Page 13 of Eight for Losing, One for Loving

“I could shake you,” he said, glaring at her.

Vi swallowed. “I can see that.”

“Norton,” Leo said, not taking his eyes from her.

“Yes, sir.”

“Take your place, please.”

“Yes, sir.” Norton fled to the back of the tilbury. Vi rather envied him.

“What are you going to do tonight, Violetta?” Leo asked, his voice low. “If I don’t find Mau, I’ll have to stop for a few hours at least or I’ll not be able to keep going tomorrow. I’ll get a room in one of the inns here. What then, love?”

Vi tried to swallow again but her mouth was dry. “I-I thought of that,” she said unsteadily. “I shall put my shawl over my head and pretend to be your maiden aunt.”

“Ha!” The crack of laughter was so sudden and so loud she jumped, glaring at him with indignation. “In that outfit? I think not, pet. Oh no,” he said, in a tone that made her skin prickle with foreboding. He leaned in, putting his mouth close to her ear, so close his warm breath fluttered against her neck, making her shiver.

“Leo—” she protested, but his next words chased anything she might have said clear from her mind.

“No, love. If you’re staying, I shall take a room for us both. One room, and I shall sign you in as my wife. Unless you prefer to be my mistress?”

“Leo!” Vi said in outrage.

“Want to go home now?” he demanded, his eyes narrowing.

Vi’s stubborn streak leapt to the fore, suppressing the immediate desire she’d just had to do exactly that. “Certainly not,” she retorted, putting up her chin.

“Fine,” Leo said through his teeth.

“Fine,” she shot back, crossing her arms.

“Unbelievable,” he muttered furiously, taking up the reins.

Vi pressed herself against the side of the tilbury as the horse walked on, wanting to be as far from Leo and his obvious displeasure as possible. His anger scalded her, a prickling sensation against her skin. As the minutes ticked past, Vi sighed, telling herself not to be such a ninny. This was Leo – Leo, not some man who might take advantage of her and the situation. Now that the worst was over, she allowed herself to relax a little. Leo might rant and rage and threaten, but the truth was, he would never lay a finger on her or do anything to risk her reputation. She knew it as she knew the sun would rise again in the morning. She trusted him. Still, while the daylight dimmed by degrees and the roads became quieter as they left the town behind, the realisation of what she’d just done sank in.

Oh, lud, she thought desperately, and wondered if she really had lost her mind.