Page 68 of The Viscount of Shadows

Claudia returned to her packing. “Checking out various investigative agencies. Looking for me. For he believes I will lead him to The Sentinel.”

“You cannot return to Cleveland Street. Not yet, as it is not safe. We need to formulate a plan of attack.”

She glanced at him over her shoulder. “Attack?”

“Yes. We cannot hide forever. Danaher should be seen to.”

Claudia continued with her packing. “That is the police’s job. Not ours.”

Oliver strode toward her, gently clasped her arm, and swung her about to face him. “Why are you running from me?”

She gazed up at him. “You know what will happen if I stay. I cannot complicate my life.”

Oliver grazed the back of his fingers along her flushed cheek. “There is more to it than that. Something you are not telling me. Do not turn from this—from us.” Carefully and slowly, he cupped her cheeks, waiting for her to protest. She didn’t.

Oliver nibbled on her lower lip, and she opened in invitation. He took the kiss deeper in increments, tilting his head slightly as his tongue clashed with hers. Briefly, she returned his growing passion until Claudia stepped back, placing a hand against his chest as if to place distance between them.

“We need to stop,” she whispered.

“Do we?”

“I agree that I cannot return to Cleveland Street. Olivia invited me to stay with her and Gideon. I think I should. Please understand. What is happening between us? It’s too much. Emotional overload. There. I am admitting a weakness.”

“Emotions are not a weakness,” Oliver stated, fighting to keep his disappointment in check.

“You have said that before. Maybe not to you, but to me, it is. We need time and space apart. All right, I need it.” Claudia exhaled unsteadily. “I know you want more from me, both physically and emotionally. I thought I was incapable of giving any portion of myself to anyone. Part of me wants to throw myself into your arms, but another—is scared witless. There. I admit that, too. I cannot move forward until I understand what is happening inside me.”

“I am to have hope, then?” Oliver asked quietly.

“Perhaps.” Claudia snapped the case shut. “Please respect my wishes.”

Oliver stepped in reverse. “I will respect your wishes. All I ask is that you do not completely dismiss the bond between us. It is more than shared trauma. At least, to me.”

Dalton knocked, then entered. “My lord, the Duke of Allenby and the Duke of Chellenham are downstairs. They ask for an audience with both you and Miss Ellingford.”

Great timing, Oliver fumed inwardly.

But timing had not been on their side from the beginning. Oliver knew that if Claudia had no interest in him whatsoever, she would have said so—right to his face. The fact she asked for time to think lightened his heart—at least a little bit.

He yanked the ties of his dressing gown tighter across his waist. He wore trousers and a shirt underneath, appropriate enough to greet his friends. “Will you join us? It no doubt concerns the case.”

“Yes, but I must leave right after. Olivia is expecting me.”

“Of course. I will have my driver take you.” He held out his arm to indicate that she go through the door first.

Once out into the hallway, Claudia turned to face him. “Did I sound too cold and dismissive? I do not mean to be. Truly, I don’t. Not with you.” She gazed up at him. Her eyes had softened. “I am not turning away you, not really. I need a little time.”

He took her hand and kissed it. “It is fine, Claudia. I understand. Time you want, time you shall have.”

“You were right. That is not the only reason.” Claudia took a shuddering breath. “I want—need—to protect you. If anything ever happened to you, if Danaher got to you through me, I-I would die and—”

Oliver pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately. His heart soared at her heartfelt confession. He tasted every inch of her sweet mouth. Claudia threw her arms around his neck and enthusiastically kissed him in return. This continued for several moments, but they reluctantly broke apart when they heard voices below the stairs. With a smile, Oliver brushed the pad of his thumb across her swollen and well-kissed lips. “You have given me hope.”

Claudia took his hand and kissed it before releasing it. Then she slipped her arm through his. “Let us help each other down the stairs.”

Despite her protestations, Claudia cared for him—more than she realized. But he would never dismiss her hesitation and fright, for it was real and deeply felt. He respected her too much to make demands. They slowly and carefully made their way to Oliver’s study, where the men waited.

“We could have come to you,” Christian said as they entered the room.