The Bachelor Bargain (Secrets, Scandals, and Spies) by Michaels, Maddison (short books to read TXT) 📕

in ensuring you’re safe, and I will not stay silent when it comes to doing so. As I mentioned, we are taking a trip to my country estate.” He wasn’t going to leave her in London with a madman on the loose, who had his sights set firmly on her. “Once this threat is contained, you can get back to all of your work with the gazette and investigate Lord Daverell.”

Her long lashes blinked several times. “I don’t think you actually heard me when I told you, you cannot dictate to me what I can or cannot do.”

“Do you have a damn death wish, woman?” He stood and stalked over to the hearth. He had to do something with all this frustration mounting in his belly. The woman was driving him insane. Absolutely insane. “Of course, I can dictate to you. Haven’t you heard? I do whatever the hell I damn well want to. I’m the Bastard of Baker Street.”

Seb spun to the door as it burst open and Charlotte ran into the room and nearly knocked Livie over in her enthusiasm to hug her, cutting short Seb and Livie’s conversation.

“Oh my goodness!” Charlotte cried, wrapping her arms tightly around Livie. “I am so relieved you are safe! Relieved that you are both safe. I have been ever so worried since Mr. Drake brought me here.”

Striding back across to his desk, Seb sat down. He’d already wasted far too much time discussing what was going to happen with a cantankerous Livie to not get straight to work on what he had to do before they left. He took in another steadying breath as he opened a drawer and pulled out some paper.

Charlotte kept chattering away as she and Livie headed over to the chairs by the hearth and sat, while Simpkins bought in the tray of tea and served them a cup each before departing with the same efficiency as he’d entered the room. The ladies dug into the tea and cakes, talking away in between mouthfuls.

So much for having some peace and quiet to get matters sorted before the carriage was ready to go. He shook his head and then dipped his fountain pen in the inkwell and began to quickly write several notes.

Rowan sauntered into the room. “You wanted to see me?”

“Just give me a moment.” He placed the notes he’d written into envelopes and sealed them up, then motioned Rowan over and handed them to him.

“How did the raid go?” Rowan asked, pocketing the letters. There was disappointment clearly etched in his friend’s face over not being in the thick of things at the warehouse.

Briefly, Seb told him what had occurred, leading up to the part about the leader of the Lads disappearing before they’d even gotten there.

Rowan swore heartily. And then loudly apologized to the ladies who were still within earshot.

Seb raised his eyebrows. “Since when do you apologize for swearing?” Rowan more often than not cursed like a sailor.

“Your sister’s been reminding me a bit tonight that it ain’t gentlemanly to curse in front of any ladies. So I’ve been trying to watch my manners.” Rowan shrugged like it was nothing, but then he ruined the effect by fiddling with the collar of his shirt, looking highly uncomfortable with the admission.

“My sister does have a way of reprimanding a person without it feeling like a reprimand. Then the person almost always thereafter bends over backward in an effort to try to please her and seek her approval.”

“I’m not seeking her approval.” Rowan looked mortified at the suggestion. “Anyway, enough about my manners, what are we going to do about the leader of the Lads? He’s got to be found and gotten rid of. He’s too much of a danger to you and the ladies to let go to ground for long.”

“I agree.” Seb’s eyes were drawn to the two ladies who were happily talking and smiling on the settee. It seemed as if they’d become fast friends, and the sound of both of them laughing was so wholesome and welcoming that for a moment Seb could almost imagine that tonight had been a bad dream. That he hadn’t worried in the deepest part of his soul that he would be too late once again. That once again a woman he was starting to care for would be taken away from him. Though he was only starting to care for her because of their business interests. That was all it was.

But, unfortunately, it was all too real, and he had to do something to protect those he loved.

Not that he loved Lady Olivia, of course. God no. He admired her greatly, and was overwhelmingly attracted to her, not to mention indebted to her for saving his sister. But love? Not a chance.

It was far too dangerous to love anyone. He’d never allow himself to feel that emotion again. The only woman he’d actually ever loved had been his mother, and when she was taken from him he’d vowed to never love again.

And even though he loved his sister, he usually kept her at arm’s length. It was much safer that way.

But now with the threat of the unknown leader of the Lads looming over their heads, Seb needed to get the ladies out of the city to somewhere he could keep them safe and see the man coming from a mile away if he was stupid enough to.

An escape to his residence in the country would be just the thing. Even if it would put the temptation that Lady Olivia was turning out to be, firmly in his sight. He’d just have to resist her. He’d always been able to resist anything before. He’d simply do the same now. Even if he could still hear her words of wanting to take Seb as her lover, like a caress in his ear.

Chapter Thirty-Six

“While you and our men hunt the man down,” Seb informed Rowan, “I will take the ladies to Dewhurst Manor. I’ll