Page 20 of The Devil's Bargain
Oh, how completely she had already begun to possess him in return.
11
The Upper Hand
Devlin moved through the darkened house like a shadow, years of thievery and late-night business dealings having honed his ability to navigate unseen. He couldn’t have survived the streets if he hadn’t learned to be invisible. The servants’ entrance had been laughably easy to breach, almost too easy, a fact that both tickled and disturbed his mind.
He’d had one of his men question a maid about the layout of the house, and his feet carried him silently up the back stairs, avoiding the third step that was reported to creak. The household slept as he made his way down the carpeted corridor toward Caroline’s private chambers.
His purpose eluded even his own understanding, save for a burning need to assert some measure of mastery over the exquisite puzzle that was Caroline Thurlow. Perhaps by penetrating her sanctuary, by leaving evidence of his presence among her precious drawings, he might reclaim the advantage she’d so thoroughly stripped from him. Yet even as the thought formed, he recognised its futility. How the mighty had fallen. He, London’s most feared businessman, reducedto such childish games by a woman who continually proved more cunning than he’d imagined. Like a proud tomcat whose dignity suffered with each failed attempt to catch an unusually clever mouse, he found himself simultaneously frustrated and captivated by her ability to elude his grasp.
Devlin stood by her chamber door and confirmed absolute silence. Then he turned the doorknob.
The door opened without a sound. In the pitch darkness, he took two steps forward and found himself suddenly seized by multiple pairs of strong hands. Before he could react, they had him pinned and bound spread-eagle to what he presumed was Caroline’s bed. The efficiency of the operation spoke of careful planning.
A match struck, and warm lamplight filled the room. Caroline emerged from behind a screen, looking entirely too pleased with herself. She wore a proper high-necked nightgown, but her hair tumbled loose around her shoulders in a way that made his breath catch despite his predicament.
“Tsk, tsk, Mr Elmstone.” She circled the bed slowly, tapping one finger against her lips. “Breaking and entering? How very ungentlemanly of you.” Her tone carried all the prim disapproval of a schoolmistress catching a student in mischief.
Devlin tested his bonds—silk ropes, he noted with appreciation—and found them expertly tied. He couldn’t help but laugh, genuinely impressed. “I should have known you’d be three steps ahead, my Caroline. I must say, this is quite the welcome.”
“Did you really think I wouldn’t have contingencies in place?” She perched on the edge of the bed, just out of his reach. “I’ve had men watching the house since our encounter at Madame Tansley’s.”
“Clever girl.” His dark eyes glittered with admiration. “Though I do wonder what you plan to do with me now that you have me at your mercy.”
“Oh, I have several ideas.” She stood and nodded to the men who had ambushed him. They filed out silently, closing the door behind them. “First, we’re going to have a conversation about Clearwater Engineering & Filtration Company. And you’re going to tell me everything.”
Devlin’s smile widened. This woman continuously surprised him, matched him move for move. It was intoxicating. “And if I refuse?”
“Then you can explain to London society why you were found tied to a widow’s bed in the middle of the night in her absence. Possibly with one of my men between your legs.” She raised an eyebrow. “Even your reputation might suffer a little.”
“You delightful little serpent.” He relaxed against his bonds, oddly thrilled by this turn of events. “I do believe I’m falling in love.”
“Don’t be too hasty. So which is your backup plan? Me or Clearwater?”
“You, my backup? Never. You’ve always been my utmost priority.”
She raised her brows and shook her head. “You can stop trying to charm me. Flattery won’t get you anywhere near your goal.”
“I had to devise a plan to fall back on in case you happen to be the only woman who could resist my charms.”
“You realise I may have forgiven you for pursuing another company, but to bid against me on municipal projects?”
“I don’t know where you’re obtaining your information from, but they were overzealous. I have not bid against you. I was merely doing my research so I could help you when the time came.”
She scoffed. “Such touching concern for my welfare. Tell me, do you practice these pretty falsehoods before a mirror, or do they come naturally to you?”
He grinned, delighted. “There is an easy solution to all your business problems, you know.”
“I’m not selling my shares.”
She stood and walked away from him. His eyes raked over her rearend appreciatively. He tilted his head. In certain angles, he could see her silhouette beneath the silk nightgown. He wondered if it was one of her ploys, to entice him with her form. Somehow, he couldn’t imagine Caroline Thurlow as a seductress. Clever strategist, yes. A tormentor? Absolutely. But seductress?
He cleared his throat. “Wonderful. We can be partners.”
She looked heavenward. “That didn’t take her very long.”
“To be truthful, she hasn’t confirmed. I still have more work to do. I believe she will milk me for all she can before signing on the dotted line. Would you like to help me choose the jewellery I’m to bribe her with? And perhaps a diamond necklace with matching earrings for you.”
