missed being able to spend time alone with her this past week. He would take extra precautions so no one would see her entering his house.
“How is your head?” he asked as soon as the vehicle started moving.
“I think the bleeding has stopped and the pain is almost gone now.”
“Good. Let me have a look.” He placed his fingertips under her chin and turned her face toward the lamp perched outside the carriage. It wasn’t the best light, but he could see enough to know the cut wasn’t deep, but it was long. He guessed about two inches. He could see that it was swollen, too. Anger at the viscountess for hurting Millicent rose up in him. The thief deserved whatever punishment she received.
Chandler’s eyes drifted past Millicent’s cut to her fan-shaped brows and long, full lashes. Her cheeks were glowing from the excitement of the evening. Her lips were moist, parted, and beautiful. He was tempted to place a kiss on her lovely eyelids, her flushed cheeks and move down to her enticing mouth and completely cover it with his. He bent his head to do just that as the carriage lurched, stopping him.
He cleared his throat and said, “I’m having my driver take you to my house so I can clean your wound and see to it before I take you home.”
“That’s nonsense,” she said and moved her head away from his touch. “I’m fine.”
“Lady Beatrice wouldn’t think so if she could see you right now. You look like you’ve been in a carriage accident, with dried blood in your hair and on your face, even your dress didn’t escape the blood.”
She turned away from him and glanced out the window. “I’m sure my maid will assist me in cleaning the cut and the dress doesn’t matter.”
He took hold of her hand and waited until she looked up into his eyes before saying, “It does matter. I want to do this for you. Lay your head back and rest. It will be only be a short ride.”
But she didn’t lay her head back, instead she continued to look at him in the dim, shadowed light and said, “A gentleman would offer me his shoulder to rest against.”
His chest tightened at her offer. “Then allow me.” He put his arm around her and drew her back into the curve of his shoulder. She nestled there as if she had always belonged beside him. He softly placed his cheek upon her hair. “Oh, yes, this is a much better idea. I’m glad I have you to remind me how a gentleman is supposed to behave.”
“There are certain areas where you need to be coached.”
“I’m at your disposal to be taught whatever you wish.”
“That could be a challenge.”
“You are up to the task.”
“Yes, but I very much like it also when you are a rake.”
“I know.”
Chandler liked the way she snuggled down in the seat and fit herself tightly against him as if she wanted the safety of his arms. He liked the way she didn’t hesitate to tell him that she wanted to be held or how she never got truly angry with him when he went beyond the pale. He had no doubt that she was where she belonged—in his arms.
“You proved tonight how brave you are. I was impressed by how you stood up to Lady Heathecoute.”
“It wasn’t so much bravery as determination. I wouldn’t have been so forceful if I had not been certain the viscountess had something under her skirt. But, she would have laughed off my demands had you not agreed with me.”
“You give me too much credit.”
Millicent sighed into the warmth of his coat. “I still find it hard to believe that she turned out to be the Mad Ton Thief. I’ve spent so much time with her since I’ve been in London.”
“It’s really sad that the poor woman felt she had to resort to stealing to supplement their income.”
“Do you believe the viscount was as innocent as he claimed to be?”
“I think so. He was ashen when she pulled the silver teapot out of the pocket she had sewed into the folds of her skirt. And, after all, he kept insisting she show us she had nothing to hide.”
Chandler pressed her to him and kissed the top of her head while the carriage moved along at a brisk pace. He wanted to turn her into his arms and devour her with kisses and caresses, but he knew she must have a pounding headache