My Earl's Entrapment
Date: 2018-07-17 00:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Fiction; Romance; Historical; Regency; General
Description: Lord William Addington has been forced into retirement as one of the Prince Regent's domestic spies. But he still has one case to solve while attending a house party when an adorably feisty lady enters him room in the middle of the night. He now has another delicious mystery on his hands. Why is Lady Roselyn Pennington snooping about?Rose is sure Lord Addington is a dullard at best and a criminal mastermind at worst. So why does her heart beat so rapidly every time he is near? And why does he rescue when she insists on landing herself into trouble time and again? It’s as though he isn’t the ma

My Earl’s Entrapment

Wicked Lords of London

Tammy Andresen

Copyright © 2018 by Tammy Andresen

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Created with Vellum

Contents

Let’s connect!!

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

My Duke’s Desire

Other Titles by Tammy

Join Tammy’s Newsletter!

More about Tammy

Let’s connect!!

Want to get all the latest updates? Go to my website, www.tammyandresen.com and join my newsletter!

Chapter One

Will sat next to the window, his head resting on a high wingback chair, watching the moonlight cast shadows on the garden below. Its flowers were in full splendor and the light danced with the petals of the rose vine that grew up the garden’s wall.

He closed his eyes for a brief moment and tried to remember the last time he’d contemplated light on flowers. He was fairly certain the answer was never.

Forced retirement was wreaking havoc on his mind. He’d found purpose as a spy for the Prince Regent. He’d investigated several criminal operations, all without detection. To the rest of society, he’d been seen as a bumbling lord, a man more interested in gambling and women than in helping his country. He’d played his role perfectly and it had allowed him to move unhindered through many social circles and slip back out before anyone suspected espionage was at play.

That was until last month. He’d been investigating the Marquess of Highwater. He’d set up an elaborate ruse to become indebted to the man so that he might “fall” under the marquess’s employ. Basically he’d become an indentured slave. The man had been running a high market theft ring, stealing jewels and other goods from society’s most elite and selling them to interested buyers.

That was, until the Marquess had kidnapped not one, but two women, both of whom were daughters of the Duke of Waverly. Highwater now sat in Scotland Yard. Unfortunately, he’d dragged Will’s family name down with him and his rash actions had cut Will’s investigation short.

The Marquess had been guilty, of course. But who supplied him with the jewels? Who bought them knowing they were stolen from the crown? And what was the money financing? These were all questions Will had only begun to answer.

He hoped, however, to have the chance to finish the investigation he’d started. But now society connected him with a known thief smearing his reputation. He was viewed as a criminal along with assuming he was a bumbling idiot. If caught participating in anymore illicit activity, the Prince Regent wouldn’t be able to spare him from justice without revealing he was a spy.

What a mess.

Fortunately, his acquaintances, the Lord Pennwalt and his lovely wife, had included him on the invite list to their house party despite his reputation. Or perhaps because of it. He knew every tongue was wagging about his activities, which made his job more difficult. In any event, they’d given him a rare opportunity by having him here, one he wouldn’t squander. The ton would allow him to be a gambling penniless rake, but not, apparently, a thieving one. He wouldn’t have another chance like this anytime soon. Most of society had removed him from their guest roster.

Not that he cared what they thought, but it impacted his work. He might have just hidden himself away and allowed the rumors to settle but the Baron of Bridgeton was expected to arrive in two days’ time. Bridgeton had been quietly involved with Highwater. And while the Prince Regent had suggested Will remove himself from the investigation before it was too late and he was forever branded a thief, Will found he couldn’t let it go.

So he waited.

But the party downstairs held little appeal without Bridgeton here to scrutinize. Rather than participate, he’d taken himself back to his room with a scotch. Where he found himself contemplating flowers. No wonder he wanted to continue the investigation. He’d perish of boredom without it.

A rattling of his door’s handle made him blink in surprise. While the moonlight illuminated the garden outside his window, he sat in a dark corner of the room. It was a habit he’d developed from years of subterfuge as he trained his gaze to the door.

He heard something rattle in the lock and then the distinct click as whoever was on the other side successfully picked it. Slowly the door swung open and a figure crept in, softly closing the large, wood-paneled behemoth behind them. A quick glance told him it was a person of small stature, though not a child; it didn’t appear to be a man either. Had a woman sneaked into his room?

A smile curved one corner of his lips upward. There were a few widows in attendance. Lady Crawley, for example. A lovely, though empty-headed, woman. He’d not thought her capable of picking a lock. But appearances could sometimes be deceiving. Not usually, but occasionally.

Perhaps she or someone else was looking for a dalliance. Whomever it was, she was persistent. Mayhap, this was just the distraction he needed until Bridgeton arrived.

But the little minx didn’t move toward the bed to arrange herself for his benefit. Instead, she trailed her hand along the wall, finding her way to the dressing table. Her fingers searched along until they reached a candle and then, with fumbling hands, she lit the wax. How curious.

Once the room was illuminated, she began to move the objects on the table about, searching through several of the drawers. Surprise rippled through him as he watched her search. With the candle, he could see how tiny her waist was and the generous curve of her backside. Lush locks of hair were piled atop her head. And yet, she wasn’t here for his benefit. Whoever she was, the chit had trespassed into his room to search for something.

Well that simply wouldn’t do. He was glad he’d come up to his room, because finding out why she was here would be far more interesting than anything that likely would have happened at the party downstairs. This was going to be fun.

* * *

Rose opened a drawer of the dressing table and let out a little sigh of frustration. Nothing but neatly folded cravats. She supposed that she hadn’t really expected to find her mother’s jewels tucked between his neckties but still. Couldn’t there be some evidence that Lord Addington was the thief the entire country believed him to be?

In fairness, not everyone believed that. Some just thought he was a fool who’d allowed his debts to entangle him in a scandal.

Deep down, she didn’t think that was true. She’d been studying him the past few days and she knew, with absolute certainty, he was far too intelligent to have been the fool. His comments were too perfectly witty, his expressions full of understanding. In fact, she’d wager, not that she ever did gamble, he was one of the masterminds of the thieving operation and only pretended to be a hapless victim to keep himself out of trouble. Intelligent and conniving, Lord Addington was surely guilty.

Rose needed proof, however, so she’d snuck into his room while everyone else attended dinner downstairs. She knew it was risky. Her reputation as a lady of quality had remained untarnished to this point, and while she hoped to keep it that way, she’d do everything in her power to get answers.

A lock of her thick blonde hair fell over her shoulder and she pushed it back, sighing in frustration as she did. She’d had to use the pin holding it back to pick the lock. The unruly strands were just looking for an excuse to misbehave.

How would she ever find her mother’s lost diamonds like this? And she had to find them. They’d been one of the few items that her mother had inherited from Rose’s grandmother, and then passed down to Rose upon her deathbed. The only heirloom she had left with which she could remember her beautiful mother. It was unfair enough that her mother had been taken from her. Why must her most precious gems also have to disappear?

They’d been sent to her father’s solicitor for appraisal. Her father had been adamant that all her assets be catalogued in the event something should happen to him and she was left alone. She’d reluctantly agreed to part with them. Some weeks later, they’d been informed that the jewels had been stolen without a clue as to where or by whom. The Bow Street runners had looked into it, of course. But the stones had passed hand several times, from solicitor to jeweler to another jeweler and not one of them identified exactly when they’d had them or when they’d disappeared.

Days later, the Bow Street Runners arrested their solicitor, Mr. Stanley Winters, along with the Marquess of Highwater, and tossed them into the tower for systematically stealing and reselling valuables, some even belonging to the Prince Regent himself. And while they were most likely responsible for the theft of her mother’s diamonds, the location of the stones remained a complete mystery. One Rose intended to solve.

Sadly, many of the thieves involved in the ring were still at large. The ton could talk of little else besides the scandal and every tea party, ball, and picnic she attended, new theories about who else was involved abounded. But the name on almost everyone’s tongue…Lord William Addington.

Rose had convinced her father to accept the invitation from Lord and Lady Pennwalt, knowing full well that Addington was on the guest list. Everyone within society knew he’d be here and while they’d all shuddered to think of socializing with him, they all secretly wanted to attend.

Rose and her father had arrived the day before yesterday and Addington was already in attendance. She’d thought of him so often, she created an image of him in her mind. Short, with a long nose and beady eyes, perhaps he’d worn spectacles. He was likely a bit overweight and most assuredly hunched.

Nothing had prepared her for the man she actually met. Tall and broad, his square jaw and dark piercing eyes would intimidate even the bravest among them. His brown hair was longer than was fashionable and its loose waves, along with his full lips, softened an otherwise hard man. He was devilishly handsome and she’d found herself looking at him a good deal more than necessary, which said a lot considering that she came here to investigate him.

A wardrobe stood in the corner and she moved toward it, holding up her candle. She didn’t know exactly what she looking for but any piece of evidence she might be able to use to blackmail him into returning the jewels would do.

She tried to picture herself actually completing such a conversation. He had to be more than six feet tall and strongly muscled, while she was of an average height at best. No one had ever accused her of being intimidating. Her heart beat wildly in his presence and her tongue tied every time she drew near him. Which had likely proved an asset over the past few days. She was so quiet in his presence that he had yet to notice her existence, making it easier to study him. But were she to confront him, that would be a different matter entirely.

His scent lingered in the room as strongly as if he were here and it addled her mind, making her fingers clumsier. She took a deep breath reminding herself that he was not here and she’d do best to hurry before being discovered.

She opened the door to the wardrobe and searched the walls for a latch or hidden door that might reveal some secret. Finding none, she began to search the pockets of the coats hanging within.

“I beg you not to crease them. My valet will pitch a fit if they have to be repressed.” A deep voice rumbled from the corner.

The little hairs at the back of her neck stood on end as shivers raced down her back. She gave a cry and dropped the candle she held. It thumped to the floor and bounced, the flame hitting her dress and immediately sparking on the lace overlay.

Dear lord, she was on fire. Rose cried out and tried to spin about to find some way to put out the flame but her motion turned the sparks to actual flames as her dress lit.

Horror made her freeze in place. “What have I done?” she yelped, not knowing what else to do.

In the next moment, strong arms had wrapped about her and she watched, completely speechless, as large hands deftly rubbed the folds of her gown together to snuff out the flames. Most of him was positioned behind her but she saw his hands, large and lean, quite masculine, and yet graceful. She’d never been so transfixed by a pair of hands…but they were glorious.

Even more astonishing, those hands patted their way up her body until they rested on her waist. There was nothing frightening in their touch but no man had ever been so bold. Surely it was fear, but she could hardly catch her breath as she gasped at every touch.

“Are you all right?” a deep voice behind her asked.

“Yes, I believe that I am.” She turned slowly in the arms that were still holding her and stared directly into a very large chest. As her chin tilted back her eyes travelled up the rather muscular column of a man’s neck, over a terribly strong square jaw, up the straight nose, and into the chocolate-colored eyes of Lord Addington. Drat.

“Excellent,” he said with little inflection. His calm demeanor only added to her certainty that he was a man who was always in charge. “Now tell me why you’re searching my room.”

Chapter Two

Her face tilted up to his and every muscle in his body tightened. Lady Roselyn Chase stared at him open-mouthed without saying a word. How had he failed to notice how utterly stunning she was during the last few days?

Her thick blonde hair was pinned back from her face but several sections trailed down her shoulder and across the creamy skin of her exposed neck and chest. He’d like to hold one strand in his hand, allowing the silky tress to slip through his fingers. Her perfectly full lips parted, but no words came out.

He had the sudden urge to kiss those lips closed.

“I…that is to say…I was simply…” she stopped speaking again.

Which worked out fine. Quite nice, really. Though she had a lovely voice, it sounded as sweet as honey, he found he cared less about knowing why she’d trespassed and more about why he wanted to roar with need while holding her in his arms.

Will held her tiny waist to steady her. The urge to run his hands up her back and explore further had him tightening his grip upon her middle. It would be beyond reprehensible. But he stared at her, admiring the soft planes of her face. Her large blue eyes, supple pink lips, straight little nose. How would she taste? He’d guess delicious.

“You simply what?” he asked.

“I was mistaken, my lord,” she stuttered out. “I…I thought this was my father’s room. I came to retrieve a pocket square for him.”

Well, that was reasonable. A perfectly logical explanation from pretty lips. Except he was a trained spy. Beside the fact that she’d picked the lock and searched his room, she was clearly lying. Though he couldn’t see if her pupils dilated, which would give any lie away, he could feel her breathing as she was pressed against him. Her heart rate had slowed as he held her in his grasp until she’d spoken. Now, it was so rapid that it near thrummed out of her chest against his own.

It told him two rather interesting details. The first was that she was not being truthful and the second was that she was uncomfortable with the falsehood. Did she not tell them often or was this a particularly painful one for her in which to engage? He drummed his fingers against the small of her back as he contemplated how to get the answers he wanted.

“A pocket square?” His voice was low, lazy, intentionally so. He hoped to put her at ease. He likely should put distance between them but then, how would he measure her heart rate? Besides, he quite liked her in his arms. “If he is in need, he can use one of my mine. Tell me. What has happened that he needs one so desperately, my lady? May I call you Lady Rose? You’ll forgive me but I heard our hostess use the name. I find it suits you.”

She swallowed and her hands fluttered to his chest. At first she seemed to try to push him away but then her fingers splayed out, as though she were exploring him. How delightful.

“Oh no, I couldn’t possibly take one of yours. Think of the questions…” Her words tapered off but even in the moonlight, he saw her eyes grow wider. “My reputation as a lady.”

“Quite right.” He still didn’t let her go. “You wouldn’t want to be saddled with such a disappointing prospect for a husband such as myself.”

She made a choking noise in her throat. “I did not—”

Sound rumbled deep in his chest. “I shall give your father my pocket square when I return with you to the party.”

Her gasp filled the room and he tamped down a chuckle. “Return with me? Oh no, that is quite unnecessary. I couldn’t put you out like that.”

“Oh but you must. How else will you explain your burnt skirts?” He had to hide his grin as he felt her shiver. It was almost cruel the way he trapped her in her own little web of falsehoods. What would he do with her when he had her? His body hardened just considering the possibilities.

But then something even more miraculous happened. She squared her shoulders as she cleared her throat. “I will just say I was walking in the halls when a candle tipped over.”

His eyebrows rose. His little mouse was escaping. That wouldn’t do. “You are quite adept at making up stories in the moment. Well done.”

“Oh,” she gasped as she bunched up his shirt.

A growl of satisfaction rumbled in his throat. She understood his double meaning perfectly. He’d been talking about the lie she was planning and the ones she had just told. He gave her credit, she was intelligent. It was impressive. And quite honestly, he enjoyed the feel of her hands twined into his clothes.

Since he’d been alone in his room, he’d discarded his coat and vest. A decision he was most pleased with now. The crush of her breasts was far more pleasant with less fabric between them. He wondered what they would feel like without her corset and dress. Every muscle in his body clenched at the thought. “But to make it more believable, I will come with you. Say I found you on fire and put it out, which is true. All lies need an element of truth to be believable.”

Her mouth open and close several times. “You need not trouble yourself on my account. My burnt dress is all the truth I need.”

“No trouble at all.” He stepped back to let her go. Honestly, he would have preferred to keep her in his arms. Perhaps the entirety of the night. But she was an unwed lady and though his reputation was that of a drunken, gambling, thieving rake, he was actually none of those things. Well perhaps he dallied with a few more ladies than was respectable, but not ones like Lady Rose. He would assume for the moment, she was innocent, despite the fact that she’d been searching his room in the dark of night. He stayed away from innocents and kept his attention on women such as widows and light skirts. And so he’d do the proper thing now.

She wobbled at the loss of his hands and he reached out to grab her waist again. She clutched them, and took several steadying breaths. “My apologies. I suppose catching on fire has made me a bit shaky.”

A chuckle bubbled from his chest at her pluck. “I can see how that might be true. I haven’t been set to flame of late but it did happen to me once and I had to sit for several minutes. You are doing quite well.”

“Were you burned?” She looked up at him again, her large eyes luminous in the moonlight. Was it the shadows or were her cheekbones really that pleasing? He knew for certain the swell of her bosom was no nighttime trick but real and stunning.

Without intending to, he pulled her closer again. She fit against him quite well, her supple curves fitting into all the hollows of his body. “I bear a small scar.”

“Where?” Her eyes gave him a sweep as though she might uncover the mark if she checked.

He grinned. “On my hip.” If she’d been someone else, he might have asked her if she wanted to see it. But he had another mission now. He had to stop admiring her finer qualities and figure out what this little chit was up to. Still, discussing his bare hip had its advantages. A blush heated her cheeks, turning them a lovely shade of pink in the moonlight. She was not a woman who had seen or discussed men’s pelvises. She was likely innocent.

“Thankfully for me, you put the flames out in time.” Drawing in a deep breath, she stepped back. It was rather delightful. He could almost see her pulling her wits about her despite his attempts to unsettle her. “But truly, I do not need you to return with me to the party. If you could perhaps notify my father privately that I won’t be returning so that he might make my excuses. And no need to give him your pocket square, I’m sure he can do without one.”

Then she turned and crossed the room. The door clicked open and then closed again. She left as mysteriously as she’d come. And while he hadn’t gotten the answers he’d wanted out of her, he learned a great deal. And now, he had a new mystery to solve. A beautiful little riddle.

* * *

Rose leaned against the wall as she closed her eyes and attempted to catch her breath. How had her attempt at finding the stolen jewels gone so wrong?

First, Lord Addington wasn’t supposed to be there. Lady Mildred had informed her she’d seen him sneak off into the garden with an unknown lady. Clearly Millie needed a new pair of spectacles. Secondly, she should have had a ready excuse if caught, information she would remember for next time.

Third, she hadn’t planned to light her clothing on fire, nor had she expected his light touch to spark such heat within her. He had muddled her already confounded mind.

And he’d been so at ease. He didn’t seem the least flustered by her presence. Did he have lady guests often? His reputation suggested that he did. And despite being a thief and penniless, she saw his appeal. She’d felt it, deep inside.

What was more, he’d tested her, trying to play with her. His intelligence and cunning completely evident. So she’d learned something valuable too. She doubted very much he was an innocent victim in all of this. She’d found the right path to lead her to mother’s jewels.

Pushing herself off the wall, she made her way to her room. She didn’t ring for her maid, choosing to light the candles herself and then removed her ruined dress. She sighed as she held it up for inspection. She’d liked blue silk gown with a lace overlay. It had been one of her favorites.

Her maid would have questions about where the dress had gone but she’d have to dispose of it without her knowledge. A missing dress was far better than a burned one. Ann was a lovely girl, but prone to gossiping, especially in a house full of unknown servants. Her father knowing she’d caught fire would be bad enough.

She began to undo her corset when a knock sounded at her door.

“Rose,” her father called. “Are you all right?”

She took a steadying breath, feeling for a moment like a child about to be caught telling a lie. “Fine, Papa,” she replied.

“Are you burned?” The concern in his voice made her wince in guilt. She’d worried him with her antics. He would never approve if he knew she was trying to track down the jewels. An already protective father, he’s become more so after the loss of her mother last year to consumption. She put on her dressing gown, moved to the door, then opened it to allow her father in.

The moment it opened, his concerned eyes travelled up and down her. Though greying, her father was still a handsome man, tall and lean. She missed her mother dearly, and no one would ever replace her, but more and more often, she wished her father would find a woman to make him happy. Not only would it be good for him but Rose would marry soon, provided her reputation was not entirely destroyed while she searched for the diamonds, and she hated to think of him alone.

“No, I’m fine. The only damage was to my dress, I’m afraid.” She winced as she held up the garment again for inspection.

“Oh dear.” He assessed the burnt fabric. “It was fortunate that Lord Addington was there.”

She raised her eyebrows. “You may be the only person I have ever heard use the words fortunate and Lord Addington together in a sentence.”

Her father raised his eyebrows. “Before the Highwater scandal, when had you heard of Lord Addington darling?” He cleared his throat. “Be careful judging a man, or a woman, from ton rumors. They are rarely true.”

It was Rose’s turn to raise her eyebrows. She understood her father’s sentiment but she had to disagree. At least in this case. He was involved. She was sure of it. But she didn’t need to enlighten her father. “If you say so.” She began folding up the dress. “You will make my excuses downstairs? I hardly think I will return in a new ensemble. It’s late and there would be questions.”

“Of course” Her father gave her a thin smile. “My question is why you left dinner in the first place?”

Rose was careful to continue folding the dress with deliberate slowness. “I needed the powder room, Papa.”

Her father remained silent for so long she finished and, after crossing to put it on top of the chest at the foot of her bed, she was forced to turn and look at him.

He assessed her still as he spoke. “Why did Lord Addington think you were fetching me a pocket square?”

She gave a casual shrug, at least she hoped it was casual. “It was too embarrassing to admit what I was actually doing.”

Her father’s eyes lit with understanding and she willed her shoulders to remain straight and not slump in relief. “Of course, that makes sense.”

A lovely breeze blew in from the open door leading to her balcony. The smell of flowers drifted in from the courtyard. It would be nice to step out and clear her mind. She’d only left Addington’s room with more questions and few answers.

“I should retire, Papa, but I will see you in the morning?” She crossed over to her father and gave him a quick kiss on his cheek.

“Sleep well,” he returned the gesture then headed for the door. “I will see you in the morning at breakfast.”

As the knob clicked closed, she slipped the dressing gown off her shoulders and hung it on its hook. Then she reached her fingers behind her back to begin working the lacings of her own corset, eager to be free of the garment.

“Would you care for some help?” a deep voice called from the balcony door.

A chill ran down her spine as a little scream emitted from Rose and she whirled to face the opening. Standing amongst the undulating curtains was Lord Addington. How had he gotten up on the second story balcony and why? “What are you doing?” she hissed.

He didn’t move from the doorway but his arms crossed over his chest, one eyebrow arching. “You entered my room without invitation first.”

She stared at him opened mouthed. How dare he? That was entirely different. “A gentleman would never enter a lady’s room uninvited.”

A devilish smile quirked one side of his lips up. “I am no gentleman.” As if to prove his point, his eyes wandered down her length. It was only then that she realized she was in nothing but her corset and chemise.

She gasped again as she attempted to cover herself. Rose backed up three steps but only bumped into the bed. Then she skittered away, thinking it was even more dangerous place to be. “Get out,” she whispered.

He didn’t move as he continued to stare at her. “Relax, Rose. I am not here to hurt you. We simply need to finish our conversation without the risk of being discovered. And in your room, half dressed, you can not simply vanish again.”

The candlelight danced along the plains of his face. He looked even more handsome in this light than he did during the day, the dark depths of his eyes bottomless, his hair shining wherever the light touched it. “We should discuss this tomorrow, in a more respectable—”

“I don’t think so.” He gave his head a tiny jerk. “Why were you in my room? And do not tell me it was for a pocket square. I heard you speaking to your father.”

Her breath caught and she moved back to the bed, sinking down to sit on its feathered softness. She was normally quite adept at avoiding trouble but he backed her into a corner. “I…” The single word slipped out but she had no idea what else to say.

“What were you searching for?”

His voice was soft, soothing almost, in its deep baritone. It rumbled through her making her already weak knees jelly. She couldn’t have stood if she’d tried.

She rubbed her temples with her middle and index fingers. She had absolutely no explanation other than the truth. The room became so still, she could have heard a mouse upon the floor. “I wished to take a lover,” she barely whispered. “I thought your room was another man’s.”

* * *

Well bloody hell, she was full of surprises. And little lies. Will’s eyes narrowed. As a man who had been a spy, he understood the need to lie. The question was, were her reasons noble? Every instinct he had now told him she was not particularly skilled at falsehoods, it was not something she did often. Then why was she lying now? “A lover? Pray tell, who is the lucky man?”

She reached for one of the posts on her bed, and holding it with both hands, stood up, leaning her weight against it. She was truly lovely, not just because her corset accentuated her supple curves, and her thick blonde hair trailed about her shoulders. But because the spark of intelligence that lit her eyes along with her fortitude called to him. He adored a challenge.

She drew in a deep breath. “That is none of your concern.”

He walked closer, keeping his movements slow. Her eyes widened and her chest heaved her rather ample bosom. Not so large as to be out of proportion but nice and full. It was lovely, really. He forced his gaze from her delectable curves and his thoughts from how those curves might fill his hands. “Oh but it is. Because it was my room that you actually entered and because, if you are taking requests for lovers, I’d like to be considered for the position.” It was bordering on cruel. She had no intention of taking a lover, and he would not ruin an innocent lady but he had to force her into a spot where she began telling the truth.

Her answering gasp confirmed everything he needed. He’d nearly reached her now and her shallow breaths made her breasts heave. The sight nearly undid him. For a moment he wanted to forget all about pressing her for information and instead, he wanted to press her body against his. “You, my lord, are a terrible rake.”

He chuckled, the sound of her breathy voice doing little to bring him back to his senses. “I fear that is true.”

Her hands tightened on the post, her knuckles white in the soft light. “Are you also a gambler, a drunk, and a thief?” she asked.

He stopped moving and he brought his gaze back up to hers. “What?” He fixed his gaze to hers, his mind slowly digesting what she’d just said. He was normally far quicker, but she’d addled his brain. But her last word…thief was important. She’d been searching his room. She’d just accused him of stealing. She thought he had something of hers. Bloody hell.

She swallowed then her lips pressed together before she spoke. “There are a great many rumors that surround you, my lord.”

Will was tired of this game. Not of her. She was the most interesting person he’d met in quite some time. But he did not like her accusation. He’d heard it many times and it had never bothered him before. To the contrary, he’d intentionally developed a dreadful reputation to cover his tracks. But somehow, on her lips, it made his insides clench to know that was what she thought of him. Even knowing that she wasn’t actually taking a lover, and not really rejecting him, it bothered him that she did think he was thief and that she’d been searching his room. “Then I will refer you to your father’s earlier comment. Be careful believing in rumors, my lady.”

He should go. He’d learned what he’d come here to discover. At least why she was in his room. Of course, as was always true, one answer brought about more questions. What was she looking for? How did she decide to look to him to find it?

“You just confirmed you are what they say…” Rose let go of the post and took a step toward him. “A rake. If that is true, it stands to reason that the other rumors might be as well.”

Will assessed her again. In some corner of his mind, he had to honestly admit he was impressed. Though she’d given up her game without meaning to,—she was dealing with a trained spy after all—she had also set him back on his heels. Men far more adept at foul pursuits hadn’t been able to do what she had just accomplished. Of course, those men did not addle his brain with lush and heaving chests. But still, if they’d been playing chess, she’d have put him in check at the very least. It was time, however, to turn the tables back in his favor again. “I doubt the ton has any real information on my activities, my lady. It’s all hearsay and conjecture. For example, they will never know that I snuck into an innocent debutante’s room this evening and kissed her senseless.”

“I beg your par—” she started but he didn’t allow her to finish.

Instead, he wrapped his arm about her waist and pulled her up against him. Cupping her cheek with his other hand, he firmly, deliberately pressed his lips to hers. He felt her gasp, as she sucked his breath into her mouth.

She brought her hands to his chest as he guided her lips closed again and then opened them, deepening the kiss. He’d reckon she was about to push him away and so he touched his tongue to hers. Then her hands gathered up his shirt while she clung to him.

She tasted of clover, soft and sweet, as he kissed her over and over, exploring the delicate hollows of her mouth. Her body gathered to his and for a moment, he considered unlacing the rest of her corset, pulling off her chemise and kissing every inch of her to see if the rest of her body was equally delicious.

But he wasn’t here to make love to an innocent. His goal was simply to unsettle her, never mind that she was wreaking havoc on him with her innocent enthusiasm.

Her soft moan nearly undid the last of his resolve. She tasted better than any woman he had ever known. His entire body was as tense as a bowstring with the desire that filled him. But he ended the kiss and slowly stepped away. With a small salute, he backed out the French doors. He’d get more answers from his innocent little lying temptress tomorrow.

Chapter Three

Rose watched him leave wondering what had just happened. For a brief shining moment, she’d had the upper hand. Then that blasted man had turned the tables on her…again.

She brought her fingers to her lips and touched the swollen flesh. The kiss had been everything she’d dreamed her first kiss would be. And Lord Addington looked as though he had stepped directly out of one of her daydreams, the sort every young lady had. Except, of course, instead of being a dashing hero, he was a thieving rake. Try as she might to explain to her racing pulse that he wasn’t at all appropriate, it didn’t appear to want to listen.

Crossing the room, she closed the doors to the patio and then clicked the lock into place. She might be hot tonight, but she couldn’t risk another surprise visit from a devilishly handsome man. Then she unlaced her corset, and flopped onto her bed.

She should change into a nightrail, undo the pins from her hair. Instead, she lay staring at the canopy above her on the large bed, reliving every moment of that kiss along with many of the exchanges that had happened before it.

Rolling onto her stomach, she sighed. If she were going to lay awake, she should make plans on how to find her mother’s jewelry instead of daydreaming about a man who didn’t exist. Well, technically, Lord Addington existed, but her mind was creating a fiction around him where he was actually gallant and noble. Perhaps he wasn’t a thief but an agent of good, trying to catch wrong doers and the like. She sighed at her own silliness.

Pushing off the bed, she crossed the room and sat at her dressing table to begin removing the pins from her hair. As she pulled the pins, the locks tumbled down her back. She gathered them into a thick braid and tied a ribbon at the end. She was certain she’d lost her chance to search Lord Addington’s room. Even if she could get in again when he was gone, she’d lost the element of surprise. He now knew she’d be looking and could hide anything of value.

Nibbling at her lip, she propped her elbows on the surface of the table and rested her chin on her closed fists. Since she could no longer search his room, she’d have to follow him instead to find proof he was a thief. She ignored the tiny thrill that raced down her spine at the thought of watching him. It was a matter of finding the truth, not of observing his broad shoulders and narrow torso. She wouldn’t be distracted but his full lips on hers or his arms around her…she stopped herself.

“Ugh,” she said aloud and then closed her eyes. Tomorrow would be a busy day. She’d need her strength.

Sleep took a long time to come and she woke the next morning with puffy eyes and a dull pain in her temples. Lack of rest and the fact that she still had learned nothing tangible made her rather grumpy as she made her way to breakfast.

Walking into the morning room, very few were about and she assumed that most of the assembled guests had been up late into the evening. But at one end of the table, sat Lord Addington along with her host, Lord Perrault. To Perrault’s right sat the widow, Lady Crawley. Rose stopped, dread filling her as she assessed the situation.

Addington spotted her and gave her a slow smile. Goodness gracious but he had a handsome smile in the most infuriating way possible.

She’d decided as she’d lain awake that she couldn’t verbally spar with him again. He always seemed to have the upper hand. Her plan, if she could ignore his lazy smiles, was to pretend she didn’t give a whit about him so that she could follow him without suspicion. She knew she was grasping at straws, but she had to try something. Her body responded to his and her mind wasn’t prepared for his blasted intelligence. It was part of the reason she’d come down to breakfast so early. She’d wanted to avoid his company. Didn’t drunken degenerates like Lord Addington sleep late?

“Good morning, Lady Rose.” Lord Addington stood in greeting as he spoke.

Rose stopped, cursing to herself. Then she remembered her manners and began moving again, glancing at the other people about the table.

Lord Perrault stood as well and the widow, Lady Crawley gave her a nod.

“Good morning,” she replied as blandly as she could to a man who had kissed her just hours ago.

Lady Crawley sniffed. “What is good about it?”

Lord Perrault gave a little chuckle. “Why rise at all, Lady Crawley, if you don’t enjoy the morning?”

Rose made her way around the table to be seated next to the widow when she saw Lady Crawley give Lord Addington a long look. “I heard morning air would be good for my skin,” the woman replied. “Lord Addington, I know you enjoy the mornings.” Her pause made it clear exactly why she’d woken. She hoped to catch the attention of Lord Addington. “Perhaps you wouldn’t mind taking me for a walk in the fresh air after we’ve broken our fast?”

Rose digested this information. He was a known early riser? How was that possible given his reputation?

Lord Addington gave a slight bow. “My apologies, but I’ve a previous engagement.”

“At this hour?” Lady Crawley huffed.

Rose glanced at the other woman. She was lovely in the way that was in fashion among the ton. Pale blonde hair and ivory skin, the woman was tall and slender making her stand out in a crowd. The lady didn’t ever have a hair out of place. By contrast, Rose had a far more honey colored hair that refused to be stay where it should, much browner skin and a fuller figure. Though her waist was tiny, her curves were rather…full. She smoothed her skirts in an effort to tame her hips as she reached the chair next to Lady Crawley. Wishing, she were taller at the very least, or thinner, or just as well put together as the other woman.

But wishes wouldn’t help her now. As she smoothed her skirts again, she sat. Rose had been careful not to make eye contact with Lord Addington and she kept her gaze cast down at her plate but she felt his eyes upon her. Why wasn’t he assessing the widow? If there was one advantage to breaking fast with a woman who was so much more beautiful, then it was that she should distract Addington so that Rose could observe him. But he watched her all through breakfast and she looked everywhere but at him.

Perrault cleared his throat and Rose watched as Lady Crawley fiddled with her napkin in the silence.

With a sigh, Addington spoke. “I have always risen early, Lady Crawley. I find I quite enjoy the morning.” He paused for a moment. “What of you, Lady Rose?”

Drat. She’d have to meet his gaze now. Glancing up, she found the dark pools of his eyes intently studying her. “I’ve always risen early as well.”

“Even when you’re up late?” One corner of his mouth gave the tiniest quirk up and she held in her gasp. He was trying to ruin her.

Narrowing her eyes, she looked at him for a few moments before responding. “I don’t generally stay up late but on the rare occasion I do, yes, I still rise early. I can’t sleep when the sun shines.”

Out of corner of her eye, she could see Lord Perrault assessing them. “I didn’t realize the two of you were acquainted. I’ve been meaning to make the introduction.”

Heat infused her cheeks as she held in a gasp. How would they explain their relationship?

Addington gave an easy smile. “Her father introduced us just last evening.”

“Excellent,” Perrault said.

Lady Crawley cleared her throat loudly and deliberately. Everyone turned to her. “Now that we’ve established the people who enjoy the mornings, what is it you do at this hour?”

Rose tried to think of an answer that didn’t sound rude. Honestly, what kind of question was that?

Before she could formulate an answer, Lord Addington did. “This morning, Lady Rose and I are touring the gardens.”

She whipped her head around to look at him, her face going slack. Any moment he’d announce he’d been in her room last night. What other explanation was there? But before she could reply another voice answered from the doorway. “We are quite looking forward to it, Lord Addington. Thank you for suggesting the outing.”

She recognized the sound of her father’s voice anywhere. As she whipped her head about she was met by his calm visage. He looked quite pleased. Her father was in on this? Didn’t he know Lord Addington’s reputation? Frankly, if Lord Addington’s behavior last night was any indication, it was one to which he lived up. They’d all gone completely mad.

* * *

Will had a small pang of regret as Rose gaped at him from across the table, her eyes wide and her skin pale. She had a reputation to maintain, putting her at an absolute disadvantage in these little conversations they had. Well, technically, he had a reputation as well as a rake and blackguard, one that he also put work into but it was so much easier to make people think ill of oneself. “It is my pleasure,” he murmured, studying Rose.

She did look tired this morning but still as beautiful as she’d appeared in the moonlight. He gave a quick glance over to the widow and the corner of his mouth tugged down. She was not his sort at all. Though her tall and thin figure was fashionable, he found Rose’s curves so much more pleasing. They were absolute perfection both to behold and feel and his thoughts drifted to last night when she’d been pressed up against him. She’d been divine.

In the light of day, her dark gold hair with its thick waves made him think of a field of wheat blowing in the wind. He’d like to see her hair completely undone. Truth be told, it appeared wild and difficult to tame, which suited him nicely. He pictured it flowing about her, a halo around her head on the pillow of his bed. Or better yet, he’d lie on the pillow and she’d be on top of him…he stopped, curbing his wayward thoughts. Not only was she a lady and insinuating he was a thief, he was at breakfast.

Her large blue eyes held an innocence that was refreshing, though that didn’t mean she was naïve. She’d been delightful to spar with. He tried to remember the last time he’d had such fun talking with a woman. Though it had been even more fun to kiss her full lips, which practically begged for a man’s attention. His attention. If Lady Crawley was demure beauty then Rose spoke of secret, untamed desires. Which was odd considering she was the innocent and the widow was likely anything but. Regardless, in all ways, he found Rose so much more pleasing.

His fist clenched under the table. By kissing her, he’d meant to throw her off balance but it had succeeded in completely distracting him while she didn’t seem affected at all.

She kept to herself this morning, in stark contrast to last night, and it sent a ripple of concern through him that he’d upset her greatly by sneaking into her room.

Which was ludicrous. It was part of his plan to keep her off balance to try and find out more about her. Well not about her, he told himself, but about why she’d been in his room. Still, she was very good at giving him details and so, he’d have to look elsewhere. Her father would be the perfect place to start.

And he needed to do it soon. She might find herself in real trouble if she kept up her antics.

Bloody hell, he was both attracted to and worried about this woman whom he’d known less than a day.

The breakfast continued on with strained conversation until Rose stood. He immediately stood too, as did her father. His reaction surprised him. Manners were one of the luxuries he did not indulge in so as to keep up his rakish reputation. Why pay her so much respect?

She started as she looked at him. Then she turned to her father. “I’ll change so that we might get this over…” she paused, “go on our outing.”

Her father smiled. “Of course, dear.”

Lady Crawley also stood. “Perhaps, Lord Addington, you could escort me to the library while you wait?”

A ripple of distaste made Will press his lips together. And to think, last night, he’d been hoping for a widow, perhaps even her. Somehow, a dalliance like that now seemed tawdry. It wasn’t that he was opposed to it in general, he told himself. It was more that Lady Crawley held little appeal. She was so obvious and uninteresting. He toyed with outright telling her no, but that was rude, even for a man of his reputation.

“I’ll meet you at the library.” Rose’s father gave him a slight wink. “After I’ve escorted Rose to her room.”

Lady’s Crawley’s huff of breath made him bend his head and scratch his nose, to hide his smile. The woman had the subtly of a peacock.

Her behavior only got worse as they made their way down the hall. “Lord Addignton,” she purred as her hip brushed his.

“Yes, my lady?” He bit back a sigh as he glanced over at her.

She gave him a cat like smile. “I must confess that I was rather intrigued to see you on the guest list. I’d been hoping to gain an introduction for some time.”

“Mission accomplished.” He didn’t bother to look at her again. He knew where this was headed. She wasn’t the first woman to proposition him. Did she only want a dalliance based on his reputation or was she looking for her next husband? He sucked in his breath. It didn’t matter.

She gave a contrived laugh. “Indeed. But now that we’ve met, I wonder, what shall we do…together?”

He suppressed a shudder. Will didn’t intend to do anything with this woman. Glancing over at her with a frown, he considered how he might be rid of her as quickly as possible. “Shall we play chess?”

She made a choking noise. “Why would we do that?”

His eyes moved heavenward. He had a feeling if he’d said that to Rose she would have understood that he’d meant they engage in a battle of wits. Whether it was actually playing the game or in some other form. He did like the game and would have enjoyed playing with any worthy opponent. Her reaction only confirmed that he and the Lady Crawley had little in common, and he didn’t just mean a love of chess. “You don’t play games in your free time?”

“Of course I do.” She purred again. “But I had something more interesting in mind.”

Blessedly, they’d reached the library. “You’ll have to tell me some other time, my lady. I fear I am late.”

He didn’t allow her to respond as he deposited her safely into the library.

Turning he had just left the room when Rose’s father met him outside the doors. Now was the perfect opportunity to question the man on his daughter.

The Marquess gave him a small nod of acknowledgement. “I’d like to thank you again for helping my daughter last night. Rose is a delightful girl but she does have a penchant for landing into trouble.” Lord Reagan chuckled as they began walking toward the entry to meet Rose.

If the man only knew. “It was no trouble at all. Happy to be of service.”

“I hope to get straight to the point and ask you if perhaps you could be of service again?”

What the bloody hell did that mean? What was happening today that he kept having these strange conversations? But he’d agree to near anything if he could find out more about what motivated Rose. “Of course, my lord. If I am able.”

“Rose, as you will learn, is a bright young woman. She has had her share of suitors but when my wife passed a year ago, Rose lost all interest in perspective husbands.” Reagan paused and Will turned to assess the man. His face was pinched in pain. Will’s own chest tightened. Losing a parent was never easy. “She doesn’t grow any younger and I wish to see her settled. What if something happened to me?”

“My lord?” Will’s drew his brows together as he tried to make sense of what he’d just heard. Unlike his conversation with the widow, he had an urge to protect Rose. The Marquess of Reagan, however, did not want him to court his daughter. Will was sure of that. Lady Rose would have her choice of suitors and they would not include destitute earls. Not that he actually was but Reagan didn’t know this. No one did. So what was he asking?

“Try to understand.” Reagan rubbed the back of his neck. “I haven’t seen Rose express interest in anyone until yesterday when she met you.”

Will tightened at the thought of Rose being more aware of him than any other man. Why did that please him so much? “I am not an appropriate suitor for her, I think we can both agree on that.” He should play along. He’d get more information that way but his desire to protect her overrode his need to solve this particular mystery.

“I don’t want you to actually court her, simply remind her of how enjoyable it can be.” He sighed. “It has been a difficult time for us. I simply want her to remember how to be happy.”

“Admirable,” Will murmured, thinking of his own family. He had mourned the death of his parents in a cursory fashion. What might it be like to love that deeply?

“I married Rose’s mother for love. Her father had left them in debt. Lucille had no dowry to speak of and her mother, Rose’s grandmother, had grown so desperate that she sold her prized possession, a set of diamond jewels.”

Jewels. He schooled his body not to react. She’d called him a thief last night. And at one of the last auctions the Marquess of Highwater had held for his stolen goods, a stunning set of diamond earbobs, necklace, and ring had been sold off. “Go on,” he rumbled.

“I tracked those jewels down and presented them to Lucille when I proposed. They were her one family heirloom and when she was on her death bed, she gave them to Rose.” Lord Reagan paused. “It was shortly after her death that my solicitor came. I wanted my will redrafted and my assets accounted for. He took the jewels, along with several others, for appraisal.”

He swallowed down the lump in his throat. “Who was your solicitor?”

“Mr. Winters.” Reagan answered. “Do you know him?” Then he shook his head. “Ridiculous question. Everyone knows him now. As I am sure you now know that he stole the jewels and auctioned them off.”

“I am so sorry,” Will’s fist clenched at his side. He’d been wondering what would cause a lady with a sterling reputation to sneak into a man’s room in the dead of night. He had his answer.

“As am I.” The marquess shook his head. “I could buy her more jewels. Have an identical set made. But it wouldn’t be the same. And though she has only ever said it once, I know she thinks constantly on getting those pieces back.”

Will took a deep steadying breath. Did the marquess know he was involved? Did he think Will knew of the stones whereabouts? “What did you want from me?”

Reagan stopped and turned to him. “I know of your reputation…”

That made Will’s insides tighten unpleasantly. Why did it bother him that Rose and her father thought him a thief? He hadn’t been tempted to give up his true circumstances in a long time. “Which is?”

Reagan gave a ghost of a smile. “As a man who is rather popular with the ladies.”

Will reared back his head. He had not expected the marquess to say that. “I beg your pardon?”

“I am hoping that you could pretend to show interest in my daughter. Nothing untoward. But try to engage her in a way that makes her see what she is missing. Help her overcome her grief of losing her mother and the one possession that connected them.”

Words failed him as he stared at Rose’s father. They’d reached the entry and stood at the base of the grand stairway. He’d already been untoward, not that he would share that fact. What was more, he was certain he hadn’t deterred her in the least from her search for the jewels. She hadn’t seemed lovestruck at breakfast. If anything, she’d been even colder. But also because a man of Reagan’s position and power didn’t want a thieving rake anywhere near his daughter. “You can’t want me to court her. I’ve already informed you of my reputation…”

“I am aware of your reputation, or the one you present to English society.” Reagan lifted his brows to accentuate his point. “But I also know that you are drawing that chapter of your life to a close. To be seen with Rose could raise your social standing and your future prospects. You could make a match that would benefit you after this is done. Not with Rose, of course. But some other eligible lady who was fitting.”

He drew in a sharp breath. How did Reagan know this? “I don’t know what—”

“Save it, lad.” Reagan placed a hand on his shoulder. “We’ll make more progress if we don’t pretend. My information comes from the highest of sources so there is no need for you to lie.”

Bloody bullocks this was strange. And if the Prince Regent was sharing then it meant he truly thought Will was done as a spy. But if not a spy, what was he then? Just a lord? That wouldn’t do for him at all.

He should likely tell Reagan he had no interest in a match. If he did, he wouldn’t need Rose to make him attractive. Even if women thought him destitute, one of them would marry him and hand over her fortune. A woman like Lady Crawley for example. He hadn’t allowed her to finish but the offer was about to be on the table.

He ignored his niggle of irritation at Lord Reagan’s comment that he wasn’t suited to Rose. If the man knew he wasn’t actually a rake or financially ruined, why wouldn’t he be suitable? Never mind that he didn’t wish to marry.

Besides, the entire plan was ridiculous. He was here to suss out a thief. But Rose had the same end, and she’d likely get herself in real trouble when the actual thief arrived. If she’d been willing to sneak into his room, she’d be willing to take ridiculous risks again, only with actual criminals who might really hurt her. Will didn’t want to think about why that bothered him so much but if he were seen to be wooing her, he might be able to keep an eye on her. “Very well, I will do it.”

Reagan blinked as though surprised but then gave him a winning smile. “Splendid.”

“What are you doing, my lord?” Rose asked as she came down the steps. “What is splendid, Papa?”

Chapter Four

Rose looked at the two of them and narrowed her gaze. Their heads were bent together as they furiously whispered to one another. They were scheming. Her father was mostly a shrewd man, though her mother’s death had taken a lot of his fire from him. It surprised her still to think that he was befriending Lord Addington. Surely, he had heard the rumors.

“Nothing dear,” her father said as he turned to her. “You look lovely.”

She resisted the urge to smooth the folds of her muslin gown. It was perfect for walking as the day heated with a lovely blue sash at the high waist matching the ribbon on her straw bonnet. Not that she would keep her skin from taking on a golden hue. She’d never had the pale ivory skin that Lady Crawley had achieved. Though that was beside the point. Her father was deflecting. “Thank you, Papa.”

A quick glance at Lord Addington showed that he was studying her again. She watched his gaze sweep up and down her as he stepped forward and offered his elbow. “Shall we?”

She gave a curt nod and attempted not to sigh. She’d been cursing her father in her room. He was ruining her plan to put distance between herself and Lord Addington so that she might spy on him. She knew it was a ridiculous plan after last night but it was the only one she had. “Thank you.”

He led her out the front door and down a sweeping lawn to a set of gardens that spanned between the house and the river that flanked the property. They were in full bloom and as they entered, the smell of the flowers filled her nostrils. Her father had fallen back to a reasonable distance behind them, curse him. But after she breathed in again, she couldn’t help but comment. “They smell divine.”

He leaned close to her and she heard his subtle intake of breath. “You most decidedly do too.”

She scrunched her nose when she looked over at him. Warmth spread through her at his words but she would not allow that to dictate her actions. She would not be drawn in by this man. “Pish. Your charms are better suited to a woman like Lady Crawley.”

“Can I tell you a secret?” He smiled, his gaze warm.

She leaned in to hear him, unable to resist as his dark mysterious eyes met hers. It was impossible to focus. “You probably shouldn’t.”

He leaned down to whisper close to her ear, tickling the sensitive flesh along her neck. “I find women like Lady Crawley rather dull.”

Shivers of pleasure raced along her skin. Her eyebrows rose and she snapped her head around to look at him again. “She is considered a beauty by most.”

A devilish grin pulled at one corner of his lips. “I’m sure she is. I prefer a woman who is more…”

“More what?” she asking, leaning in closer though she probably shouldn’t, but her eagerness to hear his answer broke through her reserve. Her breathy question giving away her interest. Blast the man. She was supposed to remain aloof. But in her heart, Rose wanted to hear a man as handsome as him discuss her finer qualities.

“Intelligent,” he replied, his eyes dancing with merriment.

A little giggle escaped, though she didn’t mean for it to happen. He was making it difficult to remain distant. Rose had expected him to compliment her but that had been the last feature, she thought he would mention. He always seemed to take her by surprise. She’d have to remember to not engage in a conversation with only him in the future. “I can see how that would be an important trait for you. I consider myself to be reasonably astute and yet I am at a disadvantage every time we speak.”

His eyebrows lifted. “I quite disagree. You have taken me by surprise several times in the very short time I’ve known you. That is difficult to do.”

Pleasure rippled through her. She’d hoped to hear him say she was attractive but somehow, this was terribly satisfying. “Thank you.” She took a breath, trying to clear her increasingly muddled mind. He was addling her ability to focus. They turned a corner and Rose looked back. She didn’t see her father behind them. Now was the time to get answers. She attempted to focus again. “What were you and my father discussing when I came down the stairs?”

His eyes widened but then he grinned. “See, you caught me off guard again.”

Rose stopped. “Lord Addington, I appreciate you being so complimentary and kind. Considering how we met, it’s good of you.” She hadn’t forgotten that he was likely responsible for her mother’s missing jewels or that she’d planned to keep him at a distance. But since her mother had gone, she hadn’t felt a connection with anyone. Her friendships had become hollow relationships. Men seemed shallow and interested in her station only or perhaps her dowry. Hadn’t it been that way with Lord Dudley Appleton, her last suitor? Before her mother’s death, she’d been smitten with him, but he’d been irritated by her grief rather than supportive. When the jewels went missing, he’d outright told her she was a fool to search for them. Said she was grasping for feelings she’d never have again. That was when she’d known she couldn’t marry him. In her mother’s own way, she’d helped Rose to see the truth. If not for the grieving period, she’d be spending her life with a man who had little respect for her.

He’d made it abundantly clear when she hadn’t accepted his offer that she was making a mistake. It was within his power to have a real beauty and Rose should have grateful he’d given his attention to her.

“Will,” he answered.

She’d been so lost in thought, she didn’t understand what he meant. “Will I what?” she asked, cocking her head to the side.

He shook his head while he grinned. “My name is Will. When we’re together like this, I’d like for you to address me as such.”

She snapped her mouth closed, realizing it had fallen open. “I couldn’t—”

“Your father wants me to court you. Or pretend to seek your favor. It’s appropriate.”

Her gasp filled the space between them. It was one thing to admit that he was first person she’d felt an actual connection with in a long time but to be courted by a jewel thief? He must be lying. “That isn’t possible.”

“It is, though he doesn’t intend for us to marry.” Will began pulling her along. “I will explain it to you later. Can you sneak to my room this afternoon?”

“You’ve gone mad,” she answered looking up at him. Or, the other possibility was that he was brilliant as he once again completely caught her off guard.

Will shook his head. “We could discuss your father’s wishes in the library but then how will you search my room for your mother’s jewels?”

She stopped again, disbelief making her feet heavy and dull. How could he possibly have known what she’d been searching for last night? “What is happening?”

He started her moving once again. “Meet me after the noon meal.”

Shaking off her confusion, she looked over at him as he pulled her around a hedge of roses. “Don’t be ridiculous. It’s dangerous enough under the cover of darkness. Besides, if you had anything valuable, you would have hidden it before you issued this invitation.”

“Clever girl,” he whispered close to her ear. “Do you like chess?”

“Of course I do.” She stamped her foot. “But I can not come to your room.”

“I have something you’ll want to see.” He crooned in a lilt that was almost a song.

Curse him, but she was tempted. She did want to search his room, and the promise in his voice made her tingle with anticipation. She liked being alone with him. But he was completely and thoroughly ruining her plan to watch from afar. He always had the upper hand. “Fine,” she whispered back “But you are to promise to keep your lips to yourself.”

He chuckled, low and deep, and it sent shivers racing all along her skin. “I swear it. But I’d like you to know, you are the first woman to ever make me promise such a thing.”

“Pish,” she replied back, though she believed him. It was taking all of her energy to resist him. It left so little ability to remember her actual goals. “You’re are not nearly as irresistible as you think.”

His lips, which had been close to her ear, placed a soft kiss on the sensitive flesh of her neck. She caught her breath. “Is that a challenge?”

She brought her hands up to his chest, intent on pushing him away. When there was distance between them, she could make rational decisions, but with him this close, her mind simply refused to work. Instead of creating distance, she found her palms exploring the hard ridges of muscles underneath them. “It isn’t,” she said in a breathy voice that she barely recognized. He started kissing a trail down her neck. Tingling spread through her body and seemed to center at the apex of her legs. “Why can’t you leave me be?”

His lips stilled for a moment. “That is no fun at all.” Then he skimmed them back up her neck. She nearly moaned aloud. “And in my defense, it was you who picked the lock in my room. But this afternoon, I will do my duty as a gentleman.”

She stilled, sure it was unwise to trust him. But footsteps on the gravel path interrupted the moment, and Will’s head snapped up. “Who?” She blinked, trying to clear the haze.

“Your father,” he whispered before he stepped back.

Disappointment made her ache as he tucked her hand into his elbow and started them down the path again. She’d told him to leave her alone so why did she want his touch again?

As they began walking, he leaned down and whispered again. “After lunch.”

It was a terrible idea. She shouldn’t go, but as his hip brushed hers, she knew that she would. He was too tempting by half and she couldn’t stay away.

* * *

Will waited just outside the door of his room, pretending to fumble to find the key. A ploy he’d perfected over the years. He heard the muted footsteps of slippers and without looking up, spotted Rose in his peripheral vision.

His heart thrummed faster. It was strange. As a spy, he’d never considered marriage. He was in too much danger, he was always moving about, and he pretended to be destitute often. The whole of the ton currently believed him penniless. Not easy to do and, if undone, he’d ruin his cover. But pretending to be destitute was not suited to matrimony.

When Prinny had told him he ought to lay low for a while, even consider retirement, he’d dismissed it. Sure, he could allow the entire scandal to pass. And, after a fashion, return to spying, his tarnished reputation only adding to his cover story as a man willing to participate in less-than-noble pursuits.

And though it might be nice join the ranks of his peers as an equal, rather than always appearing the fool, he’d wondered what he might actually do when he was no longer committing espionage. As he looked up to see Rose walking toward him, a few ideas of how he might fill his time came to mind.

Of course, they all involved Rose wearing very little clothing, or none at all, but still. It was progress. And a man didn’t dally with a woman like her without considering marriage and a future. It was a far different life than he had previously seen for himself, but the idea sounded…desirable.

The blue ribbon about her waist accentuated its tininess; he wondered if he could wrap his hands around it. He thought he might and that made him regret his promise not to kiss her. Because not only did he want to test her waist but he longed to run his hand down the flare of her hip. He’d bet her derriere was delightfully soft and supple.

He nearly groaned aloud, trying to remember when a woman had dominated his thoughts so completely. It wasn’t just those luscious curves. It was her tenacity and intelligence.

She reached his side, and he silently opened the door, pulling her in and closing it behind him. “This was a terrible idea,” she said softly as she stood close him. Which she had to do. He was still holding her arm even though he’d already closed the door.

“I disagree,” he rumbled. “We’re going to learn a lot today.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Am I going to learn that you are a man who keeps his promises?”

Her fiery spirit set him ablaze but he released her arm and she took a few steps back. “Search away, my lady.” He had promised to behave like a gentleman while she searched his room. He already knew what she would find.

His pistol, a letter from the Prince Regent stating his innocence, and another from the Marquess of Highwater demanding that Will settle a substantial debt by employment for nonspecific services. He’d intentionally gone into debt to the marquess, then pretended he didn’t have the funds to pay it back.

Even his closest friends believed this story, which mystified him. He belonged to a secret club called the Wicked Earls’ Club. And granted, those men often landed in these types of scrapes, but he couldn’t believe none of them could see the truth. That he wasn’t actually poor, or inept. It had made him feel so isolated, when he chose to think about it, which was not very often at all. Until, Rose.

She seemed to see right past his veneer and it was refreshing. He wanted to be around her more, see himself through her eyes. He gave himself a shake. For some reason, he’d been thinking all kinds of strange things.

And she’d been absolutely correct that he’d time to remove what he didn’t want her to find. Like his rather large and very full coin purse. Or the more private letter from Prinny that urged him to cease his work as a spy.

Rose moved about the room, opened a desk drawer, and pulled out a folded sheet of paper, then held up Prinny’s letter of pardon. She gave him a questioning glance and he nodded for her to open it.

She quickly scanned the document, her mouth tightening as she did. The letter exonerated him of any wrongdoing or knowingly taking part in any illegal acts. Then she flipped to the second sheet. Rose didn’t look up as she scanned the rest.

Rose said nothing as she folded them back up and neatly replaced them in the drawer. Softly, she pushed closed it, then she smoothed the folds of her gown. It was a nervous habit of hers and he wished he could follow her hands with his own.

Standing straighter, he finally asked, “Well?”

Her gaze drifted to his. “I don’t believe it.” It wasn’t a question. She wasn’t asking. It was as though she stated a fact.

He quirked an eyebrow. “What don’t you believe?”

“That you were the hapless victim of the Marquess of Highwater. I don’t believe it.”

It took every ounce of his control not to react. She was right. He’d never been the victim. He had laid a carefully crafted trap that the marquess had stepped into without a second thought. What was more, she might be the only person in all of England who saw that he would never be that man’s lackey. Although, instead of thinking he was a force of good, she thought him a criminal, but still. It was nice that someone thought him capable of more than just a fool. “Really? Why is that?”

She crossed the room again, her eyes on him. “I’ve been watching you. You don’t drink all that much, you don’t gamble, unless there is someone at the table you want to talk to. What you do is you study people.”

Shock made his chest ache. “You’ve learned all this since yesterday?” He tried to make his voice derisive. He had to throw her off the scent even if he didn’t want to.

“No, I’ve watched you for the past several days. You’re not the only one who’s been studying people at this gathering.” Her eyes narrowed as she looked him up and down. “My job, however, was easier because I only needed to watch you. Though I must admit, it was a fair sight simpler when you hadn’t noticed me.”

Damn this beautiful woman and her astute mind. She’d done it again. Caught him completely off guard. She was glorious. Absolutely wonderful. “You think you know something our sovereign leader does not?”

“How well does he know you?” Rose stepped closer and he resisted the urge to pull her into his arms. He’d made a promise. But he hadn’t realized how much she’d learned about him or how nice it was for someone to see him. Not the veneer he’d constructed. It was more intoxicating than those delightful lips and sumptuous curves.

“Very well,” he assured her, attempting to throw her off the scent. If Prinny believed it then why wouldn’t she?

Her hands rested on those lush hips as she cocked her head to one side and assessed him. “Why is the prince so well acquainted with a failing earl?”

He had to admit it was a valid question. Triumph lit in her eyes and he nearly grinned back. “I wasn’t always a failure.”

Chapter Five

Rose tried not to huff out a breath. She’d thought she had him. She’d backed him into a corner and victory had never tasted sweeter. Well, in fairness, he tasted sweeter last night when he’d kissed her. Like whisky and a hint of cigar, and something deep and masculine. Why was she thinking of that now?

He leaned in closer. She knew he was doing it on purpose. It distracted her and he knew it. Blast the man. “And, despite my recent lack of success, I still have many allies.”

“Allies who didn’t help you? Who allowed you to become a slave to a criminal?” She could barely think. If he touched her, she’d be done for. She tried to back up but his hand reached around her waist. “You promised,” she gasped, even as a ripple of pleasure made her knees weak.

“I did.” He pulled her closer. “There is more to the story, but I’m not at liberty to share it yet.” Her body came in contact with his and everything tightened. “But there is more I need to tell you today. I can find your mother’s diamonds.”

Tears sprang to her eyes and she found herself, once again, clutching at his shirt. Her physical response coupled with her intense desire to believe those words left her mind spinning. “What?”

“I was there the day they were auctioned and I have a pretty good recollection of who won them. I will get them back for you if you promise me two things.” He leaned further in with every word until they were so close, they could kiss if he’d only just tilt his head the slightest bit. Which should not have occurred to her. Because those jewels were all that were important. But her body didn’t agree and somehow the news he could find them made her want to be closer to him.

“You were there? You saw them?” She croaked out, her voice hoarse with tears.

He cupped her cheek with one of his hands. “I will get them back. But you have to promise me to stop investigating them yourself. Men are coming here who pose a real danger to you. I can’t have you getting caught up with them.”

That made her start in surprise. It cleared her mind of both the emotion and the attraction, though she still clung to him, his support somehow more important than lust. “Other men? The thieves?”

“Rose, stay out of it, remember?” He kissed the tip of her nose. “I know I already told you that your father has asked me to pretend to court you.”

She stepped back then, ripping away from him. “What does that have to do with anything?”

He reached out and gently pulled her back against him. She was acting like a skittish deer, and he was clearly trying to calm her. “He wants me to teach you the value of male companionship, and were I to guess, stir a little jealousy among some of the other eligible bachelors.” His lips were back at her ear, and she had to confess to be rather fond of the tickly feeling it created. “I don’t care his reasons, I want you to allow it so that I can make sure you stay out of trouble.”

Rose skimmed her hands up his chest, admittedly because she liked the way the ridges of muscle felt. “So you want me to allow a fake courtship that will not result in an engagement so that you may keep an eye on me? And you want me to stop pursuing the diamonds? And in return, you will find the diamonds and return them to me?”

He leaned back and gave a relieved smile. “That is correct.”

“But you’re not a thief?” she tried to keep her look innocent. “Just a destitute earl?”

“Also correct.” His smile widened.

And he’d just stepped into the trap. “Then how do you intend to get the stones back? You can’t buy them and won’t steal them.”

The smile on his lips faltered. “You are troublesome, do you know that?”

“My father informs me daily.” She waved her hand to dismiss the charge. “Also, what do you gain out of this arrangement? I can’t see how it benefits you.”

He pulled her tightly up against him again. He was being rather persistent. “I am a destitute Earl in need of funds, with a unique knowledge of your stones’ whereabouts…”

Understanding dawned and her head snapped back. “You want me to pay you?”

He looked down at her, his gaze darkening. “A small finder’s fee. There are other benefits. Your father assures me that you will improve my social standing. Perhaps I could even marry a woman with a nice dowry that will rid me of my financial woes. But to make that happen, I will need some sort of financial stability.” His gaze darkened further. “And I am being gentlemanly…for a rake. I haven’t touched you in nearly any of the ways I want to.”

Her breath caught. She almost asked how he wanted to touch her but thought better of it. “You don’t need me to marry another woman.” She leaned further back to meet his gaze. It was likely a mistake but she couldn’t glance away from their dark depths. “Your looks and charm alone would provide you with the answer to your financial woes. Speaking of, why didn’t you marry rather than becoming indebted to the marquess?”

“You’re lovely, do you know that? Beautiful, well…endowed…intelligent. A man could lose himself to you.” He leaned in as though he were going to kiss her and then stopped a breath away. She was certain that she ceased breathing. No one had ever said anything like this to her. The fact that it was him, the most handsome and tempting man she’d ever met, made her nearly forget what they were discussing. But the jewels were important. She couldn’t be distracted. She needed to remember them, they were the only piece of her beautiful mother she could have back.

“That’s not a real answer.” She took a deep breath.

“It is. I get to spend time with you. That is the bonus out of this arrangement.” And then he did what he swore he wouldn’t. He kissed her. It was soft and achingly sweet. Just a gentle press of his lips.

Her knees buckled, his arms holding her up. She slid her arms about his neck. “You promised not to do that.”

“I did,” he was still so close, he filled all her senses. “And I am sorry that I broke it. But now I need you to promise me. Say that you will stay out of it and let me get the stones back.”

She hesitated for a moment as if she were really considering it. “I promise,” she whispered. But he wasn’t the only one who could tell a lie and break promises.

It wasn’t that she’d formed any specific plan. She hadn’t; but she didn’t quite trust him either. With all of this new information, she abandoned her plan to watch him from afar. With access to him, she could see whom he met with. Find out his schedule and keep an eye on him and use the information she learned to aid her investigation. She certainly had no intention of staying out of it.

He narrowed his gaze. “Swear it.”

She raised her brow, and sighed deeply. Ignoring the niggle of guilt pulling in her chest, she squared her shoulders to hide it. She would not feel guilty, he’d promised her not to kiss or touch her, both of which he’d broken. He shamelessly used her attraction to him to pull her off guard. And her purpose here was to retrieve those stones. She ignored the voice that said she liked his touch and she liked him, that was why she felt guilty. “I just promised. What would you have me swear on?”

He looked to the side, seeming to think, then he whispered close to her ear. “If I catch you breaking your promise, you owe me a kiss. A real one.”

Why did that only make her want to break her promise more than she already intended? Her guilt evaporated. “You are a terrible rake, do you know that?”

“I’ve been told.” He gave a casual shrug. “But you taste like nectar from a flower and I’d have a real drink before this business is done.”

Her breath caught. He knew she was lying and he didn’t care. She was both relieved and intrigued. He wanted to kiss her. She should be worried. She was making a deal with a man who’d just admitted to being a rake. So why had this entire business gotten more fun? She tried to remember the last time anything had been pleasant. Pleasurable.

But the thought of kisses, the knowledge that they’d continue this push and pull of wits, filled her with anticipation. The hope that he was telling the truth and could return the jewels made her lighter than she’d been in months. Or perhaps she could still find them on her own.

“So, I will pay you a sum and in return you will find my mother’s jewels?” She caught her breath at the next part. “As a cover, we will pretend to be courting?” It allowed her access to the potential thieves as well, though she didn’t share that part with Will.

“Correct,” he rasped in her ear.

“Promise me something too,” she said before she could stop the words.

“What?” he asked.

“I need those stones back. Without them, I’ve nothing of her…” she stopped, for the first time in months, she found herself close to tears again. “Please don’t fail me.”

* * *

Will’s chest tightened. Bloody hell, her large blue eyes were huge as she softly bit at her own lip. That light kiss was all he would allow himself. Because he had made a promise and he’d already broken it. But in that moment he wanted to kiss away her worries. “I will help you get those jewels back.” He gave her a squeeze before he shifted so that there was more space between them. She took several shuddering breaths next to him. “Would you tell me about her? Your mother?”

She was silent for a minute and then she cleared her throat. “She was beautiful.”

“I see where you get it from,” he said without thinking.

“Oh no, far more beautiful than me. Her hair was a much lighter blonde and her skin perfect. Even as she aged…” Rose trailed off. “She was kind to everyone and my father fell in love with her from the first moment they met.”

Will raised his eyebrows. She didn’t think herself capable of inspiring the same sort of affection. She hadn’t come out and said it, but it was implied. He supposed he hadn’t noticed the first few days he was here, but she’d gone out of her way to avoid him. To see without being seen. The moment Rose had stepped in front of him, he hadn’t been able to look away. He wasn’t in love, of course, but she was capable of inspiring a great deal more lust than he’d felt…possibly ever. “You don’t give yourself enough credit.”

She waved her hand as if to dismiss his words. “They loved each other from that moment, until the day she died. Their affection filled my life with love and joy, it surrounded us.” She paused and Will felt a stab of both pain for her and a touch of jealousy. His own childhood hadn’t been nearly so happy. “I know I should be thankful for the time we had. But since she left, I’ve been empty. Waiting to be filled and, I know they aren’t her, but to hold the jewels she loved so much would bring some piece of her back to me.”

If he could have, he would have dropped to his knees and pressed his cheek to her midriff. He’d promised to keep her safe but now, he wanted more than just her safety, he wanted to get the diamonds so that she might be happy. He wanted to hold her close and comfort her. “Rose, I swear—” he started but she stopped him.

“Thank you. You don’t have to say it again. You already promised.” She touched his cheek and trailed her fingers over his jaw. “I just wanted you to know why it was important to me.”

She backed away, but he wanted to continue to hold her close. A noise outside the door distracted him. He brushed by Rose and pressed his ear to the door. Two maids could be heard conversing. “More guests,” one murmured.

“Who is it this time?” another asked. “The house is to near bursting with guests.”

“The Baron and Baroness Bridgeton but a duke and duchess are supposed to arrive later today,” the first maid said.

“A duke?” the other girl croaked.

The other answered but he didn’t hear her response. They had moved down the hallway. A duke and duchess had not been on the guest list. His intuition told him that they were connected to Barrington in some way. Why else would a duke unexpectedly appear at an earl’s house party?

“Who is it?” Rose had come up just behind him and her breath blowing on his back caused the hairs on his neck to stand on end.

Which was likely why, he tried and failed to come up with an adequate answer. “I…I…” he started.

“Who is the Baron of Bridgeton? Do you know him?” For the first time, since he’d met her, he wished she wasn’t so blasted intelligent. Once she’d become more adept at lying and, honestly, sneaking about, she’d make an excellent spy.

“Bridgeton is a…” Did he tell her the truth? He honestly couldn’t seem to formulate a falsehood, which was odd for him. She had just promised to stay out of it. “Former associate of the Marquess of Highwater.”

She gasped and her hands clutched his biceps. He both regretted and rejoiced his choice to tell her. Her touch, the heat of her hands, and the fact that she’d wanted contact with him in her distress made him want to turn and gather her in his arms. “Do you think he might know where my mother’s jewels are? Is he a thief? Are you well acquainted with him? Does he think you’re a thief? Does he know you were just indebted to the marquess? Do you—”

“Rose.” He cut her off as he gently pried her fingers off his upper arm so that he might turn and gather her close. “He might have some details that will help. He is dangerous, which is why you should stay far away from him. He does know about the debt, but he also likely thinks I am a thief.”

“But why—”

“Sweetheart,” he leaned down. “We should get down there so that I might greet him.”

“Oh yes,” she said, fisting his shirt against his chest.

He’d like to strip the shirt off and feel her fingers on him the way they’d been on his cheek earlier. “Let’s go.”

He stopped her. “I will meet you down there, and then as a man seeking your courtship, I can certainly stand with you. But, we likely shouldn’t leave my room together and travel about the halls.”

Her mouth fell open for a second before it curved into a smile. “Thank goodness you are still thinking clearly.” Then her hands loosened from his shirt and smoothed it in the most adorable way. “Shall I go first?”

“I think so,” his lips opened to add, my love, to the end. Love? Why would he think a word like that? He didn’t love anyone. Even his parents. They’d bore him because it was their duty to do so and they’d raised him for the same reason. They hadn’t been cruel, not even unkind. Just distant.

Without warning, she reached up and wrapped her arms about his neck. Standing on her tiptoes, she pressed closely as she squeezed him. Lightly, she placed her lips against his. “Thank you for giving me hope.”

Then she unwound her arms from his neck and cracked open the door. Before he could say another word, Rose slipped out of the room. He had the distinct feeling that he didn’t want her to leave, that he’d like to keep her there forever. How absurd. Even if he hadn’t just considered marriage, this courtship was as fake as the rest of his life.

Chapter Six

Rose stood on the drive as the carriage came to a stop. Strictly speaking, guests were not required to greet other guests, though it was polite. A fact for which she had never been more grateful. She would not have missed this introduction for all the world.

Someone gave her back a subtle brush. She knew it was Will without looking. No one else touched her so and even if they did, her body tightened with anticipation, recognizing his touch.

Will…he was confusing her to no end. Half the time, her rational mind swore she shouldn’t trust him, while her more emotional side wanted to launch into his arms and stay there.

Thoughts of Lord and Lady Bridgeton flooded her mind as they exited the carriage. Lord Bridgeton was a portly fellow, balding and wearing spectacles. She nearly choked because he looked very nearly as she’d pictured Will might before she’d met him.

Even more astonishing was Lady Bridgeton. Twenty years younger than her husband, she was even more stunning than the widow, Lady Ashburn. Tall and fair the woman sparkled as she moved, a graceful smile set upon her perfect lips.

In fact, she was so beautiful Rose nearly missed the sparkling earbobs decorating her tiny ears. Rose would recognize those stones anywhere. A nauseating sensation spilled into her stomach. They were her mother’s.

A broken gasp fell from her lips before she could hold it in and her knees wobbled, threatening to cease supporting her.

“Rose?” Will’s voice was close to her ear, its deep rumble holding the question he didn’t actually ask. He placed his hand at her back again, holding her up. Thankfully, they were toward the back of the group and no one glanced back.

She turned to look at him, words failing her. His forehead creased and his mouth turned down as he looked at her. Somehow, his worry made her relax. Will would help her. “Her ears,” she mumbled.

He looked up and she watched his frown deepen. “Bloody hell,” he murmured.

“Exactly,” she replied. “What are we going to do?”

“You are going to dance and dine, and enjoy yourself.” He gave her waist a little squeeze. “I actually hope she’s got the entire set here. It will make our search easier.”

She started. To have the jewels back by the end of this trip? In her wildest dreams she’d pictured searching Will’s room and finding them there. But she’d never actually expected to find them here. Seeing them again brought a vision of her mother dressed to go out in the evening adorned with the jewels. Her memories sharpened as though her mother stood in front of her again. Rose reached her hand to grab Will’s. Thankfully they were toward the back of the group and no one seemed to notice. “Do you really think you could get them back?”

“Yes.” He was still leaning close to her ear. “Do you think you can stay out of trouble?”

That made her smile. Honestly, probably not. Though she did trust him far more than she had this morning but this investigation still belonged to her and, well, it was quite fun. With Will helping, she had this feeling that he’d keep her from any real trouble. When had this happened? When had she started believing in him? “I’ll do my best.”

He chuckled. “Remember the price if you don’t.”

She remembered. She thought about the feel of his lips, the things he’d said to her. Intelligent, he called her. Beautiful as well. “Hmmmm,” she murmured. “That would be dreadful.”

He gave her a grin but eased his hand from her waist. Part of her wanted to pull his hand back but that would be a foolish thing to do. Someone would notice.

Instead, the group moved inside and Rose did her best not to stare. It was terribly difficult. Those were her earrings, her family’s heirlooms, that that woman wore. The nerve.

Will said little and he didn’t touch her again which was for the best, though it also filled her with disappointment.

Several of the guests were greeting the newest members of the party when her father stepped up to her right.

“Are the last of the guests arriving?” he asked jovially. “It is Friday. Lord and Lady Perrault have been rather generous in allowing so many people to arrive so early.”

“Indeed they have,” Will answered in his usual affable tone. How did he do that? How did he keep his voice so calm and steady no matter the circumstance? “I’ve been friends with them for years and their generosity never ceases to amaze me.”

Lord and Lady Bridgeton approached and Rose’s spine straightened. She wished she’d asked him for lessons on how to remain so even-tempered. Right now, it was a chore just keeping the smile upon her face. How would she speak?

A piece of her wanted to scream, those are mine, and rip them from the other woman’s head. She would, of course, ruin her reputation completely, but it might be worth it. A quick glance at Will and she gave it a second thought. His brow furrowed as he gave his head a subtle shake.

The couple approached and Bridgeton greeted Will. “Lord Addington, always a pleasure.”

Will gave the man an easy smile. “And you as well. You know Lord Reagan and his daughter, Lady Rose.

“Of course,” Bridgeton tried to lift the corners of his mouth but failed and Rose watched as he glanced at the bobs in his wife’s ears. “I didn’t know you were to attend, my lord.”

Reagan addressed her father but when the marquess didn’t answer, Rose gave him a quick glance. Her father’s eyes were trained to the jewels sparkling in Lady Bridgeton’s ears.

Rose stepped forward. “I convinced him.” She pasted a smile on her face and took her lead from Will, the way he always pretended nothing was wrong. “I have to confess, that I heard a certain eligible lord would be in attendance.” She gave a little glance toward Will.

Lord and Lady Bridgeton gave a low laugh and she watched Bridgeton relax considerably. She was fooling the old git. “Quite right,” he murmured, giving her a wink. He knew those stones had belonged to her. Of course, if she’d confronted him, he’d deny it and say he bought them in a shop but now she was putting him at ease. It would make it that much easier to search Lady Bridgeton’s room later and—

“I must confess that I hope you are talking about me.” Will stepped next to her and the Bridgeton’s laughed again.

Rose looked over at Will. For a moment, she’d forgotten that she was supposed to allow him to find her jewels. Her chest tightened. What if he wasn’t successful and they slipped away again? Could she take that risk? “You?” She gave a tiny shrug, hoping it accentuated the curve of her shoulder. “Surely, I was discussing some other highly eligible lord.”

Her father loudly cleared his throat. Drat, she’d nearly forgotten about him. “I can’t believe we are discussing—”

“Forgive the interruption,” Lord Perrault called. “But the Duke and Duchess of Landon have just ridden through the gates. I hope you will all do us the honor of stepping back out to greet them.”

Lady Bridgeton put her hand on her husband’s arms. “Let’s retire to our rooms. I am sure we can greet them later. I am fatigued after the journey.”

“Of course, darling.” Lord Bridgeton patted her hand. With a nod, they both began to follow one of the footmen up the stairs.

Her father’s hand came to her shoulder with a good deal more heaviness than she’d ever felt before. “Those were your mother’s diamonds,” he hissed.

“I know,” she answered softly, craning back to see an ashen look upon his face.

“How? How did you know they would be here?” His voice was raspy and thin.

She reached back to place her hand over his. “I didn’t exactly but I knew—”

“Lord Reagan, you should lie down. You don’t look well. Rose will explain everything tonight.” Will stepped closer to both of them. “For now, we will greet the new guests. I know His Grace and he might be able to help us.”

“Help us?” Her father choked out. “You knew the stones would be here too? What are the two of you not telling me?”

“Papa,” she searched his face. His eyes had dark circles and his lips pulled at the corners. “I hardly know anything at all. Now go lie down and have your valet escort you. I’ll tell you everything tonight.” Not everything. Not even close. But enough to piece a logical story together. And she’d need Will’s help on that. Their stories must match.

Curse the man, she’d have to meet him privately again this afternoon.

* * *

Will sat across from the Duke of Landon in a private suite of rooms that looked more elaborate than his own rooms at home. Clearly the man held sway.

He knew why the Perraults had gone all out. Not only was Landon a duke, he was a reclusive one. Until recently, he hadn’t attended any social engagements at all and had only begun participating occasionally after his marriage.

Will knew Landon’s bride, the second daughter of a duke, and her sister. They had both, more or less been wallflowers, though how they managed that with their fiery auburn hair, he couldn’t say. The eldest had tamed a wicked earl and the other an unapproachable duke. Tabbie and Tricia, he’d heard them called. He’d seen Tricia when he’d greeted Landon. She was as lovely as she was sunny in her disposition and her husband seemed as smitten as a man could be.

“It is good to see you again and under less harrowing circumstances,” Landon said.

Will grimaced, at least on the inside. His face was well-trained to remain expressionless. “You as well.” Landon had been at the very illicit auction where Rose’s diamonds had been sold. “A house party is a much safer endeavor.” At least one would think so. Will knew differently of course, but Landon need not know any of that yet. He’d taken this meeting with the man to find out for certain if Landon had been part of the ring of thieves, a buyer, or there for some other reason entirely.

“Glad to see you suffered no ill effects from your relationship with the marquess.” One of Landon’s eyebrows drifted up.

Will took a long breath through his nose. Landon’s eyes were bright with intelligence and standard lies would not do here. Not only was he far smarter but he held a certain amount of knowledge. Will’s longtime friend, Coventry, had attempted to rescue Will from the marquess’s clutches having no idea that Will was there on purpose. It was possible that Landon had just been there to help Coventry. They had been together that night. But Will couldn’t be certain. Rather than lie, Will chose to be vague. “I did not, thank you for asking.”

Landon leaned forward, giving Will a long look. “And out mutual friend, Coventry, how does he fair?”

“Quite well.” Will leaned further back if that was possible. “Though, it’s difficult to tell. He always has his nose in business it likely shouldn’t be in.”

Landon’s eyebrows rose. “He isn’t the only one.”

“I beg your pardon?” Will kept his voice flat.

Landon narrowed his gaze. “I am going to go with honesty here because, otherwise, we might sit here all day exchanging no information at all. I know that you work for Prinny or you did. I know that Coventry had it wrong when he went to rescue you and you were not a hapless victim.”

“Who gave you this information?” he asked, not knowing what else to say. This was the second person who’d learned his secret. What the bloody hell was happening?

“Prinny only informed me when I returned his rubies, the reason I was at the auction with Coventry. Winters also stole from me, but it was property I was shipping for Prinny. When I tracked them down and presented them to our leader, he informed me I needed to attend this party. He begged me to make sure you stay out of trouble.”

Damn it all to hell. Prinny had never given him away before. That could only mean that he truly did not intend to use Will’s services again. But his usual feelings of restlessness did not come with that knowledge. Instead, he pictured his lovely little flower, Rose.

Marriage suddenly seemed like a new adventure rather than a trap taking his freedom and excitement.

Was he actually considering marrying Rose?

“Here I am, not in any trouble at all.” Will straightened in his chair. If Prinny trusted Landon then he did too. Because Coventry had trusted him as well and because he sensed that he and Landon were cut from the same cloth. Though Will shirked society by pretending to be unfit for it, they had both shunned the ton. “Though I could use some advice.”

Landon’s eyebrows near touched his hairline. “It would help if I knew why you were here.”

“Perhaps what I am going to ask has nothing to do with the party. Mayhap I simply need advice on Prinny.”

Landon shook his head. “I doubt it. You have that well in hand I’d say if Prinny sent men to chase after you. You, however, are either here because you are after a woman or a thief.”

He gritted his teeth. Bloody bullocks, how did he know? “I don’t know what you’re—”

“Poppycock,” Landon said as he waved his hand. “First, I saw the way you looked at Lady Rose. As a man who has recently fallen in love, I recognize the feeling.”

Love? The man had gone mad. He was in lust and a woman like Rose was not suited to an affair. But then again, he didn’t think being with her would sate his desire. Though, he was eager to test the theory. “I am considering marriage.”

“Now that you are no longer a spy? Wise choice.” Landon nodded. “So it seems you don’t need my advice there.”

Will couldn’t help it, one corner of his mouth quirked up. For a reclusive duke, he was a good enough fellow. He liked him. “Lady Rose also had jewels auctioned that evening. They held a great amount of personal value.” Will paused assessing Landon. He saw the way the man’s jaw tightened in anger. It was subtle but confirmed his belief Landon was on his side and not in with one of the thieves. “I have to confess I came here to suss out a larger investigation, but I will leave content to allow Prinny to continue on without me, provided that I can retrieve Rose’s heirlooms. I will accomplish that with or without Prinny’s aid.”

“How can I help?” Landon asked.

“First, I wish to know how you acquired the rubies.” Will rubbed his jaw with his hand. “Did you use legal means and have the buyer prosecuted?”

“A spy is asking me how to retain jewels?” Landon grinned. The man was darkly handsome but when he smiled like that, Will was sure he’d had a fair amount of success with the ladies. “I did not use the law, just the threat of it. I quite simply knocked on the buyer’s door and informed him I had several witnesses and a letter addressed to Prinny that would out him for his involvement. He happily handed them over.”

“Rose’s jewels were bought by a man who was part of the ring of thieves. I don’t think that method will work,” he rumbled. “But I am loathe to push too hard with Rose in attendance at this party. I don’t know what Bridgeton will do when confronted and her safety is the most important thing.”

“Wait,” Landon drew his brow together. “He is here.” The crease on his forehead deepened. “Bridgeton. I knew he looked familiar.”

Will swallowed. Landon was exceptionally astute. He would have made an excellent spy. “As are the jewels. Or at least the earbobs. We saw Lady Bridgeton wearing them.”

“We?” Landon asked. “Lady Rose saw them as well?”

Will quirked on side of his lips. “Yes, and she did a remarkable job of keeping her composure.”

Landon returned the grin. “I’d say so. Tricia would not have been so disciplined. She is rather unruly, I am afraid.”

Will understood. Frankly, so was Rose. Sneaking into his room. Chasing after jewel thieves. Though he was grateful she’d maintained her composure, he rather liked her willingness to be bold…brave…impassioned. “Lucky you.”

Landon wiggled his brows. “Indeed.” Then he grew more serious. “But I might have a plan. If I am correct, you are going to let Prinny take care of prosecuting Bridgeton. So our best bet is to simply steal the jewels from the thief.”

Will held in the long breath he’d been about to exhale. “We could risk our freedom and reputations. At least in the short term.”

Landon waved his hand. “Pennault is your friend, no? I will have Tricia suggest to Lady Bridgeton that her jewels would be safer in the Pennault’s safe. He has one doesn’t he?”

“I’m sure he does.” Will could see it already but he allowed Landon to continue.

“We’ll take them from the safe. You’ll have to hide them somewhere no one can find them because there will likely be a search. If Lady Bridgeton doesn’t know they are stolen she’ll want them back.”

Of course he could do that. And the plan was a good one. I mean, if Lady Bridgeton took the bait and Pennault would agree to give him the safe code. “But Pennault will know I took them.”

“Doesn’t he know you’re a spy?” Landon gave him an incredulous look.

Will returned the face. “Of course not. That is the whole trick to being a spy. No one knows.”

“Not even Lady Rose?”

A sick dread made Will’s chest tighten. How would she take the news? Did he tell her? It could mean the beginning of a real relationship based on truth. Or, because he’d been so secretive, it could mean the end.

Chapter Seven

Rose placed herself behind a potted plant next to the hall entrance in the hopes of slipping out of the dance unnoticed.

Dinner had been a dreadful bore, she’d been seated as far from Will as she possibly could have been. He, however, had been next to the Duke and Duchess of Landon and, from what she could tell, had completely charmed the couple.

She gave a sigh. Then, of course, the men had disappeared to smoke and drink and she’d been left with the women. The only bright spot in that arrangement was she’d discovered Lady Bridgeton wasn’t wearing any of her mother’s jewels.

She’d have gone over and talked to lady Bridgeton, even ask her about them, under the guise of admiring the earbobs but The Duchess of Landon had the women’s attention.

Now, the men rejoined them, but Will had not sought her out and she was rather trapped by her father’s side. She’d barely been able to sneak away to see what Lady Bridgeton was doing.

“What are you doing back here?” Her father suddenly appeared next to her. She’d been gone but a moment. Drat, he was being protective.

“I thought there was a tear in my skirt. I simply meant to check it.” She swished out her skirts in the hopes it made her story more believable.

Her father narrowed his eyes. “How curious.” He gave her a quick glance up and down. “I did not see Lord Addington all afternoon.”

She tilted her head to the side. “That is what you wish to discuss?”

“He promised that he’d explain to me what is going on. And so did you, for that matter. You were also decidedly absent this afternoon.”

Truth be told, she’d snuck into Will’s room but he’d never returned. She’d hoped to talk with him before she had this conversation with her father. And honestly, the fact that neither her father nor herself had seen Will all afternoon was suspicious. Bridgeton had arrived and suddenly he was unavailable. What was happening? “I was tired, I rested this afternoon.”

“Unlike you.” Her father stepped closer. “How did you know your mother’s earbobs would arrive here?”

“Honestly, Papa. I didn’t.” That was the mostly the truth.

“I don’t believe you,” he answered.

Rose bit her lip. She loved her father, but in this moment, it would be so much easier if he trusted her. She was so close to getting the stones back. And not through Will. Now that she knew they were in Lady Bridgeton’s room, she’d fetch them herself.

If his silence today had shown her anything it was that he might be just as likely to double-cross her as he was to help. All right, perhaps that was too strong. But how did she know he wasn’t plotting with Bridgeton. “If you must know, I came here to meet Will, I mean, Lord Addington.”

Understanding filled her father’s gaze. “Are you interested in a real courtship with him?”

Her immediate reaction was to say no. She didn’t want her father arranging a match with a man who might actually be a criminal. But she had to give her father a believable reason. “I don’t know. Do you consider him appropriate? He’s nearly destitute.”

“I know that is what rumor says but I am capable of sneaking around too and I can assure you he is not. His finances are in excellent standing.”

A small noise, not unlike a chirp emitted from her throat. Because he’d told her he’d been indebted to the marquess. She hadn’t believed it then and for good reason, it wasn’t true. That only left one explanation: he was a thief after all. “But Papa, he told me himself that he was without funds.”

Her father scrunched his brow, though his face was rather relaxed almost as though it didn’t concern him at all. “That is curious.”

“Please don’t make a match with him until we know the truth. Or better yet, don’t make one at all.”

He gave her a curious glare. “But I thought you came to meet him. He’s the first man you’ve seemed interested in since your mother—”

She didn’t want to discuss her mother. She was so close, she needed to focus on the task at hand. “Papa, I must use the powder room. I’ll be back shortly.” If she could just get those stones back, maybe she could think of her mother without hurting quite so much.

With that in mind, she slipped down the hall toward the guest quarters. When Will hadn’t returned to his room, she’d searched out Lady Bridgeton’s suite by pretending to be lost. She easily found it now and pulling a pin from her hair, inserted it into the lock.

“What are you doing?” Will’s voice from just behind her sent shivers racing down her spine.

She stilled. “I could ask the same.”

He covered her hand with his, pulling it away from the handle. His body pressed against her back. “You promised.”

She huffed, “So did you.”

His breath tickled the back of her neck. “I, unlike you, am keeping my promise.”

Shivers raced down her body as his lips tickled the back of her neck. “I don’t know that.” She bit out.

“I’ve caught you breaking your promise. Did you catch me doing anything?”

Drat, he had her. There might be a way to get him to confess, though she doubted it. She couldn’t think straight as his lips trailed down her neck and even if she could, he was exceptionally good at verbal sparring. “Where have you been all day? I needed—”

“Is that why you were in my room? Did you need me?” He licked the sensitive skin behind her earlobe and it was all she could do not to moan.

“I’d hoped we could discuss what to say to my father as to how we ended up at the same party as my mother’s jewels.” Her insides began to tingle in the most delicious way.

“What did you tell him?” He sucked on the flesh and she couldn’t hold in her cry of pleasure.

“That…that I came to meet you.” She barely got out the words. He caressed her arm and his hand had arrived dangerously close to her breast.

“Excellent choice,” he murmured. “Very clever.”

She shook her head, which forced him to stop peppering her with kisses. “Not that clever. Not nearly clever enough to win whatever game we are engaged in.”

He stilled against her. He even seemed to stop breathing, which was only punctuated by the fact that her own breath was coming in short gasps.

“We are a team, so there’s nothing to win between the two of us. But as my teammate, you made me promises. We cannot be victorious if you don’t keep them.”

She almost cried out in frustration. He knew everything about her, practically. Yet, mystery shrouded him still. “I can’t trust you if I don’t know you.”

He dropped his head onto her shoulder. “You know me, love. I swear you do. And I’ll tell you everything else, but not tonight.” Then he spun her and his lips descended onto hers. Far rougher than their previous two kisses, he claimed hers, demanded her attention. It was glorious. Her hands wrapped about his neck as she pulled him closer. It was so wrong. She didn’t trust him and yet she pressed against him with every inch of her body touching his.

She gave herself completely to the kiss, matching him stroke for stroke and when he groaned into her mouth, satisfaction rippled through her.

The kiss went on and on and Rose grew less satisfied with each passing moment. The kiss was magnificent but she wanted more. The clothes between them irritated her, she wanted to feel his skin and touch his body.

She let out a cry of protest when he lifted his mouth from hers. “You’ve got to get back before you are missed.”

She humphed. “I don’t want to.”

Will gave a low chuckle. “No more sneaking off. The next time, your punishment won’t be a simple kiss. It will be far more…involved.”

She pressed her body closer to his. “It’s like you’re encouraging me to break your rules.”

“Now love, you don’t want to go too far with me yet. You don’t trust me, remember?”

Before she could respond, he gave her one last soft kiss and then disappeared.

* * *

Will forced himself to walk away at a normal pace when all he wanted was to dash back to Rose. Truly, he wanted to carry her to his bed. She had kissed him like no other woman ever had, with complete abandon and mutual attraction and innocent lust that had sent him reeling. The truth was, he couldn’t kiss her like that again and not claim her.

He needed to get those jewels back and he needed to make Rose his.

He entered the ballroom and nearly groaned aloud as the music and noise assaulted his senses after the quiet of the halls. Strictly speaking, he hadn’t been avoiding Rose, he’d been getting all the pieces in place to secure her gems. But now that he knew he’d tell her he’d been a spy, he found it more difficult to be with her and continue to keep her in the dark.

Will just needed time alone with her, and not the five minutes he’d stolen in the hall, but some chunk of time that, if she reacted badly, he could convince her to give him a chance.

Because he had decided that Rose was his future and he couldn’t allow her to slip away. Though he couldn’t wait too long either or lose her for lack of trust.

“There you are,” Landon called at the same time Rose’s father stepped next to him.

Will straightened. No one had known the truth about him for so long, it was strange to be with two men who did. “Here I am.”

“You are quite elusive,” Reagan murmured.

At that exact moment he caught sight of Rose skulking back into the party. “Landon,” he turned to the other man, making a snap decision. “Would you and your lovely wife chaperone Lady Roselyn while I speak with her father?”

Landon looked rather surprised but nodded his consent.

Will hesitated but then made his feet move. He normally didn’t allow so much emotion to cloud his decisions, especially not after the kiss they’d just shared, but he couldn’t seem to help himself.

The two men stepped back into the hall until they found themselves in the library. Will took a seat and Rose’s father sat across from him. “Tell me you haven’t ruined her.”

Will made a choking noise but managed to recover. “I haven’t.”

Reagan slumped back in his seat. “I have to confess, I was hoping to speak with you this afternoon.”

Will gave a terse node. Apparently he’d sent the entire family into fits today. “I was busy this afternoon trying to plan how I will get Rose’s diamonds back to her.”

Reagan stared open mouthed. When he didn’t speak, Will took that as a sign to continue. “My intent is to marry—“

“Does she know that you are, or rather, were a spy?” Reagan leaned forward his eyes narrowing.

“No.” His chest tightened as he considered the next part. “And I wish to tell her myself, but during a private audience.”

Her father shook his head. “Until a proposal has been accepted, I can not grant one. While I don’t give credence to rumor and I am aware your reputation was crafted for your work and embellished by the ton, the fact remains, it would tarnish hers greatly if she were caught alone with you prior to a formal agreement.”

Will understood, he truly did. Any father would be wise to protect his daughter from the type of man he made himself out to be. And even though Reagan knew the basics of the truth, the rest of the society did not. Even still, he needed to speak with Rose alone. “Of course,” he murmured.

But he was, after all, a spy. And the one advantage to that was that he was completely comfortable skirting the rules. He’d find a way to speak with her privately one way or another.

Chapter Eight

Rose had to admit that the Duke and Duchess of Landon were truly lovely. Her Grace insisted that Rose use her given name, Tricia, and seemed very content to sit on the outskirts of the party.

Rose gave the other woman a grateful smile. “Thank you for agreeing to sit. I hope I am not ruining your evening.”

Tricia gave her a wink as they found seats. “I dislike these sorts of things as a general rule.” She leaned closer, her eyes twinkling. “I was actually ruined at the only formal ball I attended in my first season.”

Rose gave a gasp before she could hold it in. “Ruined? At your first ball?”

Tricia giggled. “It’s a very long story, which I will happily tell you another time. Ryker proposed that very night, however, so I was socially destroyed and saved all in a day.” Looking over the crowd, Tricia spoke again. “My sister, Tabbie, applied herself to being a wallflower. Mostly to anger our father I think. She did marry an earl after all that, but he was a terrible rake before he met her. I suppose we’re not a family that was meant for society. Odd considering our father’s position.”

“A rake?” Rose’s stomach fluttered with nerves. She knew Will’s reputation. The man before her did not match with what everyone thought he was or the facts that she knew. Was it possible he could be a good man if given the right circumstances? She wanted to believe it could be true. “Is he good to your sister now?”

“Oh yes. Luke is a doting husband and I think Tabbie worried at first, but he is by her side always.” Tricia gave her a warm smile. “Ryker is perfect for me but Tabbie likes a challenge. She is intelligent and brave. I am so glad she took a chance because there isn’t a more perfect man for her. Those reformed rakes can make for committed husbands.” Then she winked.

Rose realized her mouth was open and snapped her jaw closed. It was as though Tricia was speaking directly to her fears. “Do you have any other siblings?” Rose asked, attempting to move to a safer topic.

“A younger brother, who is off adventuring on some ship. It is giving my father fits.” Tricia gave her another smile and Rose couldn’t help but return it.

She was sure the current Duke of Waverly would prefer his heir to be on dry land. “I can imagine.”

“My father has yet to learn that if he simply loosened the noose, his children would struggle against it less.”

Rose swallowed again. She had also been rather rebellious of late. How did Tricia keep doing that? “He probably just wants to keep his children safe.”

“I’m sure.” Tricia’s look grew more distant. “As I get older, I also worry about my brother, Teddy. If only he weren’t taking such risks. They aren’t worth it, the possible consequences.”

Again, Rose’s insides fluttered. “Tricia, would you and your husband mind escorting me to my room? I find I am terribly fatigued.”

“Of course.” Tricia stood, waving to Ryker. “My apologies for prattling on.”

“Oh no, not at all. I found it fascinating.” Rose really liked Tricia and it was so nice to talk with another woman. “I hope we can spend time together tomorrow, so you can tell me more.”

Tricia gave her a glowing smile. “I’d like that. But tomorrow, let’s agree to chat about you.”

Rose waved her hand. “I am terribly boring.”

Tricia’s eyebrows rose. “I doubt that very much.”

Once back in her room, Rose wondered if she should have shared more with Tricia. The other woman had told her she’d been ruined. That her sister had married a rake. Maybe, she was the one person who could help her sort out her feelings.

Her thoughts about Will circled back to the forefront of her mind. Part of her truly wanted to believe that he wasn’t a thief, that despite being a rake, he was capable of change. She saw so much good in him. He’d protected her, celebrated her intelligence, made her laugh, found her funny. No one had ever stirred this level of emotion, not even before her mother’s death.

With a sigh, she finished getting ready for bed. She wouldn’t come up with any answers tonight, and the past few days had left her drained.

Rose thought again about some of the other things Tricia had said. Was she like Teddy? Taking too many risks for something that wasn’t worth it? Her mother’s jewels were, she thought, but then another thought pushed that one away. They were just things. How would her mother feel if she were ruined?

And what of Will? How important was he? She was beginning to think very…

If only she could know if he was or was not a thief. Then she could decide if a future was possible with him.

But before she could come up with a plan, her eyes drifted closed. She was terribly tired. Her lips tingled and she touched them, wishing even more for another kiss from Will. But would wishes lead to heartache?

* * *

Will returned to the ballroom to find Rose gone. He knew he couldn’t go chasing after her and so he had no choice but to spend the next hour socializing in what was becoming a dreadful evening.

Except for kissing Rose. That had been one of the most incredible experiences of his life, which was likely why the rest of it felt dull and tedious in comparison.

Two people now knew he was a spy, or had been. He’d expected to feel lighter for the sharing, but it only made his worry more acute. What if Rose found out before he could tell her?

Deciding he’d participated long enough, he made for the doors. Truthfully, he had every intention of climbing the trellis under Rose’s window and having a more personal conversation with her. Now that he’d decided to tell a very select group his secret, he didn’t want to wait any longer.

“Addington,” Lord Bridgeton called as he approached. Damn it all to hell, he was the last man he wanted to speak to.

But he had another obligation to Rose besides truth and that was to find her mother’s jewels. “Bridgeton.”

“Fancy a walk on the terrace? I’ve news of a mutual friend.”

Will gnashed his teeth together. “I’d be delighted.”

Will fell into step next to the other man as they made their way to the terrace doors. The night was cooler, and it felt good to step outside. The house was built like a rectangle and this ballroom opened to the same courtyard that both his and Rose’s room faced. He could see her balcony door and a candle flickering within. If he squinted, he could almost see a shadow moving about. “How does married life treat you?”

Bridgeton grimaced. “Delightful. Rebecca is everything I’ve ever wanted in a wife.”

Despite his best intentions, he felt his eyebrows floating up. “She is something.”

Bridgeton pulled out a kerchief and mopped his brow. “She is.” He stepped closer then. “I am lucky to have her, but the woman has needs beyond any I anticipated.”

Now Will knew that his own eyebrows must be up in his hair. “Needs?” If the man started talking about the bedroom, he might completely lose his facilities. But his intuition told him that the young woman hadn’t married an older earl for the bedsport.

“Dresses, parties, jewels.” the man’s frown deepened the lines on his face. “I can barely keep up.” Bridgeton let out a dramatic sigh. “I know you recognized the stones. I got them from our mutual friend at a steep discount. Not that they satisfied my lovely wife. But Her Grace was kind enough to suggest that the stones be held where they’d be safe, everyone can see their quality apparently.”

A ripple of satisfaction passed through Will. Bridgeton had taken the bait. Landon’s plan was working. “Indeed.”

“But it got me thinking.” The man looked to one side then the other, stepping closer. “If there is an entire safe worth of jewels and valuables, why not take advantage of an opportunity?”

His teeth clenched. Damn it, Bridgeton had found the flaw in the plan. “I don’t know that that is a wise plan. Our friend always used a vast network to keep his activities private.” The marquess had used solicitors who had a network of thieves and crooked jewelers to make valuables disappear.

Bridgeton leaned in closer still. “There must be seventy-five guests here in addition to the staff they’ve brought. I won’t take anything noticeable. Only things that won’t be missed until later.”

Will had spent the afternoon fitting Rose’s carriage with a secret compartment so no one would find the jewels. It was simple yet time consuming. But it wouldn’t do a lick of good if he couldn’t take the diamonds out of the safe because Bridgeton planned to break into it. “What does any of this have to do with me?”

“I thought, being so well-acquainted with Perrault, you might be able to get me the combination?”

He pulled his head back. “Get you the combination?” It came out as a growl.

“For a price of course. Perhaps ten percent?”

A new plan formed. One where he’d actually catch Bridgeton in the act. It would be his farewell to his former life as well as allow him to get Rose’s heirlooms back. “I’ll see what I can do. Meet me after breakfast in the library.” He leaned in closer like he was scheming. “Wait until I am alone.”

Bridgeton nodded. “Of course.” Then he backed and hooked his fingers in the cuff of his jacket. “Good catching up with you, old chap.”

Will took a slow breath to keep from sending his gaze heavenward. “You too. If you don’t mind, I think I’ll take a turn about the courtyard.”

Bridgeton turned back toward the ballroom doors. Will headed in the opposite direction until he was under Rose’s window.

Scaling the trellis, he climbed up on her balcony and approached the doors. He lifted his hand to tap on the glass but a quick glance showed that she was sleeping soundly in her bed.

Letting out a long breath, he stared at her, his eyes wandering over every curve and line as she lay on her side facing him. The flare of her hip, the indentation of her waist, the curve of her shoulder drew his eyes up. The column of her neck begged for his kisses as did her parted lips. He could practically feel the softness of her cheek under his fingers and he longed to untie her hair and bury his fingers in the tresses.

She sighed in her sleep, her chest rising. His own chest tightened with an emotion he didn’t care to name, though he knew the feeling vaguely. He wanted to hold her, protect her. Will longed to love her.

And not just make love to her. He wanted to support her, and he was sure, she would teach him what it meant to be wrapped in a cocoon of love.

He didn’t know how long he watched her sleep. He didn’t try to enter the room, he didn’t want to wake her. She looked beautiful lying there. Finally, he climbed down and returned to his own room. As he climbed into the bed, it seemed vast and empty and he had the intense desire to have her curled into his side as he slept. Tomorrow they’d talk. He’d start with the truth about who he was and tell her how he felt. He needed her by his side. He only prayed he hadn’t waited too long.

Chapter Nine

Rose woke early and dressed for breakfast. She entered the dining room to find it empty. If she were honest, she’d expected to see Will again this morning but he didn’t come. She knew there would be a hunt today, had he left already?

She wandered down the hall, trying to decide what she might do with her day. She’d come here to search for jewels and Will had taken that over for her. She realized that she trusted him to find them and returned them.

Stopping in the hall, she had to smile. She did trust him. Though her mind had taken some time, her heart had trusted him from the beginning. Was she in love with him?

That certainly would explain the connection between them.

A lightness filled her chest as she covered her hand with her mouth. Did she dare to tell him?

Just then voices, soft and low, filtered down the hall. She moved toward them, catching the deep tones of male voices from the open door of the library. One sounded remarkably like Will’s.

There was a fern just outside the doors and she hid behind it as she turned her ear toward their sound.

“The code is on the back of this piece of paper. Double back during the hunt, and enter through the back. Make sure none of the staff see you.” It was Will’s voice.

Rose’s stomach dropped and a sick dread filled her. She covered her mouth with her hand as tears sprang to her eyes. She nearly doubled over in the hall, her hand reaching out to the wall to brace herself. Her worst fears about Will had just been confirmed. He was a thief and a liar. And to think, she’d been about to give him her heart and soul.

“Once I have the goods, I’ll give you the finder’s fee.” Bridgeton replied. “Thanks for this.” Bridgeton added.

Footsteps approached the door and Rose realized she was about to be caught. The hall was too long to retreat down and the plant wouldn’t fully hide her. She started to crouch behind it when her knee knocked into the plant making a loud thud.

“What was that?” Bridgeton asked.

“I’ll check,” Will said. Rose stopped breathing as he appeared in the doorway. His eyes swept down the hall in the opposite direction and for a split second she thought he wouldn’t see her until his gaze swung in her direction.

She didn’t even see his reaction before he was in front of her, blocking her with his back.

“What was it?” Bridgeton asked.

“Nothing, of course. Likely a servant dropped something down the hall.” Will cleared his throat, his broad back completely shielding her from view. “Are you certain you want to do this? It’s risky, as I said last night.”

“You worry too much.” Bridgeton chuckled. “It’s likely why Highwater never gave you more responsibility.”

“Fair enough,” Will gave a deep growl. “All the same, good luck.”

Rose barely had time to contemplate how he could sound so calm, almost bored as she hid behind a plant just behind him when Bridgeton shook Will’s hand and was gone.

Before she’d even sighed with relief, Will spun around and hauled her against his body. “What in the bloody blue blazes were you doing?”

His touch was gentle but his face was dark with anger. “I…I…was just walking by.”

Then he dropped his chin into the crook of her neck and gathered her closer. “You could have been hurt.”

Rose blinked. Why wasn’t he more concerned about the fact that she’d overheard him planning a robbery? The knowledge was destroying her from the inside out. He was the one man who’d understood her need to find the jewels who seemed to delight in their exchanges rather than be threatened by them.

He sparked such strong need in her but now, she couldn’t possibly continue to pursue a relationship with him. “Thank you for keeping me safe,” she said through a shuddered breath. “I should go.”

He pulled his head back and looked down at her, his eyes narrowing. “You, my little troublemaker, are not going anywhere.”

That snapped her out of her grief and replaced it with anger. She pushed at his chest. “You are calling me the troublemaker?” she hissed. “I heard what you were planning.”

“You were eavesdropping,” his voice dropped low and deep.

She straightened, which barely brought the top of her head to his shoulder. Tipping her head back she gave him what she hoped was a fierce glare. “Don’t judge me. I am not the one committing—”

But his hand at her mouth stopped her. He pulled her back into the library, as she struggled to get away, and then pushed the door closed with his foot. “You are the smartest woman I know. Surely you can’t think I would plan an actual criminal act with the door ajar.”

That made her stop struggling. Because now that he mentioned it, he was far more intelligent than that.

“It’s a trap that His Grace helped me set. If you’d like to ask him, feel free. Bridgeton will be caught stealing from the safe and will be imprisoned and then your jewels returned.” His brow furrowed. “I know you’ve had some questions about my moral compass, I can’t blame you. But I did think you were one of the few people who thought me smart enough to form a better plan than plotting in front of an open door.”

She raised her hands up to grasp his wrist. Tears stung at her eyes, though she tried to push them away. Because all along, he’d been acting for her benefit. He was trying to get her jewels back. It made so much more sense than him planning a foolish robbery. Slowly, she pulled his hand away from her mouth. “You’re right. I do think you’re far more intelligent than that.”

“Thank you for that.” He cupped her cheek with the hand that had been covering her mouth.

She took a breath. “I would normally have noticed your actions did not suit your character but I’m afraid my own emotions are clouding my judgment. I feel a certain amount of,” she stopped, searching for the word as her heart hammered in her chest, “affection for you and it keeps me from seeing everything clearly.”

His eyebrow raised, just one. “You feel some affection for me?” Then a slow grin pulled up the corners of his lips. “I feel a certain amount for you too. Which is why I have asked you to stay out of trouble. Not that you are listening to me.”

“This truly was an accident. I was just walking by when…” But her voice trailed off as his gaze darkened.

“Still, you made a promise,” his voice had grown deeper, more intimate. “And now you owe me a kiss.”

She caught her breath. Because he was so handsome and he understood her and what she wanted and needed. And because she loved him like she had never loved anyone else. “You’re right. It’s only fair that I pay what I agreed to. Best that we act in good faith from here on out.”

“Good faith?” There was an edge to his voice that she didn’t understand but she didn’t have time to ask as he spun her around and then pressed her back against the door. “Lift your skirt.”

She swallowed down a lump as her pulse beat wildly. “I thought my payment was a kiss?” But without meaning to, she began gathering her skirts in her hand, letting them shimmy up her legs.

“It is,” now there was a growl to his voice that she responded to in the most basic way. It was exciting and a pulse of need formed deep between her legs.

He lifted her skirt as well, skimming up her knee and then her thighs. Her breath came out in short gasps. “But what does that have to do with my—” She stopped when his fingers brushed her most intimate area. She moaned and her head fell back thudding against the door.

“You must try to be quiet my love,” he whispered close to her ear. “I will explain everything to you after but I want you to have options and, if we are caught, there will be none.”

What did he need to explain? She couldn’t think as his fingers began a rhythmic movement against her soft folds. He dipped down and before she could ask what he meant with his words, his head disappeared under the folds of her skirt.

His arm hooked under her knee and as he placed it on his shoulder, the soft press of his tongue touched her most intimate area.

A cry rent from her lips as she clutched at his head now completely covered by her layers of skirt and petticoat.

“Quiet,” he cautioned.

He repeated the movement and wonderful ache made her knees weak as she bit at her lip to keep from moaning. “I now…understand…the appeal…of a rake.” She managed to gasp between breaths.

He laughed and the vibration against her swollen flesh made her shudder with pleasure as she pressed closer. Never had she felt anything close to this. And as he moved faster, he inserted a finger deep inside her. “Will,” she murmured while she clung to his head, his shoulders. Her pleasure intensifying until she felt as though she might break apart.

But rather than ease back he increased the tempo and she ground against him looking for some sort of relief.

Just when she couldn’t stand another second, her insides convulsed and her pleasure broke in the most satisfying way. It was devastating and wonderful and it wiped her mind of every thought. She slowly floated down from that mind-numbing bliss.

Rose didn’t realize she’d been sinking to the floor, until Will pulled her skirts off his head and hooked his arms underneath her to carry her to a settee. Her head rested limply on his shoulder.

He kissed her forehead as he sat down with her in her lap. “I’m sorry to jump straight into this conversation, but I don’t know how much more time we have alone.”

Conversation? She blinked a few times to try and clear her head. “What is it?”

“I want,” he paused. “I want you to know the truth about me. All of it.”

That rid her mind of its haziness and she sat up in his lap. “The truth?”

“You deserve to know.” His face tightened. “You’ve been right about a great many things. I would never have allowed myself to be taken in by Highwater. It wasn’t an accident I was at the auction where your mother’s jewels were sold.

Cold fear washed over her as she tried to remain calm. “It wasn’t?”

“I am not a thief, Rose. Nor am I a destitute. I don’t have a gambling problem nor do I drink excessively. Well, occasionally, I suppose but that is beside the point.”

“What then?” She deliberately closed her mouth realizing it was parted in suspense.

He grimaced. “I am spy for the Prince Regent, or I was. I created that image of a degenerate earl to gain access to the more paltry side of high society. The auction where your jewels were sold, a set of rubies belonging to the Prinny himself were also for sale. I was there to track them and to make sure that the criminals responsible were brought to justice.”

Rose jumped from his lap. It wasn’t that she was angry or upset. Well she was a little of both. But it was as though she’d been struck by lightning as all the details clicked into place. How had she not realized sooner that he would have been working with the law not against it? “I am such a fool.”

“You’re not.” He stood too.

“It was all there. How could I not have seen it?” Her hands trembled as she clasped them together and she began pacing in front of him.

“No one saw it. Not even my parents when they were alive, not my closet friends, and some of them are quite intelligent. My mentor, the Earl of Coventry, didn’t know and he is one of the sharpest men I’ve ever known.”

She covered her mouth with her hands, shock rippling through her again. “Your parents didn’t know?”

“No one knew.” He stood too, taking a step toward her. His hands moved slowly out as though she were a frightened animal he hoped to calm. “Only you saw behind my mask. Rose, after this latest case, Prinny decided I should retire, I was going to fight to remain but more and more—” He stopped as the knob on the door rattled.

“Oh,” she said, her hands coming to grip her cheeks. She was alone with a man. She had no idea what she might look like but she could only assume that it was dreadfully disheveled.

“On the settee,” he hissed.

“What?” She didn’t have time to say anything further as reached for her, swung her around and set her on the settee.

“Lie down,” his voice was somehow both a whisper and yet still commanding. Her immediate thought was that if she were lying down it would only implicate them the more but he, she had to admit, had for more experience than she, and in a matter such as this, Rose trusted him.

She trusted him. To tell her the truth, and to get her mother’s jewels. She trusted him to make her feel alive again, more alive than she had in years. And she realized, more than anything, she wanted to trust him with her heart.

The door opened and Will issued a final command, “Close your eyes.”

She snapped them shut. His hand touched her forehead and her cheeks as male voices, filled the room and then went silent.

“Bloody hell, Addington,” Lord Perrault asked. “Is everything all right?”

“Fine, I think.” Will rumbled with concern. “She’s coming to, now.”

“What happened?” Another voice rumbled. Rose thought it was His Grace, but she couldn’t be certain.

“She became overset and fainted. Would one of you retrieve her father while the other chaperones us? We wouldn’t want this damaging the lady’s reputation.”

“Of course,” Perrault cleared his throat. “I just saw him in the breakfast room. I’ll be right back. Should I also get some smelling salts?”

“Just her father,” Will answered in clipped tones.

Silence filled the room as soon as he was gone. Rose found it extremely difficult to keep still, wanting to know who was in the room and what was happening. “Does she know?”

“Yes, I just told her.” Will’s hand stayed on her head. He flipped it over to stroke the back of his fingers along her cheek.

“Did your revelation cause her to faint?”

She was nearly certain that it was the Duke of Landon’s voice.

“No. Rose, you can sit up.” She did as he bid and opened her eyes swinging them first to Will. His look was soft, somehow, tender. Then she looked to the duke.

He crossed his arms about his chest, narrowing his gaze at them. “My courtship with Tricia was not the most proper but, honestly, the two of you are skirting disaster here.”

Will stood, blocking her from the other man’s view. “When you tell the woman you wish to marry about your former life as a spy, it requires a certain amount of privacy.”

Shock rippled through her as she looked up at the back of his head. “Marriage?”

But neither man heard her as Landon returned, “Fine, but the library in the morning is not a very private place. You, of all people, should have a better sense for these things.”

“I appreciate your help, but I do not need your advice.” Will growled back.

She stood, touching Will’s back. She didn’t want to hear them now, she had her own questions. He turned his head back to her and she asked again, “Marriage?”

“Marriage?” Another voice asked from the door.

She recognized this voice all too well. Her father’s clipped tone sent a frisson of fear along her spine. He had reached the library rather quickly. Her hand fluttered to her hair, and to her disappointment, she realized that several strands had come out of her coif. “I…I…” she stuttered, having no idea what to say. She was speechless, which happened far more often than she cared to admit with Will.

“I proposed. But Rose has yet to accept.” Will straightened his shoulders.

“Was anyone in attendance when you made this proposal?” Her father asked as he entered every word clipped.

It had been a long time since she’d heard her father like this.

“I was,” Landon chimed in. Apparently he was going to protect her, despite his irritation.

“Rose,” her father rumbled. She was still largely hidden behind Will and she would rather prefer to stay there. She wasn’t afraid of her father by any means but it was embarrassing to step out in front of them all looking this way.

Will turned to her, tucked her hair back, then threaded her hand into the crook of his arm. She didn’t dare look at anyone as they turned. “I rather shocked her and she has yet to answer. I wish to give her all the time she needs to think it over to make her decision.”

“Good of you.” Her father’s voice dropped even lower. She stole a quick glance and his face was pinched, his brow set low. “Don’t you worry about your own reputation?”

“Not at all.” Will and she moved toward her father until they stood in front of him.

“Rose.” Her father gave his own thigh a tap, the sound cutting through the tension in the room. “We’re leaving.”

Rose unthreaded her arm from Will’s so her father might escort her out of the room. But she had the oddest feeling that she didn’t want to let Will go. Not ever.

Chapter Ten

After Rose walked away, it took every ounce of Will’s self-control not to chase her and pull her back to his side.

Rose belonged with him.

That wasn’t the way in which he had meant to propose. A problem he needed to correct in short order.

Perrault walked back into the room. “Lady Roselyn is gone? Is she all right?”

“She’ll be fine.” Landon didn’t smile but his eyes danced as he said, “She was shocked by the thought of marrying this one.”

Perrault let out a bark of laughter. “That is shocking.” His gaze swept over Will. “You are considering marriage? Has your situation really gotten that desperate?” Perrault scratched his head. “I thought it might have with the recent scandal and your request to actually attend a house party.”

Will gritted his teeth. It had never bothered him before. Not until Rose. Once someone had looked closely enough to realize that he was intelligent and capable, he found being with people who assumed him an idiot to be terribly frustrating. “My proposal was based solely on Rose’s merits.”

Perrault raised his brows. He’d been an acquaintance for more than ten years and their conversation had always remained light. “Of course it was.” He winked, then he turned to Landon and slapped him on the arm. “Just don’t give him the code to my safe.”

Will had to fight not to hit the man as he stared at him. Landon had already given him the combination, which he, in turn, had passed onto to Bridgeton so that the baron might be caught in the act.

It was Landon who responded. “I would trust Lord Addington with my life, along with my safe.”

Perrault raised his eyebrows. “Right.” Then he gave Will a smile. “Jolly good fellow.”

Landon had the advantage in this conversation. He knew that. But all the same, Will liked the man immensely in this moment. “Is everyone ready for the hunt?” The gameskeeper had likely been out since before dawn, making this mid-morning hunt possible.

“The best part of a house party if you ask me.” Perrault grinned.

Landon looked from one man to the other. “Right.” He turned toward Will. “Speaking of trust. Can I trust you to lead me through the hunt? I’ve never participated in such a formal one.”

“Never?” Perrault practically yelled. “You’ve been missing out.”

Will attempted not to roll his eyes. “Of course, Your Grace.” He and Landon had decided to circle back to the house. They would catch Bridgeton and send for the constable. Will had to confess, he didn’t usually participate in that part of the process. It was how he kept his cover. He hoped everything went smoothly, though he would be ready if it didn’t.

“Well, in that case. I’m off to change. See you in the field in just a bit.” Perrault exited, with a merry whistle as he walked down the hall.

“Dreadful,” Landon followed the man’s path with his eyes. “He’s your friend?”

Will nearly grinned. “Acquaintance. Most people treat me like that. Unless they want something from me.”

“And Lady Rose? How does she treat you?” Landon looked back at him.

Will took a breath. “Like she sees the real me.”

“Ahhh.” Landon gave him a smile. “Let’s get her diamonds back shall we? It will make your proposal so much stronger.”

Yes. It most certainly would. And he would do whatever he needed to make Rose his wife.

* * *

Rose lay on her bed. She never rested during the day, normally hated when she was forced to do so, but today, it felt divine.

Her head swirled with all that she’d learned.

Will was a spy who had always been working as a force of good rather than as a criminal. Her heart had known that long before her mind had caught up.

And he wanted to marry her. Did she want to marry at all? Did she want to marry him? The answer to both questions was yes. She wanted to because it was him. After Dudley, she thought never to marry again.

But with Will, everything was more. Her depth of emotion, his level of understanding. She’d be a fool to let him get away.

She sat up, got out of bed, and crossed the room to look out in the garden. She knew the men were assembling for the hunt and she was glad for an excuse to stay in. The women would either picnic as they watched or do feminine activities within the house, neither of which she could stand in this moment. She’d rather be restless alone.

A soft knock sounded at the door. “Who is it?” she called as she crossed the bedroom into the sitting area.

“Tricia,” the other woman called from behind the door.

Rose pulled on the latch and swung the door open. The duchess stood in the hall.

“Hello,” Rose tried to give the woman an easy smile.

“Good morning. May I come in?” Tricia asked.

“Of course.” Rose swept her hand into the room as a gesture of welcome.

“I heard that you had a dizzy spell this morning? Are you feeling recovered?” Tricia turned as she made it into the center of the room and her gaze was so sympathetic that Rose instantly relaxed.

“Much better, thank you.” Rose closed the door as she gestured to a settee by the window. “Would you care to sit?”

“Thank you.” Tricia took a seat.

Rose sat across from her. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”

“Ryker mentioned to me that Lord Addington proposed.” Tricia took a breath and looked at the ceiling as though it held some fascinating piece of information. “At the risk of being meddlesome, he also said you may have fainted because of it and you did not answer. I thought perhaps, you could use someone to talk to.”

Rose stared at the other woman, uncertain to what to say. It wasn’t that she wasn’t considering it. She’d like to confide in someone. And though the duchess had a warmth about her, it seemed unwise. “That’s most kind, but really I am fine.”

Tricia leaned forward. “I met my husband when I snuck out of my house in the middle of the night to search for my cousin in the docklands.”

“I beg your pardon?” Rose choked on the words a little.

Tricia scooted a little further out on her seat. “You can tell me all of it. I won’t judge.”

There was such kindness in her eyes that before Rose knew it, she found herself sharing her story with the other woman. As Tricia nodded, she told her about how she’d thought him a thief but how her heart had always thought differently.

Tricia nodded. “I understand. And his work as a spy must have left clues that would make it seem he was actually the thief.”

Rose gasped. “You know he’s a spy?”

Tricia nodded. “Prinny told Ryker and he mentioned it to me.” She waved her hand. “Ryker also had me tell Lady Bridgeton about the safe so that she might suggest to her husband to lock the jewels away.”

Blinking, Rose attempted to clear her shock. Tricia had been helping to get her diamonds back? “I didn’t know that you were involved.”

Tricia shook her head. “I’m not really. But tell me, why haven’t you answered him?”

Rose shrugged her shoulder up and down. “I don’t know. At first I thought him a thief and now, everything has grown so muddled. Where does rumor end and the real man begin?”

Tricia tsked. “I think you know.” She reached over and grabbed her hand. “Search your heart and it will answer.

“Do you really think so?” Hope floated up in her chest.

Tricia’s smile was gentle. “If you don’t want to believe me than ask him yourself. I have a feeling he just hasn’t had an opportunity to tell you.”

Rose sat back in her chair. They’d have to be alone to have such a conversation. Tingling spread through her at the thought. She knew exactly how and when to discuss the matter.

Chapter Eleven

Will and Ryker tromped through the woods. It was nearly time to circle back to the house but a problem had arisen. Perrault wouldn’t leave them be. He’d been glued to their side all morning.

“What shall we do with him?” Ryker whispered as Perrault fell a few paces behind.

“Lose him or take him to strengthen our case.” Will whispered back.

He watched Ryker mull the matter, the man’s eyes hard and calculating. He liked the Duke of Landon very much, he had to admit. He was smart and resourceful and had managed to successfully thumb society. What wasn’t to like? “You’re right. Let’s take him.”

With a nod, Will turned back to Perrault. “Hey, old chap, I’d like to check on Lady Rose. See how she fares after this morning. Would you mind escorting me back? I don’t want risk any further damage to her reputation.”

Perrault frowned. “Leave the hunt?”

“Good idea.” Ryker gave him a wink. “I’ve realized I’ve my cufflinks in my pocket and I’d love to put them in your safe.”

Pennault’s frown deepened. “You’ve got the combination and then you can chaperone Lord Addington and Lady Roselyn. You can help each other, I’d say. Though I think you should both wait until after the hunt.”

“We’ll go now. Feel free to join us or not.” Will turned to go, knowing Perrault would follow. Though it wouldn’t matter if he didn’t.

Perrault paused for moment and then threw up his hands. “Fine then. But we’ve only just escaped the house and the women, I don’t know why you’d want to return.”

Will bit back a chuckle. He wondered if he’d ever feel that way about Rose. Somehow, he doubted it. Every minute he spent with her made him even more greedy for her company. He wished he really was going to the house to check on her.

He wasn’t entirely certain how she’d taken the news about him being a spy. On the one hand, she now knew he wasn’t a thief. On the other, he’d deliberately kept her in the dark about his profession, his motives, and pretty much every part of his life, with the exception of his name. “You can attribute it to new love.”

Perrault snorted but refrained from speaking. Will had been circling them back to the house all morning so they left the woods near the rear entrance by the kitchen. As they entered the house, they used the servants’ stairs to travel to the study.

Ryker looked back at him as they made it to the landing. It was meant as a silent communication that he was ready for action. Entering the hall, Ryker stuck out his arm to stop them. “I hear something,” he whispered.

Perrault opened his mouth, but Will immediately shushed him. “Careful.”

Perrault ducked his head closer to whisper, “It’s just a servant.”

“Sounds strange for a servant.” Ryker craned his head. Will had to give him credit, he had excellent hearing and there was no noise, but Ryker made the ruse believable. They hadn’t planned this part and Will had been growing concerned about bursting in on a criminal during the act. Especially with Perrault ,who didn’t know that was about to happen.

“Let’s just check shall we.” He pumped his hands down. “But quietly and carefully just in case.”

They both stepped in front of Perrault. While the man had irritated him this morning, Will did prefer his host not get shot.

The study door was closed but as they approached, they actually could hear the sound of someone hurriedly shuffling about.

“That is odd,” Perrault stood straighter.

“Shhhh,” Will reminded him, grasping the door of the handle to slowly turn it. But it barely made a quarter turn before it stopped. The door was locked.

The shuffling continued inside as Will gently put the knob back in position and let it go.

Will stepped back for a moment. It was essential that they catch Bridgeton in the act but did he dare pick the lock in front of Perrault?

But without a word Perrault stepped forward and inserted a key into the lock. Swinging the door open, the man strode forward.

Will saw it unfolding. Bridgeton stood with his hands full of papers and as he dropped them, he reached into his pocket pulling out his derringer.

In an instant, he was behind Perrault and as Bridgeton raised the pistol, Will gave Perrault a shove. The man crashed to the ground and he felt the bullet graze his arm, but he paid it no mind as he picked up a paperweight on the desk and aimed for Bridgeton. The throw landed directly between the man’s eyes and Bridgeton was on the floor with a large thud.

“Well done,” Ryker called as he helped Perrault off the floor.

“Did you have to shove me like that?” Perrault brushed his hunting coat off as he glared at Ryker. Then his eyes grew round. “You’re bleeding.”

Will glanced down at his arm then moved it up and down. “It’s just a scratch. I’ve had worse.” Then it was his turn to glare at Perrault. “The bullet was meant for you. You’re welcome.”

Will stepped around the desk and gestured for the other two men to do the same. Bridgeton was still alive at least and as they checked his pockets, they found multiple items from the safe. He’d taken land deeds, currency, and even jewels,—but not his wife’s, of course. Or more accurately, Rose’s.

Will tied his hands and feet and then Perrault left to find a servant to fetch the constable.

“Do you need to sit?” Ryker looked down at his arm.

“I’m fine, Landon. Truly, it’s nothing.” He glanced down at it again. It was bleeding a bit and should be wrapped soon but it wouldn’t trouble him.

Will used his other arm to scrub his face. “What I can’t decide is how I will get the set of jewelry to Rose. Lady Bridgeton arrived with the stones.”

Ryker gave a chuckle. “It’s a good thing you’re retiring. You distract Perrault when the constable is here. I will tell the constable that the jewelry belongs to Rose and her father. He won’t ask questions. Place them with the rest of the stolen goods.”

“You don’t think Perrault will notice that the stones placed in his safe by Lord Bridgeton went home with a woman other than Lady Bridgeton?” Will cocked an eyebrow. He’d already had to collect one of Ryker’s plans.

“The man is a proven thief. Just explain to Perrault that the jewelry was stolen.”

Well that was bloody simple.

And it might possibly work. Which made him a little light-headed, though that might also be the blood loss. But he needed to see her and finish their conversation from this morning. Did she think she could forgive him? He just needed to know if it was even possible.

* * *

Rose tried the knob of his door and found it unlocked. Creeping into the room, she discovered it empty. She had a little niggle of disappointment that he didn’t sit in the same chair he had on the first night she’d crept inside.

Taking a breath, she made her way over to the bed. She knew that Will had caught Lord Bridgeton today and the constable had carted him off. Lady Bridgeton had snuck off sometime during all the activity.

She didn’t know where her mother’s heirlooms were now, but she trusted Will to be looking after them. They weren’t why she was here tonight.

Reaching the bed, she undid the stays of her dress and slowly allowed it to slip to the floor. Then she began on the corset strings, loosening it so she might remove it as well.

“Do you need help with that?” A low voice rumbled from the balcony. Will. The very sound made her shiver with anticipation.

He stepped in through the doors and her heart began to beat wildly in her chest. “I believe I do.”

Stepping around the bed, his fingers were in the laces as he deftly loosened them until the contraption fell on top of her dress. Then he spun her about and, without another word, his lips descended onto hers.

The touch of his lips consumed her. She forgot everything but him as he kissed her over and over, exploring her mouth with his.

As the kiss continued, her passion grew and he filled her every thought, her need driving her forward.

Rose clung to his neck and before she knew it, they had moved, shifted somehow and she lay under him on the bed. The press of his hips to hers felt better than she’d ever imagined possible and she moaned at the contact.

They hadn’t spoken, didn’t need to, as Will’s fingers came to his own shirt. In a moment, he’d undone his cravat and then his shirt as it sailed over his head. Rose got a glimpse of his lean muscular chest before he was pressed against her again. The feel of him was more erotic than even their time in the library had been and she found herself trying to press closer still.

“Rose,” he groaned out. “If we go much further I won’t be able to stop.”

She trailed her hands down the hard ridges of his back, delighting in their feel. “I don’t want to stop,” she whispered. “Being here with you is more than I could have ever…” she stopped, afraid of how much she’d reveal.

“Finish,” he gave a light but firm command.

“It’s more than I could have hoped for. Whatever time you want me…” She took a breath, hoping the words didn’t reveal too much. “I am yours.”

“I will always want you.” He pulled back a little, his hands framing her face. “Don’t you understand? I love you, Rose.”

Her breath caught. “You don’t have to say that. I will stay with you tonight even if you don’t.” She wasn’t sure when she’d made this decision. But he’d given her everything she’d asked and, in her heart, she wanted to give back to him.

“I would never allow you to stay if I didn’t think you’d be staying forever.” He kissed her again.

Rose attempted to push down her doubt. She knew he wanted her. He’d returned her life to her as well as the one piece of her mother she could have. At least, he would. He didn’t need to make her these promises.

He rose off the bed and regret lanced through her, she missed the feel of his chest pressed to hers. And the intensity of his glare made her squirm, her gaze turning to the side. “I am not a beauty. I don’t look like the other women who the ton fancy.”

When he stood, raising himself off the bed, tears pricked at her eyes.

But he bent down and began removing his boots. She propped herself up on elbows as slowly he unlaced his breaches and then pulled them off to add to the growing pile of clothing. She let her gaze wander up his powerful thighs to his manhood and she couldn’t hide the gasp that escaped her lips.

“Take off your shift.” He rumbled as his hands came to the hem. Before she could formulate an answer, he dispersed the rest of her clothing and pulled her up on her knees in front of him. Then he traced every curve, every hollow of her body, until she hummed with the touch. “You, my love, are perfection. Not every man wants a stick for a woman, certainly not me. It will take some time, years perhaps, but you will understand just how much I appreciate your beauty.” And then he lowered his mouth to suck one of her nipples.

It was as though her insides exploded from the sensation and she gave a cry as she threaded her fingers through his hair. He turned his attention to the other nipple and she lost track of time, of her surroundings, as he lay her down again and settled himself between her legs.

A little fear niggled in her belly, but so much stronger was the desire to be his. To complete their relationship through this joining and as he pressed inside her, she held back her cry of pain, instead pulling him closer. “I love you, too,” she whispered in his ear as he began to move inside her.

He threaded his fingers into her mass of hair as they gently rocked together. The pain subsided and was replaced by an ache that grew into pleasure. He kissed every inch of her face until they were both panting with a need she hadn’t thought possible and finally, as they came together, her pleasure exploded into an array of colors behind her lids that left her limp with satisfaction.

He groaned his own release as she held him close. If what he’d said was true, and despite her own reservations, she believed him, he would be hers forever.

That was her last thought as she drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Twelve

The next evening, Rose watched the dancers twirl about. This was the final event of the house party, and tomorrow everyone would begin the journey home.

She’d played croquet with Will and a party of others this afternoon. And they communicated, silently of course, across the table at dinner. But since the men had gone off to smoke, he hadn’t returned to the party. Rose wondered what might be keeping him.

This time, she wasn’t worried by his absence, only curious. She cared little for dancing but she’d like his company. They had yet to be alone since last night when he’d carried her back to her room in the wee hours of the morning and she longed to touch him again.

He finally appeared in the doorway. He searched the room until his gaze locked on hers. Though he was a nearly a head taller than many of the guests, she couldn’t see most of him until he approached and then she noticed that he carried a velvet-trimmed box in his hand.

Once he stood in front of her, he held out his hand to her and pulled Rose to her feet. “My lady,” he rumbled.

She gave him a smile in return, though most of the party had stopped to watch them. He handed her the box and her fingers trembled as she took it. “What is it?”

He leaned close and whispered, “Open it.” Then with a grin. “But don’t take it out. Let them wonder.”

She cracked open the lid, and there, nestled in folds of silk were her mother’s diamonds glinting in the low light. A gasp escaped her lips as tears filled her eyes. She blinked them away and looked up to Will again but found him on one knee before her.

“Lady Roselyn, your father has consented to allow me to ask for your hand in marriage.” Will gave her a soft grin as he looked to his right.

She followed his gaze and saw her father grinning back as he gave her a nod of approval. “Oh my,” she murmured her breath catching on the final word. This couldn’t be happening.

“Oh yes,” his words pulled her back to him and as she looked into his dark eyes, warmth and love spread through her. “Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

It was so perfect, she could hardly breathe. She’d grown up hearing how her father had retrieved the stones and presented them to her mother when he’d proposed. And now, here was Will, giving her that same experience.

How had he known? Even as a spy, it was miraculous. Not that it mattered. It connected her to her mother, it brought Will into her family in a way she’d never dreamed possible. “Yes,” she said. “The honor is mine.”

The room burst into wild applause as Will stood, taking her hands in his as they held the velvet box together.

“I love you,” he murmured as he bent close to her ear. “Thank you for giving me a future.”

She blinked. “I love you too and it is I who gained more than I ever could have thought possible.”

Rose couldn’t believe it. She’d found the man she’d always wanted. Well really, she’d hunted him down. That made her grin and her returned the smile.

“What is it?” His eyebrows pushed up toward his hairline.

“I came here to catch a thief.” She giggled. “That distinction is yours, but I was thinking, I may have caught the bigger prize.”

Will laughed. “I’ve been ensnared by a beautiful little sneak who refused to accept that I was a common criminal.”

She bit her lip to hold back her smile. “If there is one thing you are not, it’s common. I’ve always known that.”

He pulled her a touch closer, they were still being watched. “I haven’t properly thanked you for seeing the truth in me. I’d spent so long trying to hide it, I hadn’t realized how much I needed to be seen.”

She shook her head. “It’s you who saved me.”

She wanted to kiss him. More than anything, Rose wanted to hold him close. Tonight, she told herself. As if he’d read her mind, he whispered so only she could hear. “Leave your balcony door unlocked.”

Oh yes, she most definitely would.

* * *

One year later…

Rose stood in the parlor of Duke and Duchess of Landon’s townhome. The four of them had become fast friends. But she and Will were not here for a social call today.

Her husband sat with his arm unabashedly about her waist. He rarely let it go, which was fine with her.

“So you’re saying that Bridgeton and Highwater had a third associate?” Will’s deep voice rumbled next to her.

“Correct,” Ryker nodded. “An earl who had been failing. Bridgeton had primarily been a go-between for most of the jewelers that would either transform the pieces or hold onto them until they could be sold. The Earl of Allerton, however, was actually a thief. He would use his admittance through parties to steal goods out of people’s homes. It’s what gave Bridgeton the idea.”

“Has he been caught?” Rose felt Will tense and she straightened. Having taken a year away from being a spy, Will had found a great deal of satisfaction out of running their estate, and building their family. Rose expected their first child late this winter. She knew he was glad to have let the investigation go.

“Yes, as have many of the underlings that worked for them.” Ryker gave him an easy smile. “Your services are not needed.”

Will relaxed next to her. “Thank the lord for that.” Then he pulled her closer.

“Prinny simply wanted me to inform you that they managed in the end without you.” Ryker came up and slapped him on the back. “He did suggest that a position would be there for you if you ever chose to take it.”

It was Rose’s turn to tense. Will had told her how happy he was to be done with that life, but it hadn’t been his choice to leave it, he’d been forced. If given the chance, would he take it again?

“While I appreciate the thought, I’ve closed that chapter of my life.” Will bent down and kissed her on the cheek. “But give Prinny my best.”

They left a short time later and as Rose climbed into their carriage, she couldn’t help the niggle of nerves that sent her stomach dancing. She no longer worried that Will wouldn’t be attracted to her, but somehow, she’d never quite shed the fear that Will would want a life filled with more adventure.

Silence spread between them as Rose watched her husband across the carriage. “Were you surprised the Prinny wants you back?”

Will shook his head. “I suppose not, though it’s of little consequence.”

Her brows lifted. “Why is that?”

“You know very well, I’ve worked hard this year to restore my reputation.”

“You don’t give a fig about your reputation,” she fired back.

He gave a hearty laugh and then reached for her to pull her across the carriage and into her lap. “You’re right there. But I do care about you. You’re everything to me.”

“We could do it together,” she whispered. “I’d be good at it. Helping you.” It was true. And it was tempting. The excitement and the drama of it. But somewhere in the last year, she’d found she liked their life together so much more than that.

“I know you are, love.” His lips found hers. “But I would never want to see you in danger like that. And besides, I love our life just the way it is. I’ve had enough of all that.”

“Oh thank goodness,” she said just before he kissed her again. And then again. She’d have said more but as their kisses lengthened and deepened, words were no longer necessary.

My Duke’s Desire

Wicked Lords of London

Tammy Andresen

Theo stood on the deck of The Summerset staring into the fog. He bent his neck from side to side, causing it to give several menacing cracks. The sound suited his mood. If he were still in Barbados, he would actually be watching the sun set, a breeze cooling his warm skin. He looked at his hand. It still held the hint of a tan. Not at all desirable for an English Lord, which was one of the reasons he liked having one.

His navigator and longtime friend, Rex Adelman, muttered next to him, “Damn English weather.”

His thoughts exactly as they attempted to dock along the Thames. The cold moist air bit at his skin. He hated the cold and the rain. Not for the first time, he wondered what the point was of being a wealthy duke if one could not choose to live on a balmy tropical island. “We’ll be back to Barbados before you know it.”

“I hope that is true.” Rex clapped him on the shoulder. “But this country is difficult to escape.”

He grimaced, understanding what his friend meant. Even for Theo, inheriting the title did not leave him entirely in charge of his fortune. He supposed that his folly had been leaving the finances in very able hands of his brothers-in-law. While they had done an admirable job—he got their quarterly reports—they had grown tired of managing his affairs along with their own. “If there is a way, you and I will find it. Though I suspect you’re correct. Leaving won’t be easy.”

He suspected his mother had a hand in their fatigue. Just as it was she who chartered a ship specially to send him a message. Come home to meet your perspective bride or we will cease managing your affairs or sending you funds.

Bloody hell, that had taken far less time than he’d supposed. He’d only been gone for two years.

Theo had seriously considered the possibility of not returning. It would be easy enough to hire a solicitor. He cared little for being the Duke of Waverly and even less for the bonds of matrimony, but in the end, he’d decided to heed the summons. While it was unlikely that he’d marry, his family deserved to hear that from him. He would not leave his sisters or mother without explanation.

He’d learned, during his time at sea, how to face life as a man, rather than being a puppet under his father’s command. So whatever decision he made, he’d make with full knowledge of the consequences of his actions and the strength to face him. He’d not bend to another’s will again.

If he married, it would be his choice and no one else’s.

The ship finally docked and Rex gave him a long, dark look. “I’ll meet you in a few days.”

Theo gave him a terse nod. “Good luck, my friend.” Rex had his own troubles to solve but would join Theo and his family as soon as he could.

Bidding Theo and his crew a temporary farewell, he found a hack to take him to his London town home. In the morning, he’d choose from any number of horses to make the two-day ride to his childhood home.

It would be nice to see his mother and sisters again. He’d sincerely missed them. Tricia and Tabbie, his older sisters, had done their best to protect him from his father’s tyranny, to give him love and support, rather than the harsh rule his father had provided.

Their husbands supported him still, in their own way. They had seemed to understand that he needed to take some time to learn to be his own man.

Reaching his home, his valet helped him undress. “Would you like a shave, Your Grace?

He nearly chuckled aloud. He knew what he looked like. Tan with a scruffy beard and long hair, he did not look very lordly. A fact that he delighted in. “No, that will be all.”

His mother would near faint when she saw him. Serve her right, for trying to strongarm him.

He had missed sleeping on land and as he collapsed into bed, the soft mattress enveloping him, he realized there would be a few perks to returning to England.

The next morning, he rose and chose a stunning stallion to make the journey. As a duke, he likely should have ridden in a carriage. It was safer, far more conservative.

But he set out, loving the animal beneath him. Another benefit to being home. This quality of animal couldn’t be found anywhere else in the world. “You’re a good boy.” He’d patted the horse’s neck and kicked him into a brisk pace.

But as the day went on, the fog turned to mist and then the mist to rain. The road began to rut and Theo cursed the English weather once again. He’d forgotten to factor in the rain.

As his horse sidestepped a puddle, he landed his front hoof on the banking and let out a whiny. Theo gave a curse as he climbed off the animal to check his leg. “There’s a good lad.” He soothed the animal as he checked the leg. It didn’t appear to be broken but to be safe, he’d couldn’t ride him. With a grimace, he realized he was walking in the rain until he reached the next town.

Bloody England.

* * *

Lady Violette Chase attempted to look out the rain-soaked window and let out a small sigh. Her mother glanced over at her, her eyebrows drawn together. Sighing was not ladylike. But under the circumstances, she believed that she was entitled to one tiny breach in behavior.

She smoothed her skirts and sat up straighter and her mother’s brow relaxed. “When you meet His Grace,” her mother began. She held in her sigh this time. Many of their conversations had started exactly so. “Make sure to be the picture of ladylike decorum.”

The lecture went on and Violette nodded attentively, though she barely paid attention. In her defense she’d heard it so many times, she could nearly recite it verbatim.

Violette was now the sister of an Earl, her father having passed a year prior. And while her dowry was intact, the family’s funds were so diminished that she wouldn’t be able to participate in the upcoming season.

She needed to marry, there was no question about that. Without a match, her family wouldn’t survive financially. So her mother had leveraged her social connections to secure several invitations. The goal being to find a husband before they were forced to use her dowry just to live. That would be the beginning of the end.

With a proper husband, her mother would be provided for. She hoped to convince her new husband to provide a modest dowry for her sister and help her brother to learn to manage his funds far better than their father had done.

Her mother finally ended her lecture. “If he doesn’t wish to make a match, we will simply move on. The Marquess of Dunstable and the Earl of Rumsford have also sent invitations.”

That was supposed to make her feel better. If this man didn’t want her, another would. But somehow, it only made her insides twist into knots. She resembled a side of beef at the market. One of them would want her for his table.

She pushed the thought aside. She’d given up lamenting her fate some time ago. She understood the alternative and she wouldn’t allow her sister to become a spinster, her brother to sink under the weight of their debt.

Her father had loved them. He’d been attentive and kind. Loving and present. He simply was a poor manager of money.

The carriage slowed and Violette peered out the window again. The blurry figure of a man and his horse huddled under a tree caught her notice as the driver pulled to a stop. She could hear her driver’s muffled voice and she watched the man straighten.

The carriage bounced as the driver climbed down and then a rap on the door echoed through the interior.

“Yes,” her mother called.

“Stranded traveler, my lady.” He replied as she mother opened the door and climbed out of the carriage.

Violette swallowed a lump. Her father should be here. Her mother should not be stepping out into the rain to greet strange men. What if he was a highwayman intent upon robbing them?

Her heart beat faster even as her mother climbed back into the carriage. “Move onto my seat, dear,” her mother stated matter-of-factly. “We’re taking on a passenger.”

“Mother,” she gasped. “You can’t. What if he’s a—”

But she stopped as the door opened again. She might have yelped but she’d already gotten a lecture this day and so she simply moved over. The man climbed into the buggy and shed his wet coat. Silently, he handed over a coin purse to her mother. “Thank you,” he said as she took it in her gloved hand.

Violette caught her breath as she watched him sit. He did indeed look like a highwayman. Tall, broad, and well-muscled, he moved with the grace of a predator and she shivered, having nothing to do with the cold blast of air that had entered the carriage. His dark, wet hair had fallen into his piercing blue eyes and he pushed it back in a careless gesture that made her heart beat faster.

His skin was a rich brown, which only lent to his air of danger, and she watched as he rubbed at the growth of hair on his face. It wasn’t just stubble, but it also hadn’t grown enough or been groomed in such a way to be considered a beard.

She had to admit that his features were classically handsome though it mattered little if he chose to rob them or even kill them for their valuables. Not that they had many. But still.

She noted how large his hand was, and for a moment, she thought to clutch her mother in fear. But that would only lead to a lecture, and so she clasped her fingers together instead.

Her mother had allowed this man into their carriage because he’d paid her to do so. Who was to say he hadn’t stolen coin from the last traveler he’d met? Gads, their financial woes would lead them to their death.

Want to read more? https://amzn.to/2IWnbpx

Other Titles by Tammy

Want a free novella?

https://instafreebie.com/free/M0QWQ

Wicked Lords of London

Earl of Sussex

My Duke’s Seduction

My Duke’s Deception

My Earl’s Entrapment

A Laird to Love

Christmastide with my Captain

My Enemy, My Earl

Heart of a Highlander

A Scot’s Surrender

A Laird’s Seduction

The Earl’s Forsaken Bride

Taming the Duke’s Heart

Taming a Duke’s Reckless Heart (FREE!! Check it out today!)

Taming a Duke’s Wild Rose

Taming a Laird’s Wild Lady

Taming a Rake into a Lord

Taming a Savage Gentleman

Taming a Rogue Earl

Fairfield Fairy Tales

Stealing a Lady’s Heart

Hunting for a Lady’s Heart

Entrapping a Lord’s Love

American Historical Romance

Lily in Bloom

Midnight Magic

The Golden Rules of Love

Boxsets!!

Taming the Duke’s Heart Books 1-3

Taming the Duke’s Heart Books 4-6

American Brides

Join Tammy’s Newsletter!

For all the latest news, giveaways and releases, join Tammy’s newsletter at www.tammyandresen.com!

Want a free book?

https://instafreebie.com/free/M0QWQ

More about Tammy

Tammy Andresen lives with her husband and three children just outside of Boston, Massachusetts. She grew up on the Seacoast of Maine, where she spent countless days dreaming up stories in blueberry fields and among the scrub pines that line the coast. Her mother loved to spin a yarn and Tammy filled many hours listening to her mother retell the classics. It was inevitable that at the age of 18, she headed off to Simmons College, where she studied English literature and education. She never left Massachusetts but some of her heart still resides in Maine and her family visits often.

What the Critics are saying:

“The characters are well-developed and interesting, the plot is edge-of-your-seat intriguing, and the setting is one with so much history. If you are a fan of history mixed with mystery and intrigue, you won't be disappointed.” Linda Thompson THE AUTHOR SHOW

“While the relationship between Lily and Eric is the primary focus of this story, the mystery/supense factor is what kept this from being JUST a historical romance. Lily in Bloom was a fast-paced, romantic read that I absoutely LOVED.” http://alysenovak.blogspot.com

”…  it held not only a pure romance but the simple magic that goes with it. I was enchanted with this story from the beginning until the end and I didn’t want it to end. I wanted it to go on.” Robin

Find out more about Tammy:

http://tammyandresen.com
https://www.facebook.com/authortammyandresen
https://twitter.com/TammyAndresen
https://www.pinterest.com/tammy_andresen/
https://plus.google.com/+TammyAndresen/