One Rogue Too Many Read Online Free PDF

of the grassy knolls. The ground evened out, and she pushed herself harder. Dashing up the front steps, she slammed her palm against the door.
    “Anthony!” She struck the solid oak and called his name repeatedly until the door flew open.
    His butler’s jaw hung slack when he recognized her.
    “Rupert, what’s all the fuss?” Anthony was descending the staircase, his cravat hanging loosely around his neck. “Lady Gabrielle, is everything all right? Is it your mother?”
    She shook her head, unable to catch her breath.
    He rushed forward to put his arm around her shoulders and guided her in the direction of the drawing room, as best as she could recall. She hadn’t visited Ellis Hall often even though Anthony and his mother had been their neighbors since before Gabby was born. Lady Ellis had been something of a recluse. The last time Gabby had been in his home was after he had buried his mother.
    “Bring tea for the lady,” he called over his shoulder.
    “Yes, milord.”
    Anthony escorted her to the settee, then knelt beside her to draw her cloak around her shoulders. “You are shaking. I’ll have a fire started.”
    “I’m not cold.”
    The drawing room was chilly, but she welcomed the cooler air on her damp skin. Her heartbeat was slowing and her breathing had evened out, but her emotions were churning and threatening to burst loose. If she started crying now, she feared she’d never stop.
    He rubbed her hands between his, warming her fingers. “Has something happened to one of your sisters? Should I send for the doctor?”
    “Everyone is well. I—” Lud . What was she to say? She decided to tell the truth. “You didn’t come to Foxhaven Manor yesterday and I thought you might have returned to London.”
    He rocked back on his heels and regarded her with an unreadable expression. “I intended to call this afternoon.”
    “Oh. I didn’t realize.” She fiddled with the tie of her cloak, her body growing even hotter. Only a fool would burst into a man’s home and all but shout out she wanted him.
    Anthony stood and put several paces between them. “Let’s get you warmed up, then I’ll see you home.”
    “I shouldn’t have come.” She pushed from the settee, but before she could move for the door, he captured her around the waist.
    “Stay. I’m pleased to see you.”
    His touch crumbled the wall restraining her emotions and her tears flowed.
    “Gabby, what is it?” His arms went around her. She snuggled against his chest, her eyes closed on a half sob. He held her together with his embrace, whispering soothing words. His lips brushed her temple. “Shh, my love. I’ve got you. You are safe.”
    Her shaking slowed as his warmth broke through the shield she’d erected around herself. It had been so long since she’d felt connected with anyone, and never like this. Her tears continued for a moment, but she no longer worried about being at their mercy with him holding her.
    “Anthony,” she said on a breath. His name was like a soothing chant.
    He brushed the hair from her forehead. “I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”
    She melted against him, clinging to his promise. She had lost too many people already. “I miss him so much.”
    “I know.” Anthony continued to stroke her hair. “Your father was a good man.”
    Her throat began to ache again. How was it Anthony understood every wound to her heart without her having to explain? It was a relief to let everything out, but she reluctantly eased from his embrace. Why should she receive comfort when her mother had lost the love of her life?
    She sniffled. “I wish I could go back and do everything differently.”
    A knock at the door startled her. For a moment, she’d forgotten where she was. She retreated to the settee, removed her cloak, and folded her hands on her lap while the footman wheeled in a tea cart, then left them alone again.
    She followed Anthony’s movements as he poured, the cup and saucer too dainty for his