Page 5 of Temptress in Disguise
But no!
The lady pulled a pistol from her drab bag, cocked the hammer and said quite sternly, “If you want to live to see dawn, Mr Chance, you will take me to the Copper Crown.”
ChapterTwo
Naomi’s hand shook as she kept the pistol trained on the enigmatic Mr Chance. The man was a cold-hearted devil who could slay his enemies with scathing words and a Medusa-like glare. Yet his sad stories and scarred arm told a different tale.
Like most people, Mr Chance had locked his trauma in an iron-clad chest. Little wonder he lost his temper when someone rattled the chains. He was rude and disagreeable. But his face glowed when he said something amusing, and his eyes sparkled like stars in the heavens.
Perhaps humour was the key to securing his help.
“I hoped it wouldn’t come to this.” She had given him fair warning. Desperate people did desperate things, though shooting Aramis Chance would only hinder her cause. “I hoped you would be more agreeable. It’s not often a man is kidnapped by a woman half his size. Is it not a tale to tell one’s grandchildren?”
Mr Chance arched a dark, sardonic brow. “If one discounts my older brother, I’m the most disagreeable man in London. This is not a kidnapping. I could disarm you in a matter of seconds.”
She stemmed her nerves. “Why haven’t you?”
“Because to say I’m intrigued is an understatement. Few men dare to look me in the eye. You, madam, seem to think you can ride roughshod over me, and I demand to know why.”
“Tell Godby to head to Highgate, and I shall explain all.” Now she had to strive to keep him amused and intrigued. But not in the way Lydia would, with coy glances and flirtatious banter. Heavens, one wrong word and he’d throw her out at the first turnpike.
“How do you know my coachman’s name?”
“I heard you tell him you wished to go home.”
The air of sadness in his voice had tugged at her heartstrings. Guilt surfaced. Perhaps she should have chosen someone else to play her champion. Someone less … less handsome and domineering.
“It seems there’s no chance of that.”
She failed to suppress her surprise. “Does that mean you’ll let me take command of you and your vehicle? If it soothes your pride, I have come equipped with restraints.”
“Restraints?”
“Yes, I’m shocked you didn’t hear the leg irons clattering in my carpet bag. You’ll be glad to know I kept the pistol in an oak case. Heaven forbid I should accidentally trip the hammer. I might have blown a hole in your toe.”
The corners of his mouth twitched. “Am I supposed to thank you for your foresight? Should I be grateful I’m not a cripple?”
“No, but as you’re skilled at dissecting a lady’s character, surely you can deduce something from my need to keep you safe.”
Despite relaxing against the squab, he remained a formidable presence. “When it comes to kidnapping, you’re supposed to leave the victim quaking in their boots.”
“We’ve already established you could disarm me.” Hence the pistol wasn’t loaded. She’d not risk getting shot. Though perhaps death would be a blessing in disguise—a quick end to her nightmare. “And I need you alive if I’m to make use of your brains and brawn.”
“But not my body.” He smoothed his large hands over his thick thighs. “You mean to bed me only as a last resort.”
Naomi let her gaze venture over his muscular physique. Aramis Chance could have any woman of his choosing. Having seen him once, Lydia had been desperate to have him as her lover.
One cannot seduce the devil.
It’s an impossible feat. Even for someone with my skill.
Lydia had looked at Naomi, her eyes brimming with pity.
He’d eat you alive, my darling.
Use you most dreadfully.
Poor thing, you know nothing about men and their desires.
