Bedford Street Brigade 01 - Where the Lady Belongs Read Free

for isn’t hiding outside waiting for you to leave.”
    Cora placed her cup and saucer on a nearby table, then rose and walked away from Mr. Wallace. She stopped when she reached the window that overlooked the street at the front of the house. “I’m frightened enough, Mr. Wallace, without you adding to my fears.”
    “My purpose isn’t to frighten you more, Miss Lane,” he said in a voice that sounded strangely comforting, “but to point out the necessity of remaining here where you can be protected.”
    Cora hadn’t heard him rise. Nor had she heard him step up behind her. But when she turned, he stood so close to her that she had to tip her head to look at him.
    He tilted his head downward, and for several long moments their eyes met and held. Neither of them spoke. The message he sent simply by looking at her was enough. He was asking her to trust him. Asking her to place her life in his hands. And promising her that he would take care of her.
    She’d been given that promise once before, and the man who gave it broke his promise, as well as her heart. From that moment on, she’d vowed to never give control of her life to a man again. But how could she reject Mr. Wallace’s offer when her refusal might put everyone she loved in danger? She owed her sister and brother-in-law too much. How could she risk their safety?
    Tears pooled in her eyes. Mr. Wallace’s face suddenly swam before her as one huge tear after another spilled down her cheeks. Before she could turn away from him to hide her embarrassment, he gathered her in his arms and brought her close.
    Cora stepped toward him and let him hold her. His arms were strong and enveloped her in an all-consuming warmth of protection. Emotions she couldn’t explain or control ran rampant through her. Her flesh burned where he touched her, and she thought she might be content to remain in his arms forever and never leave.
    It had been years since she’d been held by a man. Years since she’d needed to be comforted. Years since she’d been forced to admit that she wasn’t as self-reliant as she pretended to be. She buried her face in the soft material of his cotton shirt and wool waistcoat, and clung to him.
    “Hush now, Miss Lane,” he whispered, holding her close with one arm while his other hand rubbed lazy circles over her back. “You’re not to worry. That will be my department.”
    Cora told herself she should step away from him. That letting a stranger hold her thusly was unacceptable. When that didn’t work, she ordered her arms to release their grasp from around his waist, but that order went unheeded, too. Only a commotion at the front door brought her to her senses.
    She took a small step away from him. “I can’t imagine what came over me,” she said, dabbing at her cheeks with the folded handkerchief he handed her. “This isn’t like me at all.”
    “Of course not,” he answered.
    Cora looked at him—seriously looked at him. The way her blood heated, and her heart had pounded, made her think that when she studied him, she’d find that there was something unique about him she hadn’t noticed before. But there wasn’t. He looked the same as he had when she walked into the room. He was simply a man. Except no man had ever affected her like he did. Not even the man who she’d thought so long ago she would marry.
    “We have guests.” He placed his arm around her shoulders and turned her to the door. “These will be my associates.”
    Cora quickly tried to dry her cheeks and make an effort to look composed. She didn’t want Mr. Wallace’s associates to think she was a weak, undisciplined female. Or worse, a simpering fool.
    The butler, Harper, gave a sharp rap on the door frame, then stepped aside as three impressive-looking men entered the room. They stopped when they saw her.
    “Harper, please tell Cook there will be five for supper.”
    “Very good, sir.”
    When Harper left, Mr. Wallace placed his hand against the small of her