An Agent For Lorelai (Pinkerton Matchmaker 70) by Jo Grafford

Author:Jo Grafford [Jo Grafford]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-04-24T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7: Battle Plans

John (Dante)

To John’s delight, Lorelai snuggled closer. His arms came around her as the carriage started to roll, and she remained in his embrace for the duration of their short trip back to the ranch.

“Are you ready for what comes next, Dante Diablos?” she inquired in a teasing voice.

“I was a few days ago,” he grumbled, hugging her more tightly and burying his face in her hair. He’d been fully prepared to mount a defense against Malvado’s coming raid — right up to the point where Edgar had to interfere and drag Lorelai into danger.

“Well, that sounds ominous.” She leaned back in his arms to get a better look at him. “Dare I ask what changed your level of readiness?”

“You, love.” He reached up to trace a finger down her cheek, cherishing every moment he got to spend with her. He could only pray that her recent change of heart meant something beyond her uncanny ability to play act. It was his greatest hope that she was well on her way to forgiving his earlier duplicity. He wanted far more with her than the next few days on her ranch, working the case together. He wanted forever and always.

“Aw! Am I that much trouble?” she teased.

“And then some.” He didn’t return her smile, though he continued to caress her check.

“But I married you!” she protested softly. “I gave you a partner.”

“You also gave me a reason to be afraid.” He dropped his gaze. “I’ve never been so afraid of anything in all my days.” That was saying a lot, considering the crooked journey his life had taken and the many scars he’d collected in the process.

“I didn’t think you were afraid of anything, pirate.” She caught his hand and pressed it to her cheek, forcing his gaze back to hers.

“I’m afraid of losing you, Lorelai,” he confessed. He wasn’t certain what finally forced the truth from him. Maybe it was the danger mounting around them. Maybe it was his knowledge that there was little he could do to stop the coming raid. Or maybe it was the soft, vulnerable look that had stolen across her features, and the longing. “From the moment we met, this has been more than an assignment to me. I need you to know that.”

“I do,” she said gently.

“I didn’t plan on falling in love with you, and I certainly never meant for you to get hurt in the process.”

She blinked. “You fell in love with me?” she choked. “That is, it wasn’t just part of the role you were playing?”

“That part was for real.” He cupped her cheek and leaned in to tip his forehead against hers. “I love you, Lorelai Langston. I love you more than I thought was possible to love another person. I think about you constantly, I never stop worrying about your safety, and I would give anything to have you miles and miles away from what is coming.”

“Well, I don’t wish to be miles away,” she returned fiercely.

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