a twisted ankle, but the woman wasn’t exactly inclined toward taking suggestions from him. Despite her injuries and obvious dishevelment, she still somehow managed to look every inch the gentlewoman.
Poised and perfect. Her posture strong and serene. Even the tone of her voice was softly confident when she spoke. “Mr. Hale.”
When he didn’t reply or move to stand, she released a puff of breath and strode forward into the room with a look of determination he was starting to become familiar with. He should have risen to his feet, but he didn’t. He liked how his rudeness made her press her lips together while her eyes flashed with irritation.
As she neared, she glanced down at the sketch on his desk. A frown darkened her expression as she tilted her head curiously.
With a swift swipe of his hand, the drawing was tucked safely into the drawer of his desk.
Her dark gaze flickered up to meet his. “Mr. Hale,” she repeated.
“That’s me, dove,” he replied with a flippant grin. He didn’t have to be so impertinent, but the desire to shake up the woman’s resolute demeanor was too great a temptation to resist.
Unfortunately, she proved herself a worthy adversary and her gaze remained steady and intent. “Once again I owe you my gratitude. I apologize for not thanking you properly upstairs. In my defense, I was a bit...” She gave a small gesture with her free hand.
“Overwhelmed,” he offered with a tilt to his mouth.
Her eyes sparked. “Agitated.”
Mason chuckled.
She ignored it.
“You must be wondering what is instigating such perilous situations that have twice now required your intervention.”
“Not particularly.”
It appeared she hadn’t been expecting his response as she hesitated before replying. “Well, the truth is we suspect today’s ordeal wasn’t perpetrated by thieves but was likely yet another abduction attempt. I don’t know if Frederick told you this, but the kidnapping by the criminal gang wasn’t the first Frederick experienced. It would seem someone has targeted my brother, though the reason behind it is not yet entirely clear.”
Mason could hazard a guess. A young and wealthy duke without parents or guardian and only an older sister for protection was a vulnerable creature and easy pickings for someone interested in a healthy ransom.
What he couldn’t figure out was why Lady Katherine had decided to discuss the issue with him. “Why are you telling me this?”
“Until we know who’s behind the attacks and why, there’s a possibility more attempts will be made against Frederick. It’s become clear that he will need personal protection.”
Mason waited for her to say more. When she didn’t, he leaned back in the chair—tensing when the wood creaked—and crossed an ankle over the opposite knee.
She couldn’t possibly be considering what he suspected.
“My brother is convinced you’re the perfect choice for such a task.”
The look he gave her was filled with incredulity. “Are you asking me to be Freddie’s bodyguard?”
A pause. “I believe I am.”
“You’ve got the wrong man. I’m no hero, luv.”
Her next words were spoken with firm conviction. “I don’t need a hero, Mr. Hale. I need a man as ruthless and mercenary as those who are after Frederick.” She paused to stare at him with dark eyes full of intensity. “I need you.”
Those three little words hit him in the gut with more force than any punch he’d taken in the ring. For a second, his breath got pushed up into his throat while his stomach tightened.
“I’d pay you,” she said. “Generously.”
“Hmm.” Mason rose to his feet and walked slowly around the desk until he was standing in front of her. Leaning his hips back against the desk, he crossed his arms over his chest. It was a risky move to put even half of his weight on the frail furniture, but he wanted to see how the woman would react to his closer proximity.
To her credit, she did not step back and never once shifted her gaze from his.
Brave little thing. Or stubborn. Probably both.
He smiled. And something unreadable flickered across her fine features.
“What makes you think I’d be qualified for such a position?”
Lifting her chin, she replied, “Your part in rescuing my brother from the criminal gang demonstrates your capabilities in the face of dangerous adversity. And you’ve already proven to possess a certain loyalty to my brother.”
“I’m loyal to no one.”
She ignored him again. “You’re familiar with this city and its dangers, and you’re well-known to its inhabitants—if not personally then by reputation. If anyone were bold enough to challenge you directly, I suspect they’d be