Read Online When We Touch by Heather Graham - Free Book Online Page B

touched her flesh. But endure she did.
    And when they began to filter away, eager for their handouts given to them by employed members of the parish, she walked back toward the side door of the church, where she knew that Mireau and Father Vickers would be waiting, watching, as they always did, when she spoke. Father Vickers always saw to it that some of the local police were about as well, for her protection, if need be. They came, she knew, even when they were off duty. She had been the wife of one of their own.
    Yet that day, as she walked toward her friend and the good reverend, she was startled to see that a third man was with them.
    Dismay filled her.
    It was none other than Sir James.
    He stood with his arms crossed over his chest, a greatcoat concealing whatever manner of dress he wore beneath, a deerstalker hat adding to his impression of dominant height. His eyes—an ever-changing gray, she now knew—were narrowed. Disapproving? No, out-and-out condemning.
    Her heart fluttered.
    What? Had he appointed himself her watchdog? Naturally, he would report her every movement to Charles. He was spying on her!
    That last gave her the impetus to brave out the situation. Yet even as she mentally squared her shoulders and lengthened the determination of her steps, she felt weak in the knees, and knew that a flush was coming to her cheeks. Good God, the man had been listening to her talk about condoms!
    â€œSir James. What a surprise to see you here,” she said flatly.
    He arched a brow, his mouth grim. And not a pleasant surprise at all, he seemed to imply in silence.
    Aloud, he said, “You’re quite an amazement, my lady. Your knowledge and occupations seem to be limitless.”
    She waved a hand in the air. “Sir Charles is very aware of the depth of the problems we face in society.” She longed to bite her lip. She owed him no explanations.
    â€œPerhaps you won’t mind my seeing that you are out of the area safely. Father Vickers has been adding to my awareness of the dangers to be found here. If simple cutthroats, rapists, and thieves were not enough, it seems there may well be a madman on the loose.”
    â€œI come here frequently. You might notice the number of policemen about.”
    â€œYes, and despite that number, you are surely more aware than most that murder occurs here with an appalling frequency,” he said.
    â€œSeriously, Sir James,” Mireau tried, “the police have a special interest in Maggie.”
    â€œYes,” he returned to Mireau, his eyes remaining hard upon Maggie’s, “and still, it would comfort me greatly to see you both back to Mayfair.”
    â€œMy dear lady, it cannot hurt to have another strong protector at your side,” Father Vickers said nervously.
    â€œI’m always quite willing to protect Maggie!” Mireau said, a trifle indignant. But he was aware, of course, that he was lean himself. Not quite skinny, of course, but lean. Sir Jamie was assessing him and they all knew it. And again, Maggie thought, his look was definitely one of skepticism, if not his usual gaze of contempt.
    â€œAs Father Vickers said, it doesn’t hurt for a lady to have a second protector in this area. Father, it’s been a delight to make your acquaintance,” Jamie said, and offered an arm to Maggie. “Shall we? Unless you’ve further business here. I’m more than willing to wait, if need be.”
    â€œNo, no, we’re done for the day,” Mireau said.
    â€œGood-bye, Father. I’ll see you in another two weeks,” Maggie said.
    â€œPerhaps you’ll need to reschedule. You’ll be on your honeymoon,” Jamie reminded her. “And I’m sure that the church and the Salvation Army will understand your eagerness to spend special time with your new husband.”
    She wondered how anyone could make such innocuous words sound so . . . sexual.
    â€œI’ll get word to you,” she said