Rue Allyn by One Moment's Pleasure Page B

to trust him but could only go so far. If he knew the wealth involved, he might force her into marriage just to get her fortune for himself. He might keep her from finding Kiera. Then her sisters would be destitute because she couldn’t be certain of his generosity toward women he didn’t know. Dutch was an extremely forceful and stubborn man. She doubted she could hold out for long should he compel her. How could she possibly trust him with such information?
    She cast a quick glance at his face. The tenderness and patience she saw shocked her to the core. Her hands stilled at their task of cleaning his wounds, and his fingers curled around hers.
    How could she not trust this man? He rescued her from Duval’s clutches whether she wanted it or not and made not a single demand of his own. His explosive temper blasted all within reach, but he harmed no one. He gave shelter and food even to those he wished elsewhere be it kittens, a servant, or a woman found in a bordello. Save for a temper Dutch Trahern was nothing like Grandfather, who, despite his vaunted morals, had more in common with Duval that Dutch. Edith had not really trusted Duval and had never trusted Grandfather. Since Dutch was so different, why not for once share her burdens with someone who had the strength of will to help?
    “Well?” The question came gentle and low across their linked hands.
    She untangled her fingers from his and resumed tending his injuries.
    “It’s complicated.”
    “I’d be surprised if it wasn’t.”
    She glanced up again. “Promise you won’t interrupt until I’m done or pass judgment?”
    His brow wrinkled. “I can promise the first, but I’m human — I don’t know that I can promise the second.”
    Edith nodded. “Very well. I came to San Francisco to find my sister Kiera who ran away rather than marry the cruel man our grandfather engaged her to in order to cement a business deal. Duval’s brothel is the last place Kiera was seen. In order to get information I pretended to be a woman wanting to hire Duval’s services so I would have reason to be on the premises.”
    Beneath her touch his hand tensed. “You what?”
    She frowned at him. “If you’re going to interrupt, I’ll stop right now.”
    “No, no. I’m sorry, but you have to admit your tale is rather startling.”
    “Which is why I want to be able to finish before you lose your temper.”
    “I. Will. Not. Lose. My. Temper.”
    She arched an eyebrow. “Really?”
    “Really,” he ground out. “I won’t say anything more until you say you’re done.”
    Her hands slid to the table, and her fingers started to pleat the damp cloth she’d been using.
    “Well, you know most of the rest. When you found me, I was waiting for the man Duval claimed she would hire for me. I thought you were him. I had intended to pay the man to pretend to a liaison with me, but things got out of hand before we could come to an agreement.”
    She rose briskly to exchange the filthy water for clean.
    • • •
    As certain as he was that she’d told the clear-eyed truth, he was equally sure she hadn’t told him everything. He wondered what kept her silent. Dutch had a few secrets of his own and understood too well the damage done by twisted, selfish guardians. He also understood the need to hide those wounds, even from one’s self. He wished he had words that would comfort or change Edith’s pain. He didn’t, so he let the subject drop then stood. “I’d better fetch that bath water.”
    She turned. Carrying the bowl and rag in one hand, she pressed her other palm to his chest, forcing him to yield back into his chair.
    “Sit down and wait for Tsung.” Setting set the bowl and rags on the table, Edith sat and continued to attack the dirt on his face and hands. “For some strange reason she adores you. You would hurt her feelings if you did not wait.”
    Edith dipped a clean cloth into the water and began dabbing dirt away from some scratches on his cheek.
    “How