“Details?” He inclined his head. “As I understood it, you’re going to win the Derby for me. What more is there to clarify? Wages? How many hours a day you’ll train?”
“Neither. I’m grateful for the opportunity you’ve given me. I’ll train for as long as it takes and accept whatever wages you deem fair.”
“Then what details are you referring to?”
“I’m referring to the fact that I can’t do my job effectively if I’m anxious, not to mention that Dagger will sense and take on my unease.”
“Spoken like a true horseman.” Dustin couldn’t help but grin. “And I quite agree. The questions that arise are, what’s causing your anxiety and how can I relieve it?”
“The cause and the solution are the same.” Nicole raised her chin. “You.”
“I?”
“Yes. Without your cooperation, this entire plan is doomed to failure. I need to know you were sincere when you vowed to safeguard Papa and me.”
“I was and I am.”
“Then it’s crucial that you support my efforts. You must perceive me and treat me as Alden Stoddard.”
“Derby—” Dustin lowered his voice, an added precaution to ensure they were not overheard. “Stop worrying. I don’t make promises I don’t mean to keep. I’ll protect your secret, as well as your father’s. Trust me not to betray you.”
“I do trust you—I have from the onset. But there are several points I must emphasize. First, recognize that I shall always address you formally—as ‘my lord’ or ‘Lord Tyreham.’ It would be totally inappropriate for Stoddard to use your given name.”
“Agreed.”
“Next, cease eyeing me as if I’m some delightful confection you plan to gobble up.”
Dustin’s lips twitched. “I wasn’t aware I was doing that. But, rest assured, the way I eye you when we’re alone will differ greatly from the way I eye you among others.”
Confusion clouded her face. “That’s not what I meant.”
“Nevertheless, it’s the truth. My demeanor with Alden Stoddard will be completely businesslike. In fact, I’ll go one step further.” Dustin considered the drastic vow he was about to make, then pushed onward, praying he’d have the strength to see it through. “Even when we’re alone, I’ll let you dictate the te
rms of our relationship. Until and unless you proclaim otherwise, you are Alden Stoddard and I am your employer. Fair enough?”
“Yes.” Nicole looked surprised, dazed, and—best of all—disappointed.
“That should eliminate your anxiety, Derby. You now know that I won’t leap upon you like some sacrificial lamb to be devoured against your will. Incidentally,” he added with a wry grin, “even under the best of circumstances, I don’t devour innocent women. Or boys of any kind, innocent or otherwise.”
A flicker of humor. “I’m relieved, my lord. I was told that innocent women are the only sort who remain safe from your allure. However, I’d heard nothing about boys. I’m delighted to hear that they, too, are excluded from your list of potential prey.”
Laughter rumbled from Dustin’s chest. “I’m going to have to accustom myself to that rapier wit and forthright tongue.”
“If Papa’s complaints about me are valid, you have quite a challenge ahead of you.”
“I knew that from the start. But, Derby—” His gaze delved deep inside her. “Remember that challenges are my forte. Especially those as well worth embracing—and savoring—as you.”
Her lashes swept her cheeks, now flushed in response to his blatant message.
“Continue with your details,” Dustin murmured, easing her back to safe ground. “What else can I do to assuage your anxiety?”
“Only one thing more.” The toe of Nicole’s boot traced lines in the dirt. “My father wants to see you,” she announced uncomfortably. “Today. I told him what happened between us in your study… no!” Her head came up, her expression mortified as she realized what she’d just implied. “I don’t mean I told him what we … that we …” Agitated, she sought the right words. “What I meant was that I explained the outcome of my interview, that you’d deduced who I was and why.”
“I understood what you meant.” Rather than amusement, Dustin felt a surge of acute tenderness at her plight. When was the last time he’d seen a woman try so hard to circumvent any mention of what amounted to no more than a chaste, albeit soul-shattering, kiss? “And I concur wholeheartedly with your decision. The more intimate moments of our exchange should be kept private, not only because hearing about them would upset your father but because there aren’t words to describe the magic that occurs when you’re in my arms.”
He could actually see the tiny shiver that ran through her. “It’s never going to happen again,” she whispered, her tone as unconvincing as her pledge.
“Oh, yes it is.” Dustin’s need to hold her was a palpable ache in his chest—one he refused to succumb to. “Not just again, but again after that. It’s as inevitable as dawn, as compelling as darkness. However, it will be up to you to determine when and where.”