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Important-looking ladies and gentlemen who passed by cast curious glances at them.
“Get in,” she said. “The investigation is just beginning.”
It was actually quite endearing that he was so afraid for her. But she wasn’t the wallflower he thought she was.
Nathaniel stood with his expression murderous, his fists clenching and unclenching, his turquoise eyes blazing. “I am starting to regret being engaged to you.”
She knew he was angry, but that hurt and sent a stab of embarrassment through her. “I’m not too happy about it, either.”
He took one step closer and put his hand on the handle. “Do you even understand what they can do to you?” There was something so deep and broken in his voice that she blinked, staring at him. “They could kill you and I—”
His voice cracked, and something in his face collapsed as he looked down. He breathed for a moment, then visibly collected himself and met her gaze again. “People like that kill women, men, anyone who stands in their way. And I may not be there to protect you.”
Calliope blinked, worry churning in her gut. “Look, Nathaniel, I know you’re a navy officer, and protective instincts are in your nature, but I assure you, I know what I’m doing. You’re not giving me enough credit. Our priority should be to act swiftly and locate Spencer.”
He stared at her for a long time, then finally nodded. “All right. But under one condition.”
“Another condition?”
He climbed up next to her. “We have to expedite the wedding.”
She raised her eyebrows. “How much faster can we marry? It’s already in three weeks!”
“First, I need an heir and time is not on my side.” He looked her over in such a way that heat washed through her. “And second, I can protect you better. Someone wants to stop you from investigating.”
“But they won’t.”
“That’s why I must be at your side. As a husband, that is exactly what I’ll be able to do. Protect you day and night.”
She whipped the reins, and the horse walked forward.
As the floor of the gig moved under her feet, she sighed. “All right. But you’re the one who has to talk to my brother.”
9
Walking through the hallway of the Admiralty with Calliope by his side, Nathaniel kept clenching and unclenching his fists. Yet again, a woman in his life was in danger—perhaps mortal danger. And she was stubborn and disobedient…and, just like his mama, Calliope wouldn’t let him protect her.
It was hard to walk, as though his legs were made of pure lead. Nervous energy ran through his body like prickly tingles.
“Are you feeling well?” asked Calliope.
He glared at her. How could she look so confident, so serene when someone had just threatened her?
“Am I feeling well?” he demanded, his voice louder than he’d like, echoing against marble floors.
An officer turned the corner of the hallway and nodded to him in greeting, throwing a curious glance at Calliope before passing through one of the many mahogany doors to either side. Nathaniel continued with a lower voice, which took him some effort. “That was a real threat, Calliope. Someone will harm you if you don’t stop. I’m concerned for your safety.”
“I’m concerned for my brother’s safety.”
“How do you not understand? Someone wanted your brother gone. Someone no doubt powerful. Perhaps deadly. Your brother must have stepped on their toes, and now you’re about to do the same. They could do the same things to you.”
She cocked her eyebrow, her face unconcerned. “Let them try.”
What was he doing? After what had happened to his mama, he was marrying a woman who didn’t care if she was in danger. His arms felt heavy, hands aching to grab her and lock her up somewhere away from danger.
But he had to be civilized.
Around the farther corner of the corridor, two male silhouettes appeared, walking towards them, deep in conversation. Nathaniel could hear the rumble of their voices echoing off the walls of the corridor. He recognized the deep voice and the upright posture of one of the men: Admiral Sir Robert Langden. In his fifties, the admiral was of medium height but with a muscular build and a slightly rounded stomach. Even when he was strict, he always had an underlying expression of kindness in his eyes, with the wrinkles of a smile around the corners. He listened to the other man carefully, his arms held against the small of his back as they walked. As they approached, Nathaniel could see the admiral’s navy uniform with golden epaulets bearing intricately embroidered stars.
