“No.”

“But they are ruining my business.”

Protecting Miss Barton was her brother’s responsibility. Everton had a responsibility to Lady Emily now, and he couldn’t put that in jeopardy. Not for a woman who could take care of herself. “You have acted rashly by coming alone to my house at this time of night. If it is ruination you want, you have got it. You won’t recover from this. If at some future point you wish to catch a husband, you should have left yourself plausible deniability at the very least. The ton can think the worst of you, but a husband never should. There is no way a well-known scoundrel like myself would allow a woman of the most delectable shape, so apparent in your wet clothing, to escape his house untouched. And truthfully, if you stay much longer, I will happily live up to my reputation.”

For a moment, she stood her ground. A strange sensation opened in his chest—longing. His breath shortened as he waited for her verdict. By the heavens, if she stayed . . .

It happened then. All her pomp and determination melted away. One mention of actually being touched by him and she was suddenly darting her eyes to the door. He sighed and stepped away from the light this young lady had brought with her. He had no idea what had possessed her to think he would help, but at last, he had convinced her to leave. “Nelson, show the young lady out.”

Nelson nodded, and this time, Miss Barton followed. She took two steps before changing her mind and spinning back around.

“It doesn’t have to be for the full two months. Come once or twice; I could make that work if that is all you are willing to do.”

Would the woman not leave? A burst of resentment flared in his chest. Didn’t she know what kind of place this was? His home was not meant for a genteel woman like her. This was where gentle spirits came to die.

He rushed forward and placed a hand at the back of her neck, his thumb pressed against her throat. His touch was light, but her reaction was instantaneous. She flinched but didn’t step away. Nelson stepped forward, but Everton gave him a look that made him retreat.

Miss Barton’s throat jostled with a swallow, and her breathing quickened through a clenched jaw. She was determined enough to stand her ground even with his hand upon her.

A delicate young lady that despised his touch but allowed it. Bile rose to his throat, and the room started spinning again.

He pulled his hand away from her soft skin as if he had been burned. “Get out.”

“But . . .”

“I will hear no more reasons from you. You came into my house uninvited, and you have been asked to leave multiple times. If you don’t leave now, I will call for a constable.”

With a shaky nod, she finally agreed. Nelson gave her a smile, placed a gentle hand to her back, and showed her out of the room. She didn’t flinch when Nelson touched her. If anything, Everton noticed relief on her striking features.