Guardian Angel by Julie Garwood Page A

settee. Christina handed her a full goblet of brandy. “Drink this,” she ordered. “It will warm your insides.”
    Jade took a few dainty sips until she became accustomed to the burning sensation, then emptied the glass.
    Christina nodded with satisfaction. Jade felt immensely better, sleepy, too. She leaned back against the cushions and closed her eyes.
    â€œDon’t you dare fall asleep,” Caine ordered. “I have some questions to put to you.”
    She didn’t bother to open her eyes when she answered him. “I won’t fall asleep, but when I keep my eyes closed, I don’t have to see your mean frowns, Caine. It’s much more peaceful this way. Why were you pretending to be Pagan?”
    She’d slipped in that question so smoothly, no one reacted for a full minute.
    â€œHe was what?” Lyon finally asked.
    â€œHe was pretending to be Pagan,” Jade repeated. “I don’t know how many other famous people he’s pretended to be in the past,” she added with a nod. “Still, it seems to me that your friend has an affliction of sorts.”
    Caine looked as if he wanted to throttle her. Christina held her smile. “Lyon? I don’t believe I’ve ever seen our friend this upset.”
    â€œNeither have I,” Lyon returned.
    Caine successfully glared him into quitting his comments. “This isn’t a usual circumstance,” he muttered.
    â€œI doubt he’s ever pretended to be Napoleon though,” Jade interjected. “He’s too tall to pull it off. Besides, everyone knows what Napoleon looks like.”
    â€œEnough,” Caine bellowed. He took a deep breath, then continued in a softer tone. “I’ll explain why I was pretending to be Pagan after you’ve told me everything that led up to this black night.”
    â€œYou make it sound as though everything is my fault!” she cried out.
    He closed his eyes. “I do not fault you.”
    â€œOh, yes, you do,” she argued. “You’re the most exasperating man. I’ve been through a terrible time and you’ve shown me as much compassion as a jackal.”
    Caine had to count to ten before he could trust himself not to shout at her.
    â€œWhy don’t you just start at the beginning?” Lyon suggested.
    Jade didn’t pay any attention to Lyon’s request. Her full attention was centered on Caine. He was still a little too controlled for her liking. “If you don’t start giving me a little sympathy and understanding, I’m going to start shouting.”
    â€œYou’re already shouting,” he told her with a grin.
    That statement gave her pause. She took a deep breath, then decided to take a different tack. “Those terrible men ruined everything,” she announced. “My brother had just finished renovating his lovely home and they ruined it. I cannot tell you how disappointed Nathan is going to be when he finds out. Oh, quit staring at me like that, Caine. I don’t care if you believe me or not.”
    â€œNow, Jade . . .”
    â€œDon’t talk to me.”
    â€œYou seem to have lost control of the conversation,” Lyon pointed out to Caine.
    â€œI was never in control,” Caine answered. “Jade, we’re going to have to talk to each other,” he announced then. “Yes,” he added when he thought she was about to interrupt. “You have been through a trying time. I’ll give you that much.”
    He thought his tone had been filled with understanding. He wanted to appease her, yet knew he’d failed when she continued to frown at him. “You’re the most galling man. Why do you have to sound so superior all the time?”
    Caine turned to Lyon. “Did I sound superior?”
    Lyon shrugged. Christina nodded. “If Jade thinks you sounded superior,” she said. “Then perhaps you did, just a little.”
    â€œYou treat me like an