why did this man worry? Why had he thought the worst of her? What drove him to stay with his aunt when he lived not far away?

“What sort of things? I know your work keeps you busy, but surely you are used to it?”

Reuben lifted a shoulder. “Work, my estate, Aunt Jean.” His gaze fell to her lips then up again. He had left something unsaid, but she could not figure out what. “Something on your mind too?”

She nodded. “My family mostly.”And you.

“Your siblings are all older than you and surely capable people. What could be worrying you about them?”

Regret itched her stomach. If only she could tell him all, but the rules of the will said she could not tell anyone outside of their family. If it was found out she had revealed all, the money would be forfeit. She could not take that chance.

“Theo—the marquis—he takes on a lot. He tries to look after us all. And his late-wife…well, she hurt him quite badly. Not to mention left him with a mountain of debts.”

“I see.”

“Minerva is as shy as anything and would stay at home for the rest of her life if she was allowed to. As for Seth…” She smiled. “Well, I am certain you are aware of his reputation.”

“I am.”

“So there you see? I have plenty to worry about.”

Reuben nodded. “I understand worrying for family members all too well.”

“Yes, you are always taking care of your aunt.”