Page 49 of A Little Bit Dangerous
“The Home Secretary demands we confiscate all the relics brought ashore fromThe Marigoldto check for forgeries.” Christian noted the sudden panic in Oldman’s beady eyes. “I’m told you exhibit your treasures in a makeshift museum in the basement.” He wasn’t sure how he knew. Perhaps it was gaming hell gossip.
Oldman jumped to his feet. “Now listen here. I’ll not let a single item leave these premises. This could be some wicked conspiracy.”
His ever quick-witted self, Daventry supported Christian’s claim. “We’re extremely busy and don’t have much time. I could have my associates sketch and catalogue the treasures. You can make a list of the private collectors while they authenticate your artefacts. It will appease the Home Secretary, and you know how clumsy constables can be.”
Oldman refused and gave a ream of excuses.
“Very well. I’ll return for the list of collectors tonight.” Daventry moved to leave. “I hope the magistrate in charge of collecting the goods will not be too quick to label the objects fake.”
They’d reached the library door before Oldman called, “Wait. They can have thirty minutes to study the pieces, but they can’t touch or open the display cases.”
Christian hid the sudden rush of elation.
Instinct said Oldman would only keep genuine trophies, but he felt compelled to examine them himself. Still, the lord was hiding something.
Yet as the butler led them down into the basement, it wasn’t Lord Oldman peering at them from behind the door jamb.
It was the nervous-looking maid.
ChapterEleven
The butler unlocked the sturdy iron door, one at odds with all the other doors in the basement. Though he carried himself with the usual aplomb, his hand shook as he turned the ornate key.
After beckoning a footman to fetch a lit lamp, he escorted Isabella and Christian into the windowless room and cautioned them not to touch the display cases.
In the gloom, and amid the dull pottery, the gold chalice caught Isabella’s eye. “Good Lord!” Heart racing, she moved closer and gazed through the small glass pane. “It’s magnificent. So beautiful it takes one’s breath away.”
“Indeed.” Christian was looking at her, not the splendid vessel. “I find myself equally mesmerised.”
She smiled, feeling lighter than she had in years. He had a way of making all her problems disappear, if only temporarily.
“Close your mouth before you choke on dust,” she teased.
The room was spotlessly clean, a fact made clear when the footman arrived with the lamp and placed it on a plinth near the door. He remained in the corridor outside, keeping watch like a palace guard.
Christian crossed the room. As he observed the rows of cabinets, his hand snaked around her waist and came to rest on her hip. After their intimate encounter in the carriage, it felt natural to touch each other now.
“There must be fifty objects here.”
“Yes, and all museum quality.” Isabella lowered her voice. “Lord Oldman kept the best pieces for himself. If these aren’t genuine, he will have lost a small fortune.”
“We’re not qualified to confirm their authenticity.”
“No. It’s likely he’s sold the forgeries.”
“Still, it’s worth making a quick appraisal.” He bent his head, his mouth an inch from her ear. “And it means we get to spend a moment alone. In the coming days, such things will be as rare as that gold chalice.”
A vision of the lecherous conte invaded her mind. She didn’t want to think beyond the next minute, let alone the next few days. Powerful men did not take no for an answer. Cunning men found ways to achieve their goals.
Panic rising, she faced Christian, wishing things were different and they were free of their burdens. “Like thieves, we must steal every second, make every precious moment count.”
“I’ll take anything you’re willing to give,” he drawled, his masculine confidence holding her spellbound. “If I were a thief, I’d slip into your chamber at night, touch you, make love to you, hold you close and watch you sleep.”
The thought of his warm body covering hers had her shivering with need. “I’ll be sure to leave the door unlocked. I’ll leave a note telling you to take everything.” Everything but her independence. She’d trust no one enough to give that.
Their gazes locked.
Their breath quickened.
