Read Online If You Give a Rake a Ruby by Shana Galen - Free Book Online Page B

it! Where are you?”
    He heard a moan and raced toward the sound. His boot thumped something hard, and the thing moaned again. He bent and cleared leaves off her fallen figure. This time he didn’t even ask if she could rise. He lifted her and carried her deeper into the woods. She was lighter than she looked. All those curves made her seem more substantial, but she was a petite thing and fit easily into his arms.
    He could hear the carriage returning now, and he scanned the darkness for somewhere to hide. The men would be as blind as he, and by the time they returned with dogs, he and Fallon would be gone. He spotted a fallen tree trunk a few feet away and arrowed for it. He could set her down on the other side and keep them both hidden from view. When he rounded it, he saw the ground beneath had been excavated by some creature or another, making just enough room to slide both of them inside. He set Fallon down, and she groaned again. It was a groan of pain, which concerned him, but he didn’t have time to do much more than frown for the moment. Instead, he reached into the small cave and felt for occupants.
    It was empty, and he lowered himself in then dragged Fallon in beside him. The space was small and cramped, and her body pressed against him. She was warm and solid. He had the faintest sense of the scent of something musky and exotic and knew it was her scent. Fitzhugh leaned his head back and closed his eyes.
    For some reason, he was strangely content.

Six
    Fallon opened her eyes and groaned. She hurt…everywhere.
    â€œHere, madam, drink some of this.”
    Fallon did as she was bid, swallowing the tepid tea then glanced at her server. It was Anne, her lady’s maid. Thank God. She looked about and noted she was in her own room, in her own bed, and in her own nightshift. Perhaps she had dreamed last night? Although, she supposed she should classify it as more of a nightmare.
    But if it was a dream, why did it hurt every time she breathed in? And if it was a dream, why was Fitzhugh sleeping in the chair across from her bed?
    â€œI’m sorry, madam,” Anne said hurriedly. “I tried to convince him to leave.”
    â€œWhat is he doing here?” Fallon hissed, not wanting to wake him. “Where is Titus?” Titus could throw him out.
    â€œThe gentleman brought you home, madam, and wouldn’t allow anyone but himself to carry you up to your room. He seemed so tender about it, I supposed we all assumed…” She trailed off, and Fallon knew what the staff had assumed. They knew they worked for a courtesan, even if they never saw her allow a man into her boudoir. She supposed they had their own notions about where her romantic liaisons occurred.
    â€œWell, perhaps you could assume that he’s the one responsible for putting me in this condition! He pushed me out of a moving carriage!”
    â€œMadam!” Anne felt Fallon’s head for fever. “Should I call for a physician?”
    Fallon closed her eyes in frustration. The man had thrown her out of a moving conveyance, and she was the one everyone assumed was daft.
    â€œNo. Just leave me now. Thank you.”
    â€œAre you certain, madam? Would you like some refreshment? Cook prepared a small meal for Mr. Fitzhugh. I am certain she has more.”
    Fallon’s gaze flicked to the tray on the table beside Fitzhugh. The plates were completely bare. So not only was he sleeping in her chair, he was eating her food! “I’m fine, Anne. That will be all.”
    Anne bobbed and closed the door quietly behind her. With only the crackle of the fire, Fallon could hear Fitzhugh’s snoring. She lifted a pillow from the bed and threw it at him. Without even opening his eyes, he reached up, snatched the pillow in midair, and stuffed it behind his head.
    â€œOh!” Fallon was seething. “You’re not asleep at all!” Wretched man.
    â€œHow can anyone sleep with all the noise you are