Page 20 of When a Lady Desires a Wicked Lord
“Integrity does not satisfy a creditor.”
“You have your reasons. You always have.” Her gaze dropped to his hand, her own clasped within his fingers, then lifted to settle on his face. “It’s odd, really. Your touch still feels so very right. But the look in your eyes… You are a stranger to me now.”
“I could change that,” he said.
Her eyes narrowed. She regarded him with a look of faint curiosity, as if the possibility intrigued her. Did she sense that he meant every word?
“I do not believe that is possible.” Gently, she broke off the contact. “I am grateful to you for coming to my defense against that horrible man, but I see no point in continuing this discussion. Colton and his assistants will see to it that Mr. Rooney is delivered to the proper authorities. After you provide the photograph of the symbols, I will promptly relay whatever information I derive from the image. But I do not believe I can be of assistance in any venture you might envision.”
“I did not come here to involve you in a scheme. I’ve told you the truth.”
“All of it?” One finely arched brow crooked slightly. “I suspect there’s some detail you’ve conveniently left out, some aspect that might play out to your advantage.”
Benedict paused. As always, she’d seen through him.
“I need that map,” he said. “We cannot risk it falling into the wrong hands.”
“I’m afraid I cannot help you, Benedict. I think it best that we conclude this discussion.”
“You’re making a mistake. That map is here. Somewhere. Stockwell would not have lied to me.”
“I do not believe Professor Stockwell intended to deceive you. But that does not change the facts. If such a map exists, I do not have the blasted thing.” She marched to the door. “It is high time you leave. Colton will arrange a secure location for you to lay your head tonight.”
“I am fully capable of proceeding to my lodging without that man’s assistance.” He reached for her, but she pulled away. “You know what I need, Alexandra. I am leaving for Cairo in thirty-six hours. I have secured your passage. I want you to come with me.”
“You are nothing, if not determined. Pity I’ve no intention of joining you on your quest.”
“I would not ask you to accompany me if it were not a matter of great urgency.”
“I do hate to disappoint you, but I will not be on that ship.” Her mouth thinned. “I trust you will send a messenger with the image you wish me to inspect.”
“That won’t be necessary.” He reached into his jacket pocket and retrieved the packet that contained the photograph. Her slender, elegantly tapered fingers curved around the corners of the package.
“I will communicate my findings without delay.”
“Without delay? Ever efficient, eh, Alexandra?” He steeled himself against the urge to feel her skin again against his, to thread his fingers through the coppery brown locks of hair framing her face.
“One of my better qualities, or so I’m told. I allow few distractions from my work.”
“I must say, that is a shame. A woman like you deserves more.”
“More?” Her lips pursed as she contemplated the word. “How very odd, coming from you. I’ve never known a man more driven to accomplish his objectives.”
“True. I consider myself an expert on the subject.”
An unexpected sadness filled her eyes. “I suppose you will tell me I deserve better than the likes of you.”
“You’ll get no argument from me on that,” Benedict said.
Once, when he was a younger, more foolish man, he would have lost himself in her amber gaze. Why was it still so bloody hard to keep his mind off the sweetness of her mouth?
“You should leave now, Benedict,” she said quietly, the notes of her voice colored by an emotion she could not quite conceal.
“That would be the prudent thing, wouldn’t it?”
He reached for the latch, then stopped. Damn it, this might well be the last chance he’d have to sample those lush lips of hers.
“One more thing…before I go,” he said, reaching for her.
