Scoundrel With A Noble Heart (sequel of Disgraceful)

Chapter 24

"I... I'll fetch you a blanket and something to wear."
She stammered and hurried out of the room. Turning his head on the pillows, Matthew scanned his surroundings to find his clothes, but they were nowhere in sight. He cringed at the sight of the lacy handkerchief over his crotch and, couldn't bear the embarrassment for another minute, he searched for another possible covering within his reach. He almost reached for the pillows under his head when the girl returned with a pile of folded sheets and robe.

Fixing his gaze on the ceiling, Matthew suppressed his mortification as the girl spread the blanket over his legs and pulled the sheets above his waist. She seemed to understand his predicament, careful to keep her gaze fixed anywhere else but on him. After she'd done arranging the blanket, she reached for the folded robe.
"I brought you my father's dressing gown. I know this is too big for you but I suppose it will have to make do for tonight. I'll try to get a pair of trousers and a shirt for you tomorrow."

She spread the dressing gown and the gold and silk threads dazzled in the candlelight. The sumptuous housecoat reminded Matthew of a robe worn by kings from exotic lands he'd seen in pictures. He had never imagined wearing something so fine that he was afraid his grubby skin would soil the fabric.

A subtle, feminine scent swirled into his nostrils as the girl stepped closer to help him sit upright. One firm, gentle hand held him up while the other deftly arranged some pillows behind him. After making sure that he was comfortably propped, she helped him shrug into the robe. Then she lowered herself into a chair beside the bed and reached over for a water jug on the nightstand. His attention was instantly captured by the sight of her delicate wrist as she poured water into a glass.

"My father brought you home. You helped him in the street, remember?" She answered his question from earlier.
"We've had a doctor taken care of you. He said nothing serious but you should rest for a couple of days until the wound is healed."

It took a while for the information to sink in. He started to say something in response. Again a croak escaped him as he tried to choke out a word through his parched throat. The girl immediately brought the water to his lips.
"Here, have a drink."

He took too big a gulp of his drink and started to cough and splutter.

"Slowly."
The girl gently patted his back, and reached for a small towel to wipe the water dripping down his chin and neck. When he eventually stopped coughing, he turned his head and he heard the girl catch her breath when his eyes met hers.

Just then the door opened, and a large man appeared in the doorway. He stepped into the room, his enormous shoulders taking up the width of the portal. Matthew instantly recognized him. The flamboyant man in the street. He'd stripped his outerwear and rolled up his shirtsleeves, but there was no mistaking his striking presence.

"Papa."
The girl straightened, pushing out of her seat as the man reached her side. The man lowered himself into the vacant chair, staring at Matthew from eyes darker than onyx. An unsightly scar stretched from his left eyebrow to below his right eye. Despite his average height, the man emanated a powerful brooding air, and the deep lines and wrinkles in his rough, bristled face didn't make him look less intimidating. They only served to give him a strong, well-fortified appearance.

"What's your name, young man?" The man asked bluntly.

"I'm Matthew, Sir."

"Where do you live?"

At the question, Matthew seemed to lose his voice. He never whined for his unfortunate circumstances, but he found it mortifying to say it out loud, even to a stranger. Across from him, the man gave an impatient scoff,
"Don't you hear me? I'm asking you-"