Page 59 of My Kind of Scoundel
Eleanor sat in a chair and snatched her wine glass, though her body was still aglow from her dazzling release.
Theo unlocked the door and opened it wide. “There’d better be a fire,” he said through gritted teeth. “Or a bloody good reason for the disturbance.”
The air turned decidedly chilly when Aaron Chance strode into the room. He did not hide his emotions out of politeness.
“This room is reserved for gambling.” Aaron glanced at her attire, appearing more irritated by her lack of dishevelment. He did not like to be proved wrong.
Theo gestured to the table. “Which is why we’re playing cards and drinking wine. We’re on our fourth wager.”
Aaron inhaled deeply. Hopefully, the aromatic smell of frankincense filled his nostrils, not the scent of arousal.
“When I allowed Miss Darrow to stay here, I asked for one thing.” Aaron’s eyes were as hard as obsidian in the candlelight. “Keep me informed. Don’t let Daventry make me look foolish.”
Theo shrugged. “I told you everything during dinner tonight.”
“You omitted one minor detail.”
Eleanor stared at him blankly. “I assure you. Theo trusts you more than anyone. He would never keep you in the dark.”He would sacrifice his own happiness to ensure you’re not alone, she said silently.
Aaron snorted. “Are you saying the gossiping lords are lying? Sigmund just told me the news gained from witnesses at the Olympic.”
“What news, sir?”
“The news that you’re betrothed.”
A laugh escaped her. “But we’re not really betrothed. Theo said it in the heat of the moment while threatening Lord Wrotham. He has no intention of ever leaving Fortune’s Den.”
Theo looked at her with obvious admiration. Most people were terrified of Aaron and seldom voiced their opinions. Yet she knew when a man’s temper stemmed from love and concern and when it was borne from his own selfish interests.
“I’m afraid you’re stuck with me,” Theo said, his smile failing to reach his eyes. “We made a pact to be bachelors until we’re old and grey.”
Aaron contemplated the remark for lengthy seconds. A frown marred his brow, and when he sighed, it was long andweary. “As I said, you don’t need to hide anything from me. Your happiness has always been a priority.” He stepped back and motioned to the door. “It’s late, Miss Darrow. I suggest you retire before you lose your most prized possession in a game of chance.”
It was a demand, not a suggestion.
Eleanor stood and made for the door. “I thank you for your hospitality.” She had outstayed her welcome. “I shall return to my modiste shop in the morning.” Mr Gibbs would tackle the villain if he dared to attack her again. “Hiding is only delaying our progress. Perhaps it’s time I lured the blackguard into a trap.”
Theo made to speak, but Aaron replied first. “I admire your courage and tenacity, madam. In the face of adversity, true emotions are often revealed.”
True emotions?
Eleanor sensed he was referring to her relationship with Theo, not the devious ransacker’s motives. She also suspected Theo would object to her leaving but understood the logic of Aaron’s suggestion.
“I mean to bring this matter to a swift conclusion.” She turned to Theo, hoping her smile did not convey the true depth of her affection. Anything more than a brief affair was out of the question. “Thank you for an entertaining evening, Mr Chance. As to our game of trivia, you were right. Aphrodite is the goddess of plums.”
Chapter Thirteen
“You left the card room last night like you were late for an appointment.” Theo studied her in the confines of his carriage, his eyes a smouldering azure. “Do you regret our experiment?”
Regret feeling a passion she did not know existed?
Regret feeling close to a man for the first time in her life?
Regret this delicious obsession?
Heaven help her, she should.
She should be cursing her stupidity.
