She was struggling to stay afloat. Guilt apprised him that he wasn’t helping.
“Let’s get back to the subject at hand,” he suggested, heeding his inner voice. “Why does your father want to see me?”
“Partially, to discuss the men who are after him. Partially to … to …” Her flush deepened.
“To make certain I won’t take advantage of his daughter,” Dustin finished for her.
She looked startled, her eyes widening in reaction.
“As I told you, Derby, I was raised by a highly principled man. I well understand honor.” He met and held her gaze. “You said that you trust me.”
“I do.”
“Then trust me not to take advantage of you or hurt you in any way. Even if it means sacrificing my own needs. And yours.”
A current of sensual awareness ran between them, softening Nicole’s eyes to a smoky violet. “All right.”
God, how he wanted her. “What time would your father like to meet?”
“At noon. Papa says that’s all the time I’ll need to win Dagger over.”
Dustin chuckled. “I suspect he’s right.”
Nicole didn’t return the smile. “Dustin,” she murmured, unaware she’d even used his given name, “At the risk of overstepping my bounds, would you go to him? I know that’s an unusual request. You must be accustomed to summoning others, rather than vice versa. But I’m terrified that if Papa leaves the cottage …”
“He should never venture outside that house,” Dustin inserted at once. “Not until we’ve resolved this threat to his life, and how far-reaching it really is. Of course I’ll go to him.”
“Thank you.” She nearly sagged with relief. “I seem to be perpetually thanking you.”
“Then stop. If you want to thank me, win the Derby. I’ll consider that to be a splendid token of your appreciation.”
“You really mean that, don’t you?”
“I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t. Not to you.” Dustin hesitated, determined to explain that final statement and, by doing so, to explore his unprecedented pull toward her. “Candor is an unusual trait for me, at least where women are concerned.”
“Why is that?”
“Because, in my experience, women prefer to hear anything other than the truth.”
“Perhaps you’re associating with the wrong women.”
“Perhaps. Which brings me to my request—a request that involves those hours when you’re off duty. I’d like to call on you, to enjoy the pleasure of your company. On those occasions, I don’t care if you dress in breeches or gowns, nor do I care if our topics are as complex as the philosophy of life or as fundamental as the breeding of horses. You decide. Moreover, I’ll visit on your terms—at the cottage, with your father present if you wish. That should ease your mind, not only about my intentions, but about the risk of discovery, which will be nil. Anyone who sees me come and go will think I’m simply visiting my jockey to plan our strategy. May I have your permission?” He hesitated. “Nicole’s permission?”
Silence.
At last, she replied, “You promised to let me set the rules. Yet earlier, you insisted that our … embrace will happen again. I don’t understand how such conflicting assurances are feasible.”
“Don’t you?”
He saw her breath catch.
“Derby—” Staunchly, Dustin struggled to retain his final shred of control, the one that kept him from damning his vows and dragging her into his arms. “You will set the rules.” Who was he convincing, her or himself? “That was my vow, and I intend to keep it.” God help him. “As for our kisses, their future is in your hands. Yours, and fate’s.”
Nicole’s expression was an exquisite kaleidoscope of emotions. “And if I refuse your visits? Will Alden Stoddard be scratched from the Derby?”
“I’ll repeat what I said yesterday. Whatever Nicole decides will have no bearing on Stoddard’s position. My alliance with each of them is entirely separate, neither being contingent upon the other.”
“Why?” she whispered. “Given the strict constraints that would define our visits, why do you want to see me?”