about the Black Baron’s intrusion into her life!
Chapter Nineteen
A Burden Shared
A week after Albert had taken over the management of the orphanage, Pierce spotted his little mouse at a ball and he all but sighed in relief when he saw her wide-open eyes, alert and watchful…as they’d been before.
Before she’d exhausted herself with those late-night hours bent over the ledgers of the orphanage.
According to Albert, she’d been displeased to hear that Pierce had sent him to assist her while his failure to inform her of his intentions had displeased Albert. His butler’s nonexistent brows had risen accusingly. He had, however, refrained from voicing his discomposure in any other way.
Chuckling, Pierce had patted the man’s shoulder. “She growls, but she doesn’t bite, old man.”
Still, the news of the orphanage’s financial situation as well as its cause riled Pierce. After she’d fought so valiantly to ensure the children’s home’s well-being, to have the money stolen by a man entrusted to ensure it was devastating. No wonder his little mouse had seemed so out of sorts.
Fortunately, a lack of money could be easily remedied, and so Pierce had set out not two nights later and procured a nice little sum to donate to the orphanage. But how to do so? If he were to hand it to her wearing his mask, she’d never accept it, thinking he’d obtained it by illegal means. Of course, she would be right to think so even though he had been justified in doing as he’d done. However, he could not risk her refusing him.
Following her around at a safe distance, Pierce stopped in his tracks when she suddenly turned and her gaze moved across the crowded room to meet his as though she’d known exactly where to find him. Not even the smallest hint of surprise showed on her face. All that lurked behind those thick spectacles was a deep sense of annoyance.
Pierce couldn’t help but laugh, and he could’ve sworn she rolled her eyes at him because of it. Then she turned and walked out onto the terrace, and Pierce couldn’t shake the feeling that she wanted him to follow.
Striding across the room, Pierce felt his heart beat faster in his chest as anticipation filled him. He hadn’t seen her in over a week and…he’d missed her.
Again.
A slight chill rested in the air although the day’s soft warmth still lingered as he stepped out onto the terrace. It lay almost deserted except for a group of men and women chatting and laughing by the west end. His little mouse stood on the other side, her hands resting on the balustrade as she kept her gaze firmly fixed on the darkened garden beyond and her back turned to him.
“You called,” he whispered as he came to stand beside her, gazing at her soft profile and noting the tension that rested in her shoulders.
Her throat worked but she did not turn to look at him. “Why?” was all she said.
“Why what?” Pierce teased, knowing exactly what she meant.
She drew in a slow breath, and he knew she was fighting to maintain her composure. “Why did you send Albert?”
“Are you saying you don’t like him?”
“That’s not the point.”
“Then you do like him,” Pierce concluded with a rather annoyingly triumphant smile, one that had her fingers tense on the stone balustrade.
“Of course, I like him,” she snapped. She spun to face him, her blue eyes shooting daggers even through the thick lenses she hid behind. “I can’t imagine anyone in the world not liking him. He’s such a sweet man. However—”
“However?” Pierce interrupted, moving closer as he grinned at her.
A muscle in her jaw quivered. “However, Albert is not the problem here.”
“Are you saying I’m a problem?” he teased, feeling an almost overwhelming need to reach for her.
His little mouse laughed. Unfortunately, it was a dark laugh, an annoyed laugh. “I’ve asked you this before and I ask it again: what is it that you want?” Her gaze left his for a split second and swept their surroundings, ensuring that no one was within earshot.
“I want to help you,” Pierce replied. He’d meant to say it lightly but the look of doubt, of concern in her eyes cut right down into his heart. His smile vanished, and he reached out to cover her hand with his own.
Instantly, she jerked hers away. “I’d appreciate it if you’d keep an appropriate distance, my lord,” she hissed, a hint of fear coming to her blue eyes.
Pierce swallowed, remembering the vulnerability he’d seen in