“If you weremine, I would keep you safe,” he said, voice deep. His hand traveled to her leg. “I would rarely allow you to leave our bedchamber…”
Heart hammering, she tried to scoot back as he leaned in. Ohno, he was going to kiss her! She grabbed onto the back of the sofa, readying herself to stand, when a loud cough came from the doorway. A jolt went through her as she sat and hugged her blanket to her chest. With a rough exhale, Colonel Bishop turned to glare at the intruder.
“Not meaning tointerrupt.”
Cassandra’s stomach dropped. Seth stood in the doorway with a lethal expression, one hand clenched around a book, the other in a tight fist. His eyes narrowed. “Is everything all right, Miss Cooper?”
The two men stared each other down. Seth kept his eyes on Colonel Bishop as he stepped into the room. Colonel Bishop moved to stand in front of the tea table, blocking Seth from entering further.
“She’sfine,” he clipped. “Run along,Captain.”
“I didn’t askyou, Colonel.” Brushing past Colonel Bishop, Seth dropped his book on the tea table and squared his shoulders. Not looking at Cassandra, he raised his voice. “Shall I askagain, Miss Cooper?”
Colonel Bishop stepped forward, as if readying himself to strike. Seth pushed his sleeves up and his face hardened, cold and calculating. Hostility surged between the two men, and if she didn’t stop it, they were going to brawl right then and there.
“I’m all right, Mr. Reeves.” Cassandra said, turning to him with a smile she hoped was convincing. “You needn’t stay. I’m sure my brother will be along anyminute.”
Colonel Bishop smirked. “Perhaps you should go fetch him.”
Unconvinced, Seth studied her. She gave him a small nod. He scoffed, and without another word, turned on his heel and left.
Once his steps faded, Colonel Bishop stood and walked to the window. Watching the rain, he stared into the distance. When he spoke, his voice was low and contemptuous.
“You should know, Miss Cooper. The fire was his fault. You should ask him about it, considering yourcloseness. Mr. Reeves fell asleep on watch. A captain isn’t supposed to stand watch, and for good reason.” He scowled. “Had he been awake, the fire could have been extinguished.Everyonecould have gotten out safely. Did he tell you why he despises me?”
Not giving her a chance to respond, he continued, “Because I pulled him from the blaze! Isn’t that something? He’s not well. One look at your brother’s throat should tell you as much.”
The air left her lungs.
“Neither of you should allow him to have any influence over you, not when it’s gotten youbothhurt. Will it beyourthroat next time?” He fixed her with an icy stare. “Everyone else may tout him as a hero, but saving nine men doesn’t redeem the fact that he placed them in danger to begin with.” His voice darkened. “Aside from Mr. Reeves,tenmen were in that building. The man that perished was Charles Thomas, my cousin. A good, smart lad.” He turned back to the window and whispered, “No one deserves to die like that.”
Not knowing what to say, Cassandra stammered, “I’m sorry for your loss.”
Colonel Bishop snapped around to face her. “I didn’tlosehim. He was taken from me,” he ground out. Moving from the window to standover her, he placed a hand on either side of her. Bending forward, he said, “I don’t want that man to take away anything else of mine.”
She rolled away from him as he came down, falling halfway off of the sofa to avoid him. His eyes widened, and then he frowned. She righted herself with heavy breaths, met his eyes defiantly, and said, “Regardless of our history, I am notyours, Colonel. Do not touch me again.”
Unconcerned, he gave her a hearty chuckle. “I forget that you’re an innocent. Very well. Another time.”
Coming around the table, he grabbed the book Seth had left and read the cover.
“Practical BotanyVol. 2.” He laughed, a mirthless sound. “In what world would you ever have a use forthis? I’ll return it to the library for you.”
That night, Cassandra found herself unable to sleep. Pacing, filled with anxious energy, knowing that a fight was looming. One minute after midnight, Seth came to her, letting himself into her bedchamber. His dark eyes took her in from head to toe, her dressing gown pulled tight over her nightgown, hair flowing over her shoulders.
She readied herself for the argument, but Seth only took a slow step forward.
“Are you still hurt?” His deep voice sent shivers through her. She couldn’t bring herself to answer him, so he asked again.
“Are,” he took a step forward, “you,” he towered over her, “hurt?”
She knew what he was asking.
“No,” she breathed. “I’m not hurt.”
“Good,” he growled. Gathering her in his arms, Seth kissed her.
Chapter Eighteen