A Most Naked Solution Read Free Page B

done little to find your husband’s killer.”
    The bluntness again. “The coroner’s jury ruled it a poacher.”
    He stopped so close that the toes of his boots touched the hem of her skirts. His eyes were as dark as twice-brewed coffee. “I received new information on the killer.”
    Sophia held her ground even as every instinct told her to flee. She sucked in a deep breath, drawing in air despite the ice encasing her chest. She supposed she should summon surprise or excitement, but at this point, she was more concerned about hiding her terror. “What information?”
    “You don’t sound very happy, Lady Harding.”
    “I find myself stunned. I apologize if my reaction shocks you. But then I’d remind you, sir, that you know me not at all.”
    Lord Grey stepped back, his eyes narrowed. “You are right. I do not know you, and therefore, I have no reason to trust you.”
    “And that makes you distrust me?”
    “Evidence makes me distrust you, Lady Harding.”
    “What evidence?”
    Lord Grey was silent a moment. “A witness saw two men discussing the murder in the tavern.”
    Oh, no. Her father and oldest brother, Darton. Had they really allowed themselves to be seen? She shouldn’t have allowed them to come. She should have denied her husband’s abuse for a little longer. “Which two men?”
    “The witness was rather vague on the details. But I was hoping you could tell me. Did you hire them?”
    Sophia rested her hand briefly on the back of a chair, using it to keep herself upright. He didn’t know, then. She still had a chance to keep him from finding out. “No. I believe I already made that clear. I’m sorry I cannot be of more help.”
    He smiled slightly. “But you can.”
    Sophia stilled at the dark promise in his voice.
    “Some people in the village seem to be of the opinion that you don’t want them to speak to me.”
    She tried to step around him, but he blocked her.
    “I suppose that is all a misunderstanding, is it not? You’ll have no problem accompanying me and letting the townspeople know that you want them to cooperate fully?”
    “Of course, I’ll go.” If she was by his side, she could control what he knew.
    Lord Grey offered her his arm. “My carriage is outside.”
    She hesitated only a second before taking it, reluctant to touch him. She hadn’t touched a man since her husband died. Not her father. Not any of her brothers. Yet as her fingers came to rest on the hard column of his forearm, she found it disturbingly pleasant. He smelled of soap and parchment, familiar smells, as if nothing had changed in the years since she’d last seen him.
    But everything had changed. She was no longer an innocent young girl and he was no longer a young man she fancied from afar.
    He thought her a liar at best and a murderer at worst. Not the basis for respectful, healthy interaction.
    Her butler handed her a bonnet and pelisse and opened the front door. She stepped outside into the sunshine.
    A gunshot cracked.
    Pulling her to his chest, Lord Grey drove them both to the ground. All the air rushed out of her chest in a pained grunt as his weight landed on her. Her bonnet and cloak twisted in an awkward pile under her back as her face pressed against his waistcoat.
    “Go! Secure the perimeter.” Lord Grey’s shouted order rumbled through his chest.
    Thumps reverberated through the stone as footsteps—she assumed belonging to her butler and footmen—ran past.
    Had Lord Grey been shot? She tried to ask but couldn’t get enough air to speak. She struggled against his chest.
    He rolled off her and rose to his feet. Before she could refill her lungs, he’d scooped her up, carried her inside, and set her on the floor of the entry hall away from windows.
    Wicken ran inside and pulled the doors closed, his face flushed, his hair wild. “Are you injured, my lady?”
    Camden grabbed him by the collar. “I assume you trust this man?”
    She nodded, not yet capable of speech. She stared at a space