Page 37 of The Devil's Bargain
“Would you like me to demonstrate the next technique?” his voice teased, awaking her from her dream-like state.
“No!” Caroline pushed away from him in a hurry, embarrassed by her display of wantonness while professing to hating him. She quickly straightened out her skirts, and while lookingeverywhere except at him, she bid him good night and retired to her study.
Later that night, Caroline lay in her bed, her heart thrumming against her ribcage at the anticipation of having him in bed with her. Everything felt different now. Her body seemed to hum with anticipation at the thought of him. She already craved what he’d done to her with his finger... and that was only the beginning. Or it would be if she allowed him.
Damn the man for making her curious!
17
Falling for Mr Elmstone
Caroline watched from the gallery of the Merchant’s Exchange as Devlin systematically dismantled his latest rival. His tall form commanded attention, every gesture precise as he outlined terms that would strip James Bear of his shipping business.
“The interest rates are impossible,” Bear protested, his face mottled with fury and desperation. “You’d ruin me!”
“The terms are more than fair,” Devlin replied smoothly, though Caroline noted how his fingers tightened imperceptibly on his leather portfolio. “Considering the circumstances.”
“My family—”
“Should have been considered before you borrowed beyond your means.” Devlin’s voice carried just enough for the watching merchants to hear. “I’m offering you a chance to salvage something from this mess. I suggest you take it.”
Caroline felt a familiar chill at his calculated cruelty. This was her husband showing his true nature.
But then she noticed something curious. As Bear slumped in defeat, Devlin pulled out a second document. “Of course, thereis another option.” His tone was carefully disinterested. “The Thames Street development project needs investors. Should you choose to redirect your shipping routes to serve that district...”
Caroline frowned, studying the map Devlin spread before Bear. Thames Street was one of London’s poorest areas, hardly a profitable venture. Yet something in Devlin’s stance suggested this was his true aim all along.
“The returns would be modest,” Devlin continued, “but steady. Enough to maintain your household, if managed properly.”
As she watched him deftly manipulate Bear toward accepting this “alternative,” Caroline caught a glimpse of another document partially visible in Devlin’s portfolio. The header read “Water Quality Assessment - St. Giles District,” but he quickly tucked it away.
The exchange ended with Bear looking simultaneously defeated and relieved, while Devlin maintained his mask of cold satisfaction. But Caroline couldn’t shake the impression that she’d witnessed something more complex than simple business execution.
Later, when she asked about the Thames Street project, Devlin merely smiled. “Sometimes, Mrs Elmstone, the most profitable ventures aren’t measured in pounds and shillings.”
Before she could press further, he was swept away by a group of investors, once again every inch the calculating businessman. But his cryptic response lingered in her mind, suggesting depths she hadn’t expected in her husband.
Caroline moved along the gallery’s edge, her mind still puzzling over Devlin’s cryptic words when she spotted Hampton’s distinctive golden curls. Her former housemate was practically draped over Albert Graves from Imperial, her tinkling laugh carrying across the room.
“Oh, Mr Graves, you’re too kind!” Hampton’s voice held practiced breathlessness. “I’ve always been praised for my observations.”
Caroline approached the couple, her hands clenched in her skirts as she watched Graves lean closer, his expression avid. “My dear Miss Hampton, you understand far more than you let on. Your insights about London Water Works’—”
Before Caroline could process the implications of this exchange, a familiar voice drew her attention.
“Caroline.” Thomas Findlay’s smile was warm as he approached. “You’re looking well.”
“Thomas.” She returned his smile, genuine affection mixing with old memories. “How are your experiments with steam pressure progressing?”
“Brilliantly, thanks to your suggestions about the valve configuration.” His eyes crinkled with remembered collaboration. “I still have your original drawings, actually.”
They fell easily into technical discussion, the way they used to during those late nights in his study. Caroline found herself relaxing into the familiar rhythm of their conversation, until she felt it—the weight of Devlin’s gaze from across the room.
She didn’t turn to look, but her awareness of him pressed against her skin like a physical touch. Though he made no move to interrupt, his presence seemed to fill the space between her and Thomas.
“Marriage suits you,” Thomas observed quietly. “Though I confess, I worried when I first heard about your nuptial.”
“Did you?” She kept her tone light though her pulse quickened.
