Earl of Gold (Lords of Scandal #7) - Tammy Andresen Page 0,31

“Do you have another idea? You can’t stay here. What if they throw in another bottle? Or…” But a stern look from Penny made him cease talking.

“There are children,” she hissed and then drew in a deep breath. Then another. When she spoke again, her voice was much calmer. “Clarissa, take the children to the kitchen and give them warm milk.” Then she looked to Fergus. “If you could lend your aid…”

Logan heard him mumble something about bourbon in his milk, but the man followed, and Penny watched them leave, not looking at him until they’d all cleared the room.

A nervous flitting started in his stomach as she pressed her palms down her dress. “Lord Goldthwaite.”

“When did you cease calling me Logan?”

She ignored the question, her voice having regained her calm tone, as she answered. “I agree that it is in the best interest of the children to remove them from the house.”

“Good.”

“But.” Her finger raised in the air. “I will not allow you to use me for your own purposes.”

He rumbled deep in his throat. She was being ridiculous. “Penny,” he said through gritted teeth. “To what end might I move a whole passel of females into my home?”

Her gaze narrowed. “So you will keep your lips to yourself?”

Oh. That.

His fist clenched at his side. “I will keep my lips to myself. Will you keep yours to yourself?”

Color flooded her cheeks. “I am the one who is at risk of being compromised.”

True. But he was at risk of being hurt none-the-less. “I know you don’t trust me after what you discovered this evening but let me assure you that I wish for more than just a gaming hell. In fact…” He paused, not sure he could start that flood of words. So instead, he said, “I want to help. And above all, I want you and them safe.”

Her shoulders hunched and her face collapsed in defeat. It was a look he’d seen on many opponents’ faces. “We can be ready in a half hour or less.”

“Good,” his hands relaxed at his sides. Step one would be to get them to a safe place. Then they could begin discussing the future. That of the orphanage but also…

He pulled his chin back. What else did he want? Should he tell her how he felt? Or was he destined to repeat his past?

His hand rubbed at the back of his neck.

He wasn’t certain.

Penny held Natty and Fran in her lap while Clarissa sat with Ethel next to Logan. Fergus had climbed up with the driver to keep a watch as they left the East End.

No one spoke a word as they made their way through the night.

Penny’s insides were a jumble. She’d nearly lost her temper twice tonight. And that never happened.

Ever.

She’d learned absolute control since becoming an orphan.

How could it be slipping now? She’d allowed Logan past her defenses only to discover that his intentions weren’t pure. He’d wanted her kisses and he’d wished to secure more money. That was what she’d meant to him.

Of course, he was helping her too. That had to mean something, didn’t it?

But she’d always known to keep a wall between her and the world. Not to allow anyone past it. Because she had everything to lose here.

What if a man’s intentions weren’t pure? What if he didn’t support her orphans? What if, like Clarissa said, he left her with child?

She was getting ahead of herself. She knew it took more than a kiss to make a baby. But when he’d touched her, she’d forgotten to think, to reason, and she’d just wanted…more.

He was dangerous, and she needed to stay far away from him. While they stayed in the same house. Drat. Without meaning to, she let out a sigh. Everyone looked at her. “Sorry,” Penny murmured.

“We’re almost there,” Logan said. “The children can all settle in the nursery. Clarissa can go into the maid’s quarters that are attached, if that’s all right.”

“Fine,” Clarissa murmured, waving her hand. “Any bed will do.”

“That leaves…” He hesitated, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. “Penny.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Are you out of beds?”

“No.” He drew in a long breath. “It’s just the only other room that is attached to the nursery is…” his voice trailed off.

“What?” she asked, leaning forward, Natty shifting with her.

“The countess’ suite.”

Her breath sucked in.

“There are other rooms of course. But not that are attached to the—”

“That’s fine,” she cut him off, her voice catching on the last word. So much for distance. “I’ll