Page 23 of My Kind of Scoundel
“You proved yourself my match when you barged into the theatre box, threatening to use wicked means to overthrow me.” And she had. One kiss had left him cravinganother. He would wring every last whimper from her lips if she’d let him. “I think that makes us even.”
“I always hoped we might be friends before tragedy struck as it did. You were amusing company.”
“I’m still amusing company. I see no reason why we cannot be friends now.” Hell, he had told her the one thing he’d never revealed to another living soul. “I heard you used to find me charming.”
She laughed. “Who told you that?”
“Delphine.”
“Your sister exaggerates. Although the way you came to her rescue was rather gallant.”
“Does that mean you’ll consider kissing me again?” He couldn’t help but tease her, though the answer mattered more than it should.
“Why would I? You have nothing with which to barter.”
“Trust me. I shall find something.”
“That sounds like the beginnings of a game, Mr Chance.”
“Perhaps it is, Miss Darrow.” While her rosebud pout held him captive, her gaze traced the breadth of his chest. “A game of seduction. Let us see who submits first.”
A spark of intrigue flashed in her eyes. It was the happiest he had seen her in weeks. “Very well. But there is only one rule.”
“Which is?” Why did he find a simple challenge so arousing? They had troubles abound but this proved the perfect distraction.
“Honesty. Lies result in a forfeit.”
Theo couldn’t help but grin. “Agreed. I’ve said it before, but you’re my kind of scoundrel, Miss Darrow.”
“Let’s pray you’re as magnanimous when you lose.”
He couldn’t lose. There was pleasure to be had in playing the game. “When do we begin?”
She shrugged. “There’s no time like the present.”
“Very well.” He released her hand and captured her chin, stroking her soft skin gently with his thumb. “It’s good to see you smile again.”
Suspicion flashed in her eyes as she attempted to determine if he spoke the truth. “Why?”
“The world seems brighter when you do.”
“I might doubt your word and force you to cluck like a chicken.”
“But you won’t because you know I speak in earnest.”
Daventry returned, though he lingered outside the door, giving Theo the split second needed to release Miss Darrow.
“D’Angelo is leaving now. I’ll inform you of the situation once he has visited the barrow boy.” Daventry pointed to the notes in the secret drawer. “Well, are you opening them or using them as bait?”
“Miss Darrow must decide what’s best.”
“Agreed.” Daventry picked up the note sealed with green wax. “I’m confident when I say a gentleman’s wife or daughter sent this. Green wax is reserved for the clergy and members of government.”
Miss Darrow cast Theo a nervous glance.
That’s when he knew the sender’s identity.
“Lady Lucille wanted the note taken to an address in Finch Lane, Cornhill,” she said. “I was supposed to deliver it weeks ago. When she came to the shop last Friday, I lied and said I had delivered it myself.”
