Page 50 of How to Best a Marquess

Chapter Fourteen

Hugh pulled Ellie along just as she came to a sudden halt.

“You’re bleeding!” she cried out, her gaze focused on his shoulder.

Hugh had been more concerned for Ellie than the stinging in his shoulder. He parted the torn fabric to look at the wound. “It’s simply a flesh wound. The bullet grazed me. Nothing more.”

“Nothing more! You were shot.”

“It needs to be cleaned and bandaged. It’s not that painful. I’ve had worse in the boxing ring. Let’s see to you.”

Her face paled. “My injuries are of no matter. I must treat your wound.”

He gloried briefly from the concern etched on her features and in her voice. Did she truly care for him that much?

They made it through the park to the street at the opposite end. At last, the tall doors of the Raven Club came into view.

He held her back. “Not the front. You could be seen.”

He knew that she’d only ever entered through the back doors. Her carriage would drop her in the mews, and she’d wear a hooded cloak and enter through a well-guarded back entrance. She’d always been careful, and he wouldn’t jeopardize her reputation now.

She looked at him incredulously. “I hardly care about that now when you are bleeding through your clothes.”

Once again, a thrill raced through him for her worry. But he was insistent, and soon they were in the back of the club.

She knocked once, and a slot in the door opened to reveal one of the club’s servants. Recognizing her, he opened the door.

“My lady.”

They stepped inside. The servant’s eyes widened, but she didn’t say a word.

Privacy above all else.Rules to live by at the club.

“Please tell Alice I require hot water, clean bandages, and a healing salve. We will be in the women’s gambling room,” Ellie instructed.

The woman nodded, then scurried off.

Soon they were at the hidden panel. She pressed the latch and ushered Hugh inside.

“Why here?” Hugh asked. Why would she prefer the women’s gambling room and not the boxing room or the office? He knew firsthand the boxing room had basic medical supplies such as bandages.

“There’s a bed, remember?”

“How could I forget? I thought you and Brooks were sharing more than a working relationship.” Just the thought of her with the guard caused an ache in his chest.

Her lips thinned. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

She led him past the tables and opened the door into the small bedchamber. The four-poster bed had been made, and she pulled back a pale peach coverlet with roses to reveal white sheets. “Sit and let me see how badly you are injured.”

“It’s just—”

She raised a hand. “A flesh wound, I know. You’ve said as much, but if you don’t mind, I’d like to examine you myself.”

Hugh removed his greatcoat and waistcoat. Blood stained the shoulder of his shirt.

“Remove your shirt,” she said.

“I never dreamed you would order me to do so.”