Page 44 of Lady Gambit
Remember that, Delphine.
You may use it to your advantage.
What was Mr Powell’s vice? He wasn’t a gambling man, or he would be quivering in his boots at the mention of her name. Gluttony might be his weakness. The whiff of brandy on his breath and the broken capillaries on his cheeks said he drank liquor to excess. When inebriated, men often had no memory of their wild antics.
“I want the file, Mr Powell. And I want to interview the doctor. If you prefer, I can turn this office upside down. Or I might share a story with my friend atThe Morning Herald. The public would be keen to hear how men in positions of authority accost their patients while in a drunken stupor. I’d wager five pounds there’s liquor in your desk.”
The man’s face turned claret red. He yanked his handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his brow. “This is tantamount to blackmail.”
“Yes, I do believe it is.” She lifted her chin, feeling quite pleased with herself. “The file, Mr Powell. And we want to interview Dr Collins.”
The chair scraped the tiled floor as the Superintendent stood abruptly. “I’ll summon Dr Collins and have all paperwork relating to Nora Adkins brought to my office.” He rounded the desk, pausing to threaten them in an effort to preserve his dignity. “Then you’re to leave my hospital. Do you hear me? I’ll not tolerate your interference any longer.” He stormed from the room, slamming the door behind him.
Mr Flynn chuckled. “Remind me never to cross you, Miss Chance. I’d hate to read what your friend atThe Morning Heraldmight say about me.”
She laughed, too, though a warm feeling filled her chest whenever he smiled. “I wouldn’t dare put your name in print. I’d not risk the ladies in London reading about your heroic deeds.”
“You don’t think I deserve some credit?” he teased.
“My motives are entirely selfish. With a host of beauties rushing to form a queue behind Miss Montague, what hope would I have of kissing you again?”
The roguish look in his eyes marked a sudden change in him.
“Every hope.” His velvet voice stirred the hairs on her nape. He reached for her, his firm fingers sliding slowly over hers, alluding to something illicit. “I could find you in a crowd of a thousand women. There wouldn’t be a queue. There’d be you. Only you.”
A coil of desire tightened in her belly. He’d carried her to bed last night, touched her in places no other man had. Had he taken liberties? If only she could remember every tantalising detail. “As honesty seems to be the theme of the moment, I believe you have something to confess.”
He did not hesitate to answer. “What do you want me to say? That it’s you I think about in bed at night? You’re on my mindwhen I rise each morning. I’ve imagined stripping you out of those clothes too many times to count.” The intimate nature of his comments had her sex pulsing. “Tell me, Miss Chance. Do you dream about me?”
She liked this playful, passionate side to his character. It encouraged her to be bold. “I dream of more magical kisses. I’ve imagined you carrying me to bed, your large hands slipping over every soft curve. You didn’t tuck me in but climbed in beside me.”
For once, neither of us slept alone.
He hissed a breath. “We play a dangerous game.”
“Is it a game?” she said, “or just two lonely people seeking comfort?” Aaron would beat him to within an inch of his life if he ruined her. It was only right they discuss the threat. “Either way, I’ll not have you risking your life for one night of pleasure. Besides, I’m told such feelings are fleeting.”
Mischief danced in his dark eyes. “I have every reason to believe one night would not be enough.”
Judging by their fervent kisses, he was right.
“One night is all we might have. If Aaron found out, he would make you pay in ways you could not imagine.”
Mr Flynn would be on his knees, begging for an end to his misery.
“I’m not afraid of your brother. But I’ll not take a gift meant for your husband.” His voice was firm now, resolute. “Nor would I do the unthinkable and ask you to marry a man you don’t love just to ease a physical ache. A loveless marriage damages more than the two people involved.”
No, she suspected these cravings weren’t love.
Though she was hardly experienced enough to judge.
But what was this force of nature, the magnetic pull that made them act so recklessly? If it was lust, perhaps the feelings would fade. How were they to know? How might they find out?
“You’re a man who plans for the future.” His desire for financial independence was the driving force behind his success. “I live for the moment. I never expected to like you, Mr Flynn. I never?—”
“Dorian. You should call me by my given name when we’re alone.”
She smiled. “Dorian.” Her insides melted as the word slipped from her lips. “I liked you the moment we met.” She’d felt an instant attraction. It hit her like a bolt from the heavens whenever their eyes met. “Still, it’s unfair to draw you into an affair when there is so much at stake.”
