Miss Dunn arched a brow by way of a challenge. “Now you’re teasing me. Had that been the case, his expression would have revealed something of his torment.” Her playful smile added a certain intimacy to the conversation. “I chose you, Mr Ashwood, because your intelligent eyes flashed with intrigue the moment you saw my notebook.”
Noah couldn’t help but smile, too. Yet he wanted to see how easy it would be to unnerve her. “Madam, you’re rather free with your compliments. A man might get the wrong impression. Perhaps the bare truth of the matter is you picked me purely for my handsome looks.”
She pursed her lips, though her eyes danced with amusement. “Well, while on the subject of your manly attributes, your muscular thighs and athletic build played a part in my decision. The scar on your knuckle suggests an injury from a fistfight. I need a man whose physical strength is equal to his mental prowess.”
“You need a man?” he said, pressing her further. “Are you certain you’ve come to the right place, Miss Dunn? But tell me, what if Mr D’Angelo was the only agent available? Your keen observations would have been for nought.”
“On the contrary,” she challenged.
“Are you suggesting you’re capable of dealing with a lothario?” He laughed. Indeed, he could not recall a time when he’d enjoyed bantering with a woman. “Can you manage a man who has contempt for women who wear spectacles?”
“They’re hypothetical questions. You will take my case even if stretched to make the time. You see, Mr Ashwood, the truth of the matter is that you’re desperate to know what brings me here. You’re eager to know what is written in my notebook.”
Chapter 2
Eva might have made a mistake.
Yes, she had used the principles of reasoning when choosing Mr Ashwood to hear her case. Common sense said he was mentally and physically equipped to deal with the complicated situation. He was a man who took work seriously. A man whose commanding presence radiated from every aspect of his being. Yet she had not expected to find a devilish charm beneath his professional exterior.
“Now I know why there are so many simpering misses in the ballroom, Miss Dunn,” the gentleman with exceptional green eyes said. “When distributing honesty and confidence, the Lord gave you the lion’s share.”
It took immense effort not to laugh. It was easy to feign belief in oneself, easy to speak with certitude. Yet every muscle in her body quivered. The hollow feeling in her chest expanded, bringing the persistent wave of nausea that had plagued her since the violent attack.
“Timidity is a useless pursuit, sir,” she said, recalling the strength it took to fight the fiend. “A lady in my position cannot afford to play the meek maid simply because men find submissiveness attractive.”
“That’s a rather sweeping statement. Some men despise the docile types.” His lips curled into a sensual smile that pinned her to the seat. “Some men prefer a challenge, seek a companion with spirit and an intelligent mind.”
“I have yet to meet one.” Such men were a rare breed.
Mr Ashwood brushed his hand through his golden brown hair. “And yet the slight tension in your voice suggests otherwise.”
Good heavens. It was pointless hiding anything from this man. He noted every little movement, every little nuance. He saw beyond the wall she had constructed to hide her pain.
“Then let me rephrase. I have yet to meet one with integrity.” For all Mr Hemming’s protestations of morality, he was as debased as her brother.
“When it comes to seduction, a scoundrel will use any means necessary to achieve his goal.” He scanned her body as if looking for dirty handprints, evidence left by the last devil who backed her into a corner and sought to take advantage. “Tactics you have experienced firsthand. It’s why you chose the agent who commanded Mrs Gunning’s respect.”
“Clearly, I am not the only one with keen observation skills.”
“No,” he mused. “I learn something new every time you open your mouth, Miss Dunn.”
Heavens! His velvet voice made the innocent comment sound highly suggestive.
“Then between us, we should solve this case quickly, sir.”
“One would think so.” He gave a half shrug. “Though I haven’t agreed to help you with your problem.”
“Oh, but you will agree.” He had to agree. She no longer had the strength to face her mounting problems.
“As your confidence knows no bounds, Miss Dunn, perhaps you should begin your distressing tale.” He relaxed back in the chair. His verdant gaze lost its playful sparkle as he stared intently. “All I ask is that you speak plainly. Honestly.”
Eva glanced at the quill pen resting on the inkstand. “Will you not take notes, Mr Ashwood?”
“I have an excellent memory, and paper is expensive.”
“You will need an exceptional memory if you’re to recall the details of my case.” Indeed, there were so many elements to the tale she wasn’t sure where to start.
“Madam, you have no need to doubt my ability in any regard.”