Delaney took a deep breath.
The terror of Lord Hawksley was still a massive, dark shadow in her mind. But the thought of standing by Rowan's side, of fighting the monster together, gave her a sudden surge of courage. He was not giving up. He was asking for her help as a true partner.
But her ingrained sense of duty, the harsh lessons of her lonely life, made her try to rebuild the walls around her heart. She was a lady with a disgraced family name. He was a Duke with one of the most respectable names. Even if they defeated Hawksley, society would never accept them together.
She swallowed the lump in her throat. She forced herself to speak practically, trying to retreat back into the safe, familiar role of an employee.
"After we sort this out," Delaney replied, her voice becoming very low and deliberately steady. "After you are free from the Farringtons... I will have to find a suitable woman for you and..."
She did not get to finish her sentence.
Rowan snapped.
