Page 76 of Dukes Are Forever
"Right, then let's go over the plan," Malloryn announced, unrolling a map that appeared to be of the gaming club in question.
Adele didn't ask how he'd gotten it.
Chapter 16
"Allowing you to do this goes against all my better instincts," Malloryn murmured as he fitted a small brass device inside Adele's jeweled hairpin. A tracking beacon, he'd explained. Just in case something went wrong.
"I didn't know you had better instincts."
Silver eyes met hers, and then a rare smile touched his mouth. "There she is."
"She?"
"My tart-tongued bride. The one who gives as good as she gets."
"I wasn't aware I'd ever been anything else?"
"You've been a little quieter the last couple of days." He tilted her head, settling several blonde curls over her ear to hide the pin.
She'd never seen anything like it, but Malloryn had produced an entire array of gadgets and devices to assist in her endeavors. He'd clipped a listening device just inside her bodice, through which he—and several of his so-called Rogues—could hear everything that was said in her vicinity, even if they were a hundred yards away.
She wouldn't be able to communicate with them, but they'd know if she found herself in trouble.
"I was angry with you," she replied, glancing to where his Rogues were fitting themselves out for a stealth mission.
They'd set up their surveillance base on a rooftop several houses over from Angel's Fall. He'd even brought the butler, who was tuning the radio phonograph through which they'd be able to listen.
"You weren't angry," Malloryn murmured. "I've seen you angry before. You throw things."
"That was one time."
"It was memorable." His eyes crinkled with humor.
"You're going to remind me of that frequently, aren't you?"
"Forever."
If we have forever.
She bit her lip as she examined his face. His concentration was absolute, allowing her unrestricted access to his thoughts and emotions.
"About what I said yesterday in front of everyone—"
"You don't have to explain." Adele cut him off swiftly. "We were barely on speaking terms a week ago, so I never…. Love is not something I've ever anticipated. People of our class generally don't find it, and marriages are built on far less presumptive measures."
"Like honesty?" he murmured, looking down into her upturned face. "I shouldn't have said it. I haven't been sleeping well of late, but that's no excuse. Sometimes.... They push me too far. There was a bet leading up to our wedding about whether we would make it to the altar or not."
"Who won?"
Malloryn suddenly looked tired. "I did. Considering our aborted first attempt, nobody knows the precise time and location of the actual ceremony."
"Should I expect to be interrogated about it?" she murmured.
"I don't think anyone would have the balls."
"I think your friend Byrnes would."
"He's not my friend."
