The Formidable Earl (Diamonds in the Rough #6) - Sophie Barnes Page 0,10

do so.”

Simon tightened his grip on his tankard and tried not to let his thoughts linger on Jack. His brother with his ready smiles and debonair manner had been incredibly charming. He’d been the one all the women preferred. The scoundrel no one saw coming. Simon cast the unpleasant thought aside and cleared his throat.

“While I appreciate your telling me this,” Miss Strong said, “I prefer not to rely on a stranger I met in a brothel.”

Simon’s mouth dropped open. “Are you honestly going to judge me for being at Amourette’s when you yourself work there?”

Her cheeks turned a bright shade of pink. “Forgive me. I meant no disrespect.”

He stared at her. “Of course you did, but that’s beside the point.” Her eyes widened and he allowed himself a brief moment of satisfaction over shocking her in return. It wasn’t something he had a habit of doing, and yet it had the most curious appeal. Studying her, he asked, “Do you know the identity of the person who wants you dead?” When she didn’t respond he decided to ask a different question. “Do you know how they managed to pin the blame on your father?”

“It’s really none of your concern.” She glanced at the door and drummed her fingers against the tabletop.

“Perhaps not.” He covered her hand with his and almost snatched it back again at the jolt of awareness the contact caused. It had been an impromptu gesture intended to show support and reassurance. Instead, it made his heart thump harder. Still, he fixed his gaze firmly on hers and tried to ignore the look of surprise in her eyes. And then he said, “But I would like it to be.”

“Why?”

“Because I owe it to him and to you to do more.” Simon curled his fingers around hers and held on tight. “Miss Strong, he saved my life and yet I failed to defend him. Please, let me be of assistance.”

She shook her head. “You have no idea what you’re asking for.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m no longer going to run and hide. After what happened today, I plan to resume the work I began four years ago.” When he raised one brow in question she said, “Vengeance is what I seek. Against the man who committed the crime my father was accused of carrying out.”

Simon withdrew his hand from hers and sat up straight. “Do you have any leads?”

She tightened her jaw. “In spite of your wishes, it’s probably best if you don’t get involved.”

When she prepared to leave, he grabbed her wrist once more and held her in place. “It would take a powerful man to do as you suggest. A member of the upper class.”

She gave a small nod.

“Then all the more reason for you to accept my help.” When she glanced at the exit he quietly added, “I know you’d prefer the Duke of Windham’s assistance, but since he’s not here, I’ll have to do.”

The dubious look she gave him prompted him to add, “I have means, connections, and access to Society, without which you won’t get very far.”

Apparent disagreement forced her eyebrows up a notch. “I’m not completely helpless, you know. I can afford a room to let for the next few months.”

Panic rushed through him. “The devil you can. My God, if you think for one second I’m letting you wander off on your own without protection after someone just tried to kill you, you’re in for a surprise, Miss Strong.”

Her lips quirked. “All right. If it means so much to you.”

“It does.”

Expelling a sigh, she resumed her seat, took a sip of her ale, and popped another piece of ham in her mouth. “Just as long as you don’t complain when you start regretting your offer.”

Simon relaxed with a grin. Besides being the loveliest woman he’d ever seen, Miss Strong was also without a doubt the most stubborn and cynical. Working with her would likely be a challenge. But for a man who was starting to realize how bored he was with the humdrum of everyday life – of always playing by the rules – the opportunity Miss Strong offered, the chance to seek out a bigger adventure and be more daring, was one he couldn’t pass up. Least of all when it gave him the chance to do right by Matthew.

First, however, there were some practical matters to discuss. He studied her for a moment, then said, “You’ll need a place to stay.”

“An inn could work,” she said while munching on another