The Duke Identity (Game of Dukes #1)(41)

First, would Bennett help her family in their time of need?

Second, what were his feelings toward her?

Her heart palpitated. Since their spying session, Bennett had withdrawn even more, and she didn’t know the cause of it. Whether it was the looming threat of the hellfire that absorbed him…or his regret over their passionate encounter.

What she did know was that she couldn’t stand on pins and needles any longer.

She turned to face him, blurting, “Are you in or out?”

Despite her anxious state, she felt a quiver of longing just looking at him. He was wearing a tobacco brown frock coat and buff trousers, his masculinity starkly pronounced in her feminine chamber. Framed by the primrose silk walls and delicate furnishings, he was as out of place as a stallion in a tea shop. At present, he stood by the table she used for painting. Thanks to Lizzie, the pots of colors were neatly lined up, the ivory-handled brushes organized in their filigreed holders.

“Beg pardon?” His dark brows drew together. “In or out…of what?”

She decided to start with the easier issue. “Are you going to help me protect my grandfather? Or are you going to get in my way?”

She refused to stand by idly while Grandpapa’s life was in danger, while her beloved streets were being threatened. She knew she was taking a risk in disclosing her intentions to Bennett. He might take the stance of every other man in her life and forbid her from doing what she needed to do.

Yet she’d taken the risk of trusting Bennett because…he was Bennett.

Time and again, he’d shown that he was a man who could be relied upon. He was one of the steadiest, most intelligent and competent men she’d ever met. Tonight, he’d risked his life saving her family home and all its occupants.

If she were going into battle, he was the knight she’d want by her side. Which was why she was asking for his help. Having Bennett as an ally would be a double boon: not only would she have his indisputable talents at her disposal, she could also save the precious energy that would be required to evade him.

Bennett’s deep brown eyes studied her. She was relieved beyond measure to see that he seemed more like his normal self. His demeanor was less detached, his focus once again upon her.

“Those are my only two choices?” he asked.

“My family is under siege. Grandpapa may be too proud to admit it, but he needs all the help he can get. I’ll not just wring my hands whilst our enemies come knocking.”

“I don’t imagine hand wringing is one of your talents.” His tone was grave, but the glint of humor in his gaze gave her hope. “Perhaps you would consider letting the men handle this?”

“Isn’t it obvious that they cannot handle this?” She listed off the facts on her fingers. “An assassination attempt was made on my grandfather. A bawdy house under his protection was blown to smithereens by hellfire. And, tonight, his home was attacked by the same vile means. We are at war, Bennett.”

“Which is precisely why you should stay out of harm’s way.”

Why had she thought that he might be different from the rest? That he might see her as more than a nuisance, more than a girl who had nothing to offer?

Are you such a fool that you thought a few kisses would change anything?

“You’re not going to take my side.” She hated the quiver in her voice.

“I didn’t say that.”

Hope soared again, almost painful in its intensity. “Then…you’ll work with me?”

At his slow nod, she dashed over to him. Impulsively took one of his large, callused hands in both of hers. “Thank you. You don’t know how much that means to me. I’ll do anything—”

“That you will not. If you want my help, you’ll follow the rules.”

She dropped his hand. Frowned. “Rules?”

His gaze was brooding behind his spectacles. “Rule number one: you won’t go running around pell-mell. In fact, you won’t do anything without my permission.”

“Your permission? Now see here—”

“Number two: when I tell you to do something, you do it. No questions asked.”

Her resolve to be pleasing dissolved in a flash of indignation. “Who in blazes do you think you are? I’ll not be dictated to!”

“I’m the man you need to protect your family. The family you’d do anything for.”

At Bennett’s blunt words, her arguments fizzled. Looking at him, seeing his physical strength, the intelligence gleaming in those eyes, she knew he was right.

She couldn’t go at this alone; she needed his help.

“Dash it all,” she muttered. “I can’t decide.”

His brows lifted.

“I don’t know whether I’m annoyed at your high-handedness,”—she huffed out a breath—“or relieved that you’ll help.”

His lips twitched, softening the lines on his face. “And for the last rule.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Don’t push your luck.”

“If we are to be partners in this venture, then no one else is to know of our plans.” He paused. “Not your family, not your friends at The Underworld, no one.”

The word “partner” made her heart pitter-patter like that of a debutante asked to dance. He was willing to take her side, even against the wishes of her powerful family.