Daring lifted his head, his skin an alarming shade of green. “Why wasn’t I notified of the attack?”
Minnie squeezed past Bad and Vice, her hair down, clad in a dressing gown. “Because you were out cold, you big blockhead.”
Vice snorted a laugh while Bad chuckled. “The ladies are growing on me,” Bad said to no one in particular. “This is the most fun I’ve had in ages.”
Darlington made a half-groan, half-growl. “I’m just going to shoot you and hope I have time to reload for Exile.”
Minnie tsked. “No one is shooting anyone.” Then she clapped her hands together, rather loudly, and Darlington grabbed both sides of his head.
Vice snorted a laugh while Bad grinned. Vice stepped up, peering at Darlington. “There’s no way he could shoot anyone in this state. Couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn.”
Callum was still holding her close. She thought perhaps she should pull away, might make this conversation easier, but Callum’s grip was rather firm and he was honestly quite nice to be pressed up against. She closed her eyes, drawing in his masculine scent.
Darlington straightened, his face pale, but his gaze more resolute. “Would you care to test that theory?”
Vice took a half step back. “I was only teasing. There’s no need for that.”
Darlington turned toward Callum, pointing his finger. “You made us all promise at the start of this that we’d behave or you yourself would see that we married the girl we’d compromised.”
Exile swallowed; she actually felt the vibration. “I did.”
“What are your intentions toward Diana?” Daring had not dropped his hand.
Diana’s breath caught. He was holding her in his arms, in front of everyone. She was trying not to, but she’d begun to hope that he’d offer for her hand. But instead of pulling her closer, he took a half step back, his hands dropping to his side. “I intend to keep her safe.”
The air around her was cold without his heat and she clutched the blankets closer even as she lifted her head high. “Is that all?”
His eyes squinted. “Aye, lass.”
She notched her chin higher. “I’m not your lass. Get out of my room.”
Chapter Seven
Exile ground his teeth together as he stared at her, as she held the blankets about her with her straight shoulders and her head high. But her eyes, they told a different story and that tale made him wince.
They crinkled with hurt even as her mouth pinched into a frown.
“Ye can’t just kick me out.” He held out his hands on either side of him. “I’m to keep ye safe in case—”
“Get out!” she yelled so loudly that Daring clutched his head and Vice nearly fell over.
Minnie stepped up to her cousin, blocking Exile’s view, and softy whispered something. Diana responded just as quietly.
Then Minnie turned to Exile. “It’s time for you to leave.”
“But…”
Minnie held up her hand. “Come with me.” Then she started for the door. “You’re to go back to bed.” She patted Daring on the shoulder.
“I’m never drinking again,” he mumbled, holding his head. “I think I shall die if I do.”
Bad bent down to look Daring in the face. “The key is to drink more. Eventually, you’ll outrun the hangover.”
Minnie stopped, assessing Vice and Bad. Then she pulled the cord next to the door. “You both need some breakfast.” Exile grimaced. So just he was in trouble. Not surprising the way he’d been holding Diana. Or perhaps the problem was what he’d done after.
Vice grinned. “That’s the best idea I’ve heard so far. I like this woman.”
Minnie raised a brow. “Then you will go home and sleep. Tomorrow at five sharp all three of you,” her gaze cut to Exile, “are to return here. We’ve some things to discuss.”
Exile could have smiled if the situation weren’t so serious. Bad and Vice were in trouble too.
Daring straightened. “Excellent idea, love.”
“I don’t think so,” Bad grumbled, standing up and crossing his arms. “No woman tells me—”
Daring growled, “Finish that sentence and I’ll cut you from the club. I still own the controlling shares.”
Bad pressed his lips together. “I don’t need breakfast. Thank you very much.”
“Fine,” Minnie answered. “Suit yourself.” She stepped up to Bad, staring into his face. “Plan on returning for dinner tomorrow.” Then she pointed at Exile. “You’re to follow me.”
He did as he was told, giving Diana one last long look. She didn’t meet his gaze, instead staring at the far wall. Her chin was still high, but it trembled a bit and regret lanced through his chest.
Did he tell her the truth? Somehow that seemed even worse. I want you, but I’m promised to another. What consolation was that really?
Minnie walked in front of him, not waiting or turning toward him until they’d gone down the stairs and entered a sitting room. “How drunk are you?”
“I beg yer pardon?” he asked, squinting at her as she pivoted in front of the fire to face him.
“You heard me. I don’t want to have this conversation again. How drunk are you?”
He scratched the back of his neck. “I’m tired more than anything else.”
She nodded. “I don’t know how you feel about Diana.”
His chest tightened. “I like her a great deal,” he said. It was the truth.
Minnie let out a long breath, grasping the mantle. “But she’s far more fragile than she likes to admit and, lately, she hasn’t been herself.”
Charles…that was the reason and if he’d had the chance, he’d see the man suffered for what he’d done. “I see.”
“You’re hurting her,” Minnie said just loud enough to be heard. “Whether you mean to or not.”
His throat went dry. “I have no intention—”
Minnie stepped toward him. “I don’t give a heaping pile of dung about your intentions. You are causing her pain and that’s what I care about. I know you’re attracted to her, everyone knows it’s true.” She clasped her hands in front of her. “After Cordelia’s incident, I agree that a guard needs to be kept, but you should not be keeping watch over my cousin unless you’re considering marriage.”
He winced. “Diana would make an excellent wife but…”
“But what?” she stepped closer.
He scrubbed his face. “My family has already arranged a match for me. I’ve never even met the lass.”
“Does Diana know this?”
“No.” he shook his head. “The end result is the same.”
“Never even met her?” Minnie rubbed her chin. “You must not have any feeling for her whatsoever.”
“What does that matter? It’s my duty.” He narrowed his gaze, trying to decide what she was thinking. He’d known the family long enough to know when a Chase woman was scheming. But her next words made him forget all about his suspicions.
“If we don’t find Abernath soon then you’ll have to pick one of the other men to trade with. If you truly can’t take her for a wife, and you can’t remain detached, it’s best for both of you.”