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She stopped. Chris had told her he couldn’t be her hero. He’d outright said he wouldn’t marry. She still wasn’t certain what he did plan for his future, but he obviously didn’t intend to stay in Seabridge Gate for any length of time.
She twisted her hands together. Did she want him to stay? She was afraid the answer was yes.
And she was happy to go to the cricket match with him, she truly was, but she didn’t want to see William or any of the other bullies, all who’d play today. Surprisingly, she didn’t feel the same twinge of fear. Somehow, having Chris at her side made her far less afraid. What she felt was a prick of annoyance.
She cocked her head to the side and studied Chris. How had one day with this man changed her feelings so entirely?
Somehow, being with him had filled her with…confidence? She blinked in surprise. What a gift he’d given her.
Even if he did leave, and the idea still hurt, she’d do well to remember what he’d managed to do for her in a single day.
They reached the field just outside the village that had been set up for the game. Chris climbed out and handed them both out. As her hand fitted into his, Bianca straightened. Today she wouldn’t be afraid and she wouldn’t bumble or babble, she’d be strong. Like him.
They circled the crowd of spectators and Chris picked a spot under a large willow tree for them to watch.
“I love cricket.” Juliet clapped. “We play too. Bianca has an excellent throwing arm. She’s the best of all of us.”
Chris raised a brow. “Really? I should like to see that.”
“Hey you…over there,” one of the players called. Bianca looked up to see Fredrick Goodfellow standing at the perimeter of the field, looking at Chris. She didn’t like the man at all. He was the worst of the bunch and she resisted the urge to tuck herself behind Chris. “The other team is short a player. Can you step in?”
Chris straightened up, his brow dropping low. “No.”
The other man snorted. “Why not? We can’t play without another player.”
Chris’s fist clenched at his side. “We met earlier, remember?”
“I remember.” The other man sneered. “Now’s your chance to show me what you’re actually made of and not just spew idle threats.”
Bianca looked between the two men, her brow knitting. They met? What had Fred said?
Chris shrugged off his jacket, handing it to her when none other than William joined the conversation. His blond hair flashed in the sun as he trotted next to Fred. “Who’s this then?”
“I don’t know,” Fred answered. “Who are you, anyway?”
“This is Lord Craven,” Juliet answered, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “He’s a friend of our family.”
Bianca held her breath, hoping Chris didn’t disagree, but she needn’t have worried. Instead, he took off his cravat as well and also handed her the garment. “I’m playing for the opposing team?”
“That’s right. We bat first,” Fred answered.
Bianca leaned over, his jacket warm in her arms. She caught subtle hints of his sandalwood scent as she resisted the urge to bury her nose in the cloth. “You don’t need to play.” She lifted her chin to look up in his eyes. “You’re not my hero, remember?”
And right this moment, she didn’t want him to be. She’d enjoyed how he’d defended her this morning. But she wasn’t sure she cared what those bullies thought after today and she wanted to spend time with Chris more than she wanted vindication. His company made her feel better more than anything else.
He lifted a brow as he rolled up the sleeves of his shirt. “Today, I am.”
Chapter Seven
Chris had never wanted to play cricket more. His muscles twitched with the urge. He’d beat these men into the ground and then he’d take a victory kiss from Bianca for good measure.
His blood sang with the idea as she looked up at him, her eyes shining with uncertainty. “Don’t worry,” he murmured. “They’ll rue the day they crossed you.”
He heard Juliet gasp, but Bianca didn’t smile, in fact, she frowned. “You could stay here.”
“How long have you known Miss Moorish?” William called again, stepping closer. Chris looked at the man on whom Bianca had clearly had a crush. The man was handsome the way Dashlane was good looking. All blond hair and blue eyes and nice features. Jealousy churned in his gut. Is that what kind of man Bianca liked? Why did he care?
He straightened, glaring at the other man. Then he turned back to Bianca and reached for her hand, slowly bringing her gloved fingers to his lips. The kiss lingered much longer than was necessary, but it had the intended effect. All the men on the field went quiet.
