Chapter One

London

1841

White clouds billowed on the horizon, threatening a downpour, filling the space from the tops of the hills to high overhead, darkening even as he watched. A sharp breeze captured leaves on the trees surrounding the small lake, casting dancing shadows on the ground. Silver ripples from the remaining sunlight slanted across the water pulsing against the shore. The couple kissing by the water line seemed oblivious to the threatening storm as well as his presence. By his standards the kiss was chaste, not much more than a peck. Two young lovers who were trying out their wings. He recognized the young lady. She shouldn’t be here unsupervised. He looked around for the ever-present guards. Some would call the men chaperones. They were and they were not. These men were hired to protect the lady’s life not her virtue. Though their presence did both. The young woman seemed to take advantage.

Thad DuBois watched with caution born of experience knowing the duke’s men could blend into shadows then appear with lightning speed. Leaning against a boulder he tried for an air of casualness. Yes, he knew the young lady, Elizabeth Montgomerie. Wondered what her father, the duke, would think about her little tryst by the lake with her young lover. From what he knew of Drake Montgomerie, the man would not be pleased with the little scene he watched unfold with rare fascination. Montgomerie was a man who expected perfection in himself. Thad felt certain the man would also expect the same from his children.

The young pup, Thad knew him also. Harry Sylvan had his hand on the lady’s rump, feeling her. While he had no business watching this act play out, he needed the lake water to clean a wound. Wished to rest for a few minutes before he finished the ride to his residence on the other side of the lake. He could wait these young lovers out. Couldn’t leave without alerting the couple they had a visitor. Maybe he should present himself. Doing so would put an end to the groping by the young pup who didn’t know how to charm the daughter of a duke.

To his surprise, she stepped away from the boy, shaking her finger at him. So, she wasn’t as enamored of the lad as first appearance gave him reason to believe. It was possible the boy’s kiss didn’t melt her from the inside out or turn her into liquid honey. The girl should slap him. He deserved more. The boy had his hand on her ass. Perhaps she liked the feel. Maybe not. By all appearances now, he would go with the latter assumption. Leaving her standing by herself, Harry rode away. In every scenario, the lad should have escorted her home. Ah, but she had the guards to protect her. The boy would know…should know. Perhaps Harry was naïve or an idiot.

Debating whether or not to make his appearance known, he held back a moment. The girl was beautiful. Intrigued him to the point he swelled. Thinking what the hell, he stepped forward. Something inside him wanted to show her how a kiss, a real kiss from a man, not a boy, was accomplished. He grinned at himself. If he didn’t miss his guess, he would get slapped for his forwardness. Decided the experiment was worth the sting.

She must have heard his near silent approach. Either that or the lady sensed his presence. Elizabeth swirled, skirts flirting around her slender ankles. Her hands beneath her chin, she stared at him. Drawing her brows together, she looked to the horizon. She could summon Drake’s men with one word. Thad held up his hands. A gesture he hoped would show her he meant no harm. She would recognize him soon. When she did, she would back away or call out for her protectors. Thad was shocked when she remained silent.

“Lady Montgomerie…” He walked closer, unsure how he intended to proceed. “You having a little tryst with your young lover?” He couldn’t stop the slow lazy grin from spreading across his face. Provoking her would bring out passion. “He’s not a real man. Think, after that poor kiss, you understand the truth.”

“Harry?” Elizabeth returned his grin. She shifted her feet. “Not that it’s your business. He is not a lover. Not mine anyway. He has trouble taking no for an answer.”

“Well, you’re right, the kiss was a schoolboy kiss. A lover would give you a different type of kiss.” His need to show her how a lover’s kiss would feel overpowered his common sense.

Pleased with what he saw as her reaction, her entire body tightened with anger. A passionate woman he could deal with. He found he’d like to taste her. Devour her. Savor certain parts of her. Eat her up. She was a beauty. If her father knew what he thought at this instant, Drake would tar and feather him for his thoughts. The duke wouldn’t want him anywhere near his innocent daughter. Intrigued by her, his reputation be damned, he meant to carry the scenario as far as this young lady would allow. She excited every male part of him. Just looking at her, he was at attention. Thinking with that part of him would be prudent to ignore.

With flashing hazel eyes, she questioned, examined, even sent her brazen gaze down the length of him then back to meet his eyes. He was flattered. Her lashes fluttered closed as if she didn’t wish for him to see her scrutiny. Little flirt. He held the laugh deep inside, realizing she inspected his body just as he did hers. A young woman didn’t show her thoughts to a man with this much audacity. She managed to steal his breath. He was so jaded; he’d never met a woman who could accomplish the feat of taking his breath from him. In the ensuing moments, Elizabeth became an open book. Elizabeth Montgomerie should learn to guard herself along with her vibrant emotions better. If an unscrupulous man could read those enigmatic hazel eyes, she would find herself lost. He was known to have no scruples. His reputation with the ladies was well known.

To test his thoughts, he allowed his gaze to linger on the beautiful swell of her breasts, lower to the slim waist then the flare of her feminine hips. She seemed to understand what he was about. He sent her a half smile in order to encourage her further scrutiny of his body. As if embarrassed, she turned away for a moment. When she met his gaze a second time, she sent him a slow sensual smile. Her lips parted in a soft mew. He saw the tip of her tongue. Thad wondered how much she knew. How much she understood about sex. Maybe she wasn’t as naïve as he expected her to be. His body tightened with raging need that couldn’t be ignored, prudent or otherwise. He would have to think about his emotions. She was still Drake Montgomerie’s daughter. If he acted on his thoughts, he could be digging his grave.

“You’re far too bold. While I recognize you, I don’t know you. How dare you spout such nonsense about me?” The indignant tone of her voice came as an elusive surprise. Elizabeth understood the subtleties of manipulation. Her father must have begun teaching her from the moment of her birth. The man was treacherous. In flirting with his daughter, he was taunting danger.

“You know me. Realize who I am. Don’t you?” Thad stepped within a breath of air from her. Ran his knuckles down the long, white column of her neck. With the gentle contact, her pulse raced. The breaths of air she inhaled were small, short breaths as she strained to hide emotions that were as clear and unblemished as her face. He was pleased with her reaction to his bold advance. Testing her further today, yes, challenging the young lady would be a heady experience.

“What I say is not nonsense. I watched you kiss the boy. If you ask, I’ll show you the difference between the kiss of a young pup and a man.” He watched the darkening of her expressive eyes. She wanted his kiss. Thought to discover what he meant. He could read her mind as if it was a book meant solely for him.

The lift of her chin made him chuckle inside. “You’re too arrogant by far. You don’t know anything. I’ll have you know who I kiss is none of your business.” Elizabeth turned her back on him. Her skirt swirled around her trim ankles. She seemed to watch the ripples on the water. She wasn’t going anywhere. He was pleased by her lack of fear. He half expected her to run from him. Because of his reputation, most débutantes would.

“Yes.” Thad set his hands on her shoulders. “You’re right.” Turned her. Needed to see her eyes when he spoke to her. “What if I wish to make who you kiss my business?”

“You’re an assassin. You kill people to make your way in this world,” Elizabeth accused with an amused tone. Almost as if she didn’t believe her words. “I shouldn’t be here with you. You do know my father has men who watch over me. If I yell, they will be here in a blink.”

“You are…” he paused, thinking as he spoke. “Only get rid of little girls who talk too much. I can turn you into a woman…if you ask. From the bottom of my heart would enjoy doing so.” His thumb touched her bottom lip. The feel was soft, ambrosia to his soul. Wet. Hot as the fires of hell. He’d watched her run that sweet, pink tongue of hers across the tender flesh. Touched his thumb.

She sipped in a gasp of air. Started to turn from him again. Her hand flew to his chest. Touched. Brought her fingers away with a look of horror. Her eyes were wide. Shimmered in the waning light. She appeared concerned. “You’re bleeding!”

Bloody eyes, he forgot about the tiny matter of his wound. He shrugged with indifference. “It’s just a scratch.” He’d come to the lake to wash the blood from his chest before returning home. Found himself distracted by the woman. Distraction could get a man killed. “Yes.” He continued, “A small matter. Meant to take care of the wound. Seems there was a diversion to my plans.”

“No, no it’s not a small matter. Who did this to you?” She started to unbutton his shirt. Her fingers grazed his flesh.

Thad stopped her, his hand on her wrist. “Not your concern,” he said with heated force unable to tell her details or reasons. “I’ve been cut. Nothing serious. Needed to clean the wound. Just part of my work.”

“You killed someone.” Elizabeth was blunt, too candid, even though her face paled. In his line of work, he couldn’t risk blunders of this sort. He made a mistake here. His lust for this woman got in the way of common sense.

“No…” Thad meant to deny whatever she thought. His ability to stay out of Newgate relied on his talent to remain calm as well as indifferent in the face of adversity. This little lady was a titillating piece of baggage who could well be the end of him. A woman he needed to keep at a distance. Given time she would drive her father, the duke, half crazy. Maybe all the way senseless if she continued to take whatever she wanted.

“Oh…” Her voice trailed off as if she was disappointed in his renunciation. “I thought.”

“You’ve heard stories. Sorry to disappoint. All the tales are untrue. Not a shred of reality in any of them. I’ve never murdered a living soul.” Her disappointment was strange. Seemed Elizabeth wished to flirt with danger. Test her wiles on a dangerous man. There was more of the duke in her than her father would wish. To top it off, she was too curious by far. He liked her inquisitiveness.

Her bottom lip caught beneath her teeth; she shot her hazel gaze his way. “Let me help. I can clean the wound. You might need stitches. I’m good at sewing. I’ve a steady hand. Been taught how to suture wounds.”

Before he could counter or deny he needed help, she tore a piece of her petticoat then followed him, her expression one he didn’t want to examine in detail. “No, you needn’t. I’m fine. Can take care of myself. Have done so for all my life.” In his present condition, her fingers on his chest would never be judicious. He did value his life. If the duke found out he was this close to his daughter, he’d shred his hide. On the other side of the coin he tossed, the wound would never inhibit what he wished for with her. He still needed the sweet taste of her lips beneath his.

“I see that. You’ve done so well. Unbutton your shirt. I’ll take a look. Clean the wound so there is no infection.” To his amusement, she expected him to obey. She was tapping her toe. Her auburn brows were drawn tight. The brows just a bit darker than her hair. “Well? What are you waiting for? Christmas? You’ve got a long wait ahead of you.”

When he didn’t move fast enough, he found she was flicking open the buttons on his shirt. He caught her hand. “I can do that.” Her fingers on his chest might be a nice distraction to the slight pain the wound caused. He did need to clean the cut. Perhaps his original assessment was wrong. He should take what she seemed willing to give.

Elizabeth stepped back, waiting for him to finish what she ordered, her hands on those wonderful feminine hips he wished to caress. Bloody hell, he needed to stop thinking of Elizabeth as a woman he could have. He couldn’t. That was that. Even the thought of a kiss with her paled in light of who she was. He did give great value to his life. If the duke found out about this progressing fiasco, he might never breathe again.

After he finished with the buttons, he pulled the tails from his britches then shrugged from the shirt. Holding the silk fabric in his hand, he waited for her to begin whatever it was she seemed to have in mind. He was curious where this was going. When her fingers touched his chest, he groaned. The sound was low, husky, coming from the back of his throat. Lightening surged to his groin. His rod stood ready as well as waiting for heat to surround him. Thad knew this had to be a monumental mistake.

“You’ll live.” She was so close to him he felt her breath murmur across his bared chest. Elizabeth dabbed at the blood until the red stain vanished. A fingertip slid across the cut. “Stitches. You need them. If we go to the cottage…” Elizabeth jerked. Stared for a moment at the sky.

The loud crack of thunder boomed across the darkened horizon. Blue, white lightening reached from the clouds to the ground. Sizzled. Rain poured down upon them. His horse reared on its hindlegs terrified, then raced away.

Thad forgot about his horse. He ran to hers. Held onto the reins. “We need to find shelter.” He didn’t wait for her to agree or disagree, he tossed her on her mount then leapt on behind. “Is there anywhere we can go?”

“The cottage.” Elizabeth pointed in the direction of the woods. He sent his heels into the mare. They raced the wind and the rain, the lightening along with the thunder. The distance wasn’t far. They entered into a wooded area. The small structure stood isolated. He dismounted before helping her down. “Go inside. I’ll be right there.” To his surprise, she obeyed the command. He’d expected an argument that would include his wound.

Where the bloody hell were the duke’s men? They couldn’t be far behind. If those men found him alone with her, he didn’t stand a chance of surviving. Thad took longer than necessary rubbing down the mare while he attempted to put what was happening into perspective. Unexpected as well as unwanted, he felt something for the woman-child. When she touched him, he almost drug her into his arms for the kiss he’d been thinking about since he first saw her kissing Sylvan. At that specific moment, one he would remember forever, he felt a surge of jealousy that was out of character. He’d never felt possessive of women. Ladies were put in his path for one purpose. Nothing more. The bizarre feeling stuffed his head with unfounded emotions that needed to be dismissed.

By the time he walked into the cottage, Elizabeth had several items on the table. Among them were needle as well as thread then a bottle of whiskey. She uncorked the bottle. Drank. Handed the flask to him.

“Drink up. Not the entire bottle. Just half. I’m going to stitch your wound. Looks as if three will do the trick.”

“No.”

“Didn’t think you were a coward.” She threaded the needle as if she didn’t hear him. “Sit down. This will all be over in a matter of seconds. I’m a very good seamstress.”

When she said those few words, he pictured needle work, not skin. “You don’t know what you are doing. I don’t take orders.”

She flashed him a smile that left his insides quaking and his sex throbbing against his buckskins. “I do. Father made certain I knew how to stich a wound. Ash too. He’s never trusted doctors or surgeons as some call themselves. He tended to my mother in this very room when she was shot. Refused to call a doctor.” She was humming between words. Her mood was casual as if she’d done this a thousand times or more. “He made mother stay in the room adjoining his. Didn’t care one fig about her reputation. Isn’t that romantic? They weren’t married. The Duchess, the original Duchess, was fit to be tied. Papa wouldn’t kowtow to her. Did what he wanted. He loved mother. Even acknowledging the fact, it took some time for him to admit to the sentiment.”

By the time she finished her little story, Thad had downed half the whiskey. She was an audacious little thing. Spoiled. Spouted whatever came to her agile mind. Most of her words were nonsense. He found he enjoyed the impulsive side of her. When she poured whiskey into his cut, he thought he would jump out of his skin. Yowled with the surprise. “You could have warned me.”

“Why?”

“So I wouldn’t scream.” This was a weakness he couldn’t afford to show anyone let alone the daughter of Drake Montgomerie. Pain he could handle. The shock was the surprise that set off his nerves, leaving them in a tangled mess.

“Hurt that bad?” She laughed, the sound enchanting.

Found he wanted to hear her laugh more. What he wished for most was to show her how a man kissed. “Surprised, nothing else. As I said, a warning would have prevented the scream.”

“Un…huh…” The needle entered flesh. In then out. Three times just as she told him. He drank from the bottle again. She took it from him before pouring more onto the wound. “You can put your shirt back on.”

“What if I don’t want to?” He pulled her between his spread legs hoping for the kiss he’d been dreaming about from the moment he saw her in Sylvan’s arms. His hands settled on her waist then downward to caress the swell of her hips. Her breasts were so close to his mouth he could almost taste them. Her scent sweet and clean filled his senses. This was what he wanted. A small taste of her. Needed to understand the flavor of the woman. The scent…Elizabeth smelled of spring…of daffodils and crocuses popping up from the earth to welcome the warmth a thunderstorm to his soul. She set her hands on his chest. Wished he dared put them on his erection. Tell her that was what she did to him. She might not understand. Teaching her would please him.

He stood, pulling her against him. Pressing her so she touched him. His mouth met hers. Captured her essence. Her taste better than the finest wine from the best vineyards in Bordeaux. He stopped for a moment, spoke still close to the lips he wanted to explore more thoroughly, the mouth he wanted to delve into.

“Tell me to stop. If you don’t say no, I can’t be responsible for what comes next. This is your choice.”

When she looked at him with wide hazel eyes all he saw was her acceptance. She wanted him. Needed him as much as he needed her. Understood what he wished. He could thank young Harry Sylvan for paving his way. Tonight, he would kiss her. Show her how a kiss was supposed to feel between a man and his woman. What came after was up to the future. He wasn’t a man to wait for what he wanted. If she gave him leave, he would take everything she offered. Everything.

Difficult as it was, he touched her with tenderness he didn’t feel. Careful not to frighten her, he hesitated. She moaned. Even though he might have guessed otherwise, he could tell by her hesitance this would be her first kiss from a man. Felt certain, despite her bold nature, she was untried except for a few chaste kisses from inexperienced boys. Didn’t plan to shock her senseless. With possession, he held her, his hand holding the back of her head. His thumb sweeping the soft flesh on the long column of her neck.

Her heat swept into him. Heard the rush of her breathing as she tried to inhale air through him. His tongue brushed across her mouth touching, tempting, invading as she opened for him. He played. Danced as he brought her to his will. To his delight, he experienced her. Her fingers wound behind his neck. Nails dug into flesh as he deepened the kiss. She clung to him. A soft sound of acceptance broke from her. His hands held her at the waist, knowing soon he would lower them to her sweet rump so he could pull her against his straining cock, show her how aroused he was. She might not understand what she was feeling. Wouldn’t comprehend the intimacy she gave to him.

An insignificant whimper of pleasure on her part encouraged more bold actions. He smoothed one hand down her back. As long as she responded, he would continue teaching. He stood. Pulled her closer as if they were practiced lovers. Elizabeth pushed against him. Her breasts were lush, full, a woman’s breasts. Not a child’s or a woman too young for loving. Elizabeth was ripe. Ready to be cherished by a man. Her body was waiting to receive him. He wanted to be the man who would teach her more than how to kiss.

Thad had to douse that thought before it became part of his soul. He could never afford to give too much of himself away. His life didn’t allow for a woman to become a permanent fixture. Elizabeth Montgomerie would need an enduring man. A steady man. One who could give her a solid home. A man who could continue to spoil her as she deserved to be treated. Pampering was what she was accustomed to. Drake would never allow him to have his daughter. Besides, he wasn’t the marrying type. Never thought of settling down. What would he do if his life changed? If his work wasn’t so important to him. For him, nothing would differ.

He heard his groan of pleasure. The deep rumble he didn’t hold back. Wanted Elizabeth to hear how she affected him. He deepened the kiss. Touched deeper. Savored more of her. Fought for control. Caught her lips with his teeth. Heated with her passionate response. She met his advance with one of her own. Pushed her tongue against his lips, imitating. Rubbed herself against his chest. Thrust her tongue against his mouth until he sucked her deep inside. The soft mew of pleasure delighted him. He pulled back to look at her damp swollen lips. Then look into her passion glazed eyes.

Thad was thrilled by the vision. Understood this needed to end before one of Drake’s men skewered him through, barged through the door to put a stop to this seduction of their charge. He didn’t understand why they left him with her this long. The storm couldn’t be the reason. Even as the kiss deepened and he wanted to walk her to the bed in the other room, he knew he had to bring her home. His hand settled on her bottom. Squeezed. Tested the firmness. She purred. Arched against him. Curled into his body. Begged him for more attention. In that moment, she became his little kitten, his little curious kitten. Didn’t step back to slap him as he half expected. To carry this seduction farther… With reluctance he left her lips. Let a long rush of air dissolve from his lungs. No woman had ever affected him so deep and so fast as this one.

Touching his forehead to hers, he spoke with tender words. “I have to get you home. Don’t know why the duke’s chaperones haven’t come for you. Nonetheless, Lizzy, we need to leave. The rain has stopped. The storm has passed. There is nothing keeping us here.” Thad was shocked when she stiffened then moved away from him.

“Don’t call me that!” Her little fists were balled at her sides. Her rage obvious. Hazel eyes flashed fire.

He was shocked she might use her fist on him over something he said instead of how he touched her. Taken by surprise, “What?” he questioned. Thad was perplexed by the abrupt distance she put between them. The space wasn’t caused by his hands on her rounded buttocks. She didn’t smack him as he might have expected. Instead, she might be incensed with the nickname? Thad needed to clarify. “What did I say?”

“Lizzy!” Elizabeth turned her back on him. Walked away. “Nobody calls me that.” She stood in front of the window, staring out into the darkness. “No one!”

He didn’t like the sudden distance between them.  Realized his mistake. Thad was beside her, turning her to pull her into his arms one more time. His mouth was a breath away from hers. “You don’t want me to call you Lizzy. Elizabeth is far too long a name between lovers. Must be shortened.” He lifted her chin. Saw hazel eyes blazing in his direction. He didn’t wait. Taken by the thought of another man kissing her, he needed to make his point about the young pup. “If Sylvan can’t kiss you like I just did, don’t marry him. Don’t settle for anything less than what we shared.”

“We aren’t lovers,” she denied them. “Never will be. You’re right about him. As for you…”

With straw in his head, he spoke without thought for his existence. “Not yet.” He didn’t understand where his confidence came from. What he knew was the truth he hoped someday they would be intimate. That day would be sometime in the future. As she stood in front of him now, she was far too young. Far too innocent for his jaded self. “Why don’t you like the shortened name?”

“Lizzy sounds like a lizard.” Her petulant remark gave him a reason to kiss her again to pull her into his arms.

“No lizards for me. Beth… do you like the way this shortened name sounds? One syllable is all I can deal with when I make love to a woman. The name Beth is better than Lizzy…one syllable. Lizzy has two.”

This time she didn’t deny the name. Once more, his mouth framed hers. Touched inside. Sent magic into his soul. Beth enchanted him. He needed her. Couldn’t have her. He was a fool to deny himself. “While I’d like to continue this…see where these kisses would lead, I can’t. Need to get you home, sweet one.” Beth was sweet, heaven to this man who knew little about relationships. Long lasting relationships. This was a woman who could change life as he understood. His lifestyle would not allow this type of connection. He needed to get a hold of himself.

Elizabeth Montgomerie was out of his reach. The duke would never allow a man such as he to have anything to do with his cherished daughter. What he needed to do was get her home as soon as possible then put her out of his head. Later, after she was safe in the big mansion on the hill, he would visit his favorite tavern. There were several women there he could ease himself with. He could make plans. He had a new client. Could meet with the man to see what he wanted.

“Beth…where are your father’s men? Don’t you think they should be beating down the door by now? They’ve left me, a treacherous man, alone with you. His men will understand my reputation…who I am.” Thad asked all the while wondering why he wasn’t a dead man.

Her laugh this time sent a nerve throbbing on his neck. She swept her tongue across her lips, tempting. “I made an agreement with father. Unless I was in mortal danger, the ever-present guards must keep their distance. You’re right. They are out there. Waiting. I’m certain they know we kissed. Just as they know Harry kissed me. They also might understand I stitched your wound. Before my feet are on the steps to my house, Papa will know everything they learned about our first encounter. In spite of my displeasure, they run messages to him.”

“I’m a dead man,” he muttered knowing the fact for the absolute truth. “Maybe your father isn’t home.” Thad could always hope for a miracle. He knew the duke’s reputation. While all he did was in the name of the crown, Drake Montgomerie was one of the most dangerous men in England. Maybe all of Europe. His reputation preceded him.

“I will tell Papa you were a perfect gentleman.” She touched his cheek. Her fingers light. Sent his muscles rippling. Trailed the tip down his chest then across the stitches she sewed on his chest then his nipples. “You probably should put your shirt on before we leave.”

His hand stilled hers. “I’m no gentleman…perfect or otherwise. Your father knows the fact for the truth. Drake knows who I am. What I do. Whatever you do, don’t lie to him. Always tell him the truth.”

Her lashes fluttered a few times. “I won’t lie. You are more a gentleman than Harry. I told him no. He didn’t accept my refusal. Kissed me anyway. Doesn’t a gentleman respect a woman’s wishes? If you wish to learn the truth, I liked your hands where they were. Hoped for more. Not quite certain what more…that…entails. You could instruct me. Would like to learn what you could teach me.” She flirted with him, lowered her lashes then looked at him, shielded by the thick fan of her dark lashes.

The answer to that question eluded him. He never thought of himself as a gentleman. His upbringing in France was questionable even though he was the son of a count. The bastard son of Count DuBois. The man gave him his name so he would do things for him that were too messy for his hands. No other reason. His mother was English, an English whore. Had no idea as to her identity. Didn’t recall much about the woman who gave birth to him.

“You never told me no. Don’t delude yourself about my manners. Doesn’t mean I would respect the no if the word went against what I wanted.” He’d almost touched her breast just to see what she would do. He held off because he didn’t wish to hear the word no. “We could start over…a new beginning.” He looked to the bed hoping to scare her into common sense…then again…hoping she didn’t frighten easily.

“You’re right. We need to leave the cottage. I’m…tired.” Beth made a sudden swift change of subject.

Ah, so she wasn’t quite ready to share the intimacies of a bed. He smiled. When he reached out to take her hand in his, she didn’t stop him. He liked the way her hand fit into his. He was certain he was a besotted fool. Lust for him would never override common sense. None of this would do. Building dreams around this lady would be as building sandcastles too close to the ocean. With the change of the tide all would be washed away. “We are going to ride to my home to retrieve my horse. It’s not far from here. After that, I’ll see you home.”

“You understand I’ll have an escort both directions. I don’t need you to attend me. Father’s guards will make certain I arrive home untouched.”

“Ah, but you are not untouched.”

He stopped her from leaving. His hand beneath her chin, he set his mouth on hers again, needing one last taste to hold him for the rest of his life. At this point, he felt certain he found the only woman he would ever be able to love. Well, he would need to believe in love for amour to happen. “You will have me with you until I set you on your doorstep and you are safe inside. I would never allow a woman to find her way home alone. Despite the fact I understand your father’s men are following me. Don’t mind the reinforcements. Sometimes it’s a wicked world out there. Your father has enemies. Men, who I’m certain would take revenge if given the opportunity. You, my sweet Beth, are the perfect target.”

~ * ~

When Elizabeth stepped inside her home, the only person there was her brother, Ashcroft. He was sitting in one of the chairs that faced the fireplace, sipping a brandy. He looked thoughtful. This time of night her brother was usually with his mistress or carousing with friends. In the drawing room, she marched passed Ash to the sideboard, poured herself a brandy. All the while her brother watched with an amused expression on his handsome face. She felt the hairs on the nape of her neck tingle. He knew. The messengers told their tales to her brother in lieu of their father who wasn’t home this evening. She’d thought she’d been safe.

Ashcroft looked much like their father. His eyes were dark as was his hair. They would shudder then deepen from a very dark blue to almost black when he was displeased. His shoulders were broad, tapering to narrow hips. At the moment his full mouth slanted into a quirky smile. He seemed pleased with his thoughts now that he was no longer brooding. Elizabeth wished she could reach into his head then understand what he was thinking. She didn’t want to be protected, least of all by her brother.

Elizabeth tossed the drink back before pouring another. She didn’t wish to talk to anyone, especially not her older brother who was far too intuitive where she was concerned. In this case, Ash didn’t need to be intuitive. He would know she spent a few hours in the cottage with Thad DuBois. She needed to think over what happened at the lake then the cottage as well as what she intended to explain to him. He would demand an explanation, an accounting as to the time spent with the man. Unthinking, she touched a fingertip to her mouth. Her lips felt swollen. Sore. She didn’t wish to think about how potent Thad’s kisses had been. Looking back, the sensation Thad DuBois evoked frightened her. When he kissed her, she lost all rational thought. She’d become immersed in the new searing desire surging through her blood so hot and fast the roar infiltrated her hearing, eclipsing all other sensations.

He told her if Harry couldn’t kiss her the way he did, she should forget about him. Elizabeth didn’t need to be told that piece of information as well-meaning as it might have been. Perhaps his words of caution were also a bit self-serving. He put his hand on her bottom. She liked the way his long fingers caressed and tantalized. He pulled her so close she felt the hardness of him. Wasn’t certain what the hard thing was. Had a guess. Didn’t appreciate the fact she’d been sheltered her entire life. There were things about man and woman relationships she needed to understand.

Elizabeth turned to look at her brother. The thought of questioning him about what she felt against her belly flashed through her head to disappear with just as much speed. If a girl couldn’t ask her brother about sex, who could she ask? Certainly not her father or her mother. Though she did give her mother credit for enlightening her about a few things. All of which she ignored tonight. If she gave Ash any indication of what was on her mind, she would never be let out of this house again. Her protectors would never allow her space if her father did send her somewhere. Worse, she would never be permitted to see Thad again. Her father would know him for the assassin that he was. Everyone knew what Thad DuBois did for a living. He was hired to kill.

She wished for another kiss from the dangerous man she met tonight.

“Two drinks? Hard night, Sis?” Ash asked as he sat back down in a chair in front of the fire, the crystal glass that held his brandy resting on his hard belly. “Want to talk about what happened in the cottage? I’m a good listener.”

She did and she didn’t. Talking to someone impartial would be nice. Ash would never be neutral. Tomorrow, she’d see if she could go the distance to Lyssa’s. Her cousin would be unbiassed. She could ride there or take a carriage. First, she would need to make sure Lyssa was in residence. Though she and Kane rarely went into town. There was also Kerrie. She could see her. Answer all her questions. They were closer in age as well as distance.

“No…yes…not with you. You wouldn’t understand. I would be embarrassed. You would tell father. He wouldn’t let me out of the house. One thing after another.” Elizabeth fumbled for words. Didn’t have the foggiest notion what she wanted. No, she did know. She wanted answers. Needed to see Thad again. Kiss him one more time just to see if the kiss would elicit the same heady response. Two more times. See what came after the kisses. Even now her breasts tingled as if in anticipation. He never touched her there. She would not have denied him.

“Try me?” That quirky smile grew. He was wicked to taunt her so. He lifted his glass her direction, saluting her. “Never thought you had it in you. You’ve always been Daddy’s little girl. Someone kiss you? Harry? Didn’t think the lad had it in him to kiss you so hard your mouth appears ravished. Your careful hairdo slipping from its pins. You still appear as if you are under his spell.”

Elizabeth sipped in a quick breath of air. Her hands flying to her mouth. How did he know? Her hands shook. “Yes…not Harry. It wasn’t Harry. Don’t even like Harry. Despise the young pup…oh…” She didn’t wish for her brother to think she would allow Harry to kiss her like Thad did. When Harry touched her, she felt nothing except denial along with revulsion. His touch made her skin crawl. She loathed the man.

“Who then? You must tell me. If not, I’ll have to have a talk with father. Anything else happen besides a kiss or two? I would know the truth.” He motioned for her to sit down in the chair next to his. His stance no longer so relaxed as it had been before. “Since father isn’t here, it’s up to me to discover the truth of this dalliance of yours.”

Too much restless energy surged inside her. She paced the room. Yes, Thad put his hands on my butt. I felt him hard against my belly. She whirled around, her mind reeling. “I can’t say. Though I’m guessing you know who I was with. The duke’s men would have informed you since you were the only male home.”

Ash nodded his head, staring at her. “Would rather hear the truth from my little sister. Want to be able to trust her. Hope she will listen to reason along with my brotherly advice. If not Harry, tell me who initiated you to a man’s kiss. I’ll speak to him. Would ride there tonight.”

“No, you won’t. It’s not going to happen again.” Ash’s life could be in danger if he confronted Thad. Though she didn’t think so. Thad denied being an assassin. His renunciation didn’t mean anything.

If he can’t kiss you like that, don’t settle. Don’t marry him.

She’d never intended to settle for Harry Sylvan or marry him. The boy had always been a nuisance. He teased her. She chased him when he embarrassed her. He didn’t make her heart sizzle or inflame her senses. Thad did. Elizabeth understood from watching Lyssa along with Kerrie, Thad was right about the kisses. If she ever married, passion would have to soar, take her to the moon then beyond. Her heart would have to ignite. Elizabeth wanted everything life would give her then more. Wished for a real love; one just like her parent’s.

“Who is this guy? Did he hurt you?” Ash walked to her. Stopped her pacing as he separated the drink from her hand. “Sit down. Admit to his name then we can talk. I’ll give you advice. You’ll most likely ignore the guidance.”

“I’m not hurt. He was…” She said too much. Maybe he didn’t know. It was possible the men didn’t report to Ash. Possible, too, he arrived home just before her. There might have been no time for more exact information to exchange hands.

Elizabeth swallowed hard. If she told Ash she stitched a knife wound, he’d guess who was kissing her. Ash would intercede. She didn’t need anyone’s help. This was her battle to win or lose. Her problem to solve. They made no plans to see each other. Unless a coincidence occurred, she might not ever run into this man again. The thought left a feeling of despair in the pit of her stomach. Maybe she should ride to his house. He just lived on the other side of the lake.

She wasn’t going to see Thad DuBois again. There would be no plausible way to do so. When Thad left her here with the door open, he chose a different path. There could never be anything between them. They didn’t say goodbye. He helped her from her horse then set her down on the porch step. Mounted. Waited for the door to open then whirled on his horse. Standing in the doorway Elizabeth watched him ride from her life. A stable hand retrieved her horse.

“You’re going to need to enlighten me. He was hurt? How? You belted him a good one for kissing you? That’s my sister. Always fast with her fists.” Ash was laughing at her. His eyes twinkled with humor.

“I’m not going to see him again even though I like him. Yes, I tended to a wound. The cut was nothing serious.”

“This unknown man ravished your mouth. You should be certain mother doesn’t see you. Even more certain father doesn’t get a good look at your lips. They aren’t home so you’re in luck on this score.” He tossed back the contents of his glass. As if this conversation affected him as much as it did her, he splashed more brandy into the crystal. “Do you want another glass? I’ll indulge your whims tonight since you’ve been so frank as well as open with me.” The note of sarcasm in his voice didn’t go unnoticed.

“This is private. Ash. I’d like to leave this incident alone. There is nothing more to say.”

“Father’s men will know who the man was you saw. You weren’t at the lake all this time. The storm was fierce. You needed to take shelter. The cottage is a lover’s retreat. Been there a few times myself. Bloody hell! You’ve only turned eighteen. You didn’t…he didn’t toss your skirts.”

He leaned forward. The amber liquid in his glass threatened to overflow the crystal. “Did he?”

Elizabeth found herself shaking her head at him. Found a momentary reason to smile at his assumption. Doubted if she would have stopped Thad if he did take her to the bed. “Just a kiss…a very nice kiss. One I’ll remember for a long time. Is that enough information for you? I would retire to my room.”

“Not until you tell me who kissed you. He touched you too. Where? I can tell by the deep shimmer of your eyes along with the blush of color on your cheeks when you speak of this man. Bloody everlasting hell! You’re in love with the bounder! How long have you known him?”

Her face heated with the flush of embarrassment. Knew as the conversation with her brother continued this would happen. The air turned hot. Sizzled. Elizabeth sunk into the chair. Exhausted. If she tried to walk up the stairs then to her bedroom, her brother would follow. Ash would never give up until he got all the information he sought. The difficulty here was once one question was answered, the response would lead to another query in a never-ending circle.

“I’m not in love with anyone.” Though, Elizabeth did admit to the fact she could fall into love with Thad in a heartbeat.

“This unknown man did touch you where he shouldn’t. Admit it. You’re as red as the flames in the fireplace. Where? Where did he set his lecherous hands. I don’t intend to give up until I know. Rest assured, one way or another, I’ll discover the truth.”

What Ash said was true. He was as ornery as a dog with a new bone. Would wrestle with the thought, never stopping the interrogation. Life would be easier to blurt the truth then be done with the cross-examination. Giving up was not a characteristic of her brother. She delivered a long slow breath of air while she thought about giving out the private information. Lifted her shoulders in silent resignation knowing Ash would learn the truth he wanted her to tell him before he retired for the night. All he had to do was talk to one of their father’s men. He could walk outside. He’d rather torture her.

“Thad DuBois.” Elizabeth sucked in air. Held her breath. Waited for the yell of outrage…the accusations. Instead, she was greeted by an eerie silence that stretched her nerves to the snapping point. While a second ago when she said the name, she’d been looking at her interwoven fingers that rested on her lap. Her knuckles were white from the tension. With a start, she looked up. His back was to her. She couldn’t read any information in his face.

What the hell?

Ash was pouring himself another drink. He’d taken her glass. Filled it then held it out to her. “Thought we were telling the truth tonight. You afraid to admit you let Harry do more than you wished? No, Harry would never have need of your gentle stitches.” His lips thinned as if he was afraid, she did speak true. “Drink up. If what you said is true, you’re going to need the fortification. I have to tell father. You understand, don’t you? Thad DuBois is a dangerous man.” He drank again. “Don’t wish to believe you. See by the way you’re looking at me you speak true. You never were a good liar. Always saw through your words.”

“You don’t need to tell father anything. What happened between us was just one kiss, nothing more. Can’t you keep this a secret?” She could continue to ramble. Tell him she wasn’t going to see him again. She’d said the words already. “Don’t want papa to know. Don’t wish to be kept a prisoner in my home. Need to have some freedom.”

“You know what DuBois does?” Ash’s voice was gentle now. His tone one of grave concern. “He’s treacherous.”

“Our father can be treacherous.” She tried to counter the accusation.

“Do you know how he makes his money?”

She was going to divert his line of questioning. Sipping in a charged breath of air. “I’ve heard gossip, rumors. Been taught not to listen to the gossip. Rumors have a way of not telling the entire truth.” Thad was the most handsome man she’d ever seen or met. He was an Adonis. The man would know how beautiful he was. Maybe his beautiful body was part of his charm. He told her he only killed little girls who asked too many questions. She stopped asking. Yes, she knew what he did to make his money. True, she didn’t care. Still wished she could see him, talk to him again. Not only was Thad handsome beyond compare, he was the most fascinating man she’d ever met.

“Dear God, he’s an assassin! Don’t you understand?” Ash pinched the bridge of his nose, his eyes squinting together. “He might target you. You cannot trust this man! He will hire out to anyone willing to pay for his services.”

Elizabeth snorted, acknowledging Ash spoke from rumors he’d heard. There was no fact in what he spouted at her. “Cade is a bounty hunter. The way I see this scenario there isn’t much difference between the two men. They are both dangerous as is our father. The family accepts Cade. Our father looks out for us. From what I gather, you tend to be following in father’s footsteps. That fact makes you just the same. Hazardous!”

“For the right amount of money, he might target you. Cade is paid by the English government. Our father is also, as am I. The government doesn’t hire people to kill,” Ash repeated, this time his voice slow, modulated as if that would make a difference to her. As if she was too enamored of the man to understand all the implications.

She wasn’t enamored; at least not yet. She was interested. Curious about him. He intrigued her senses. When she was with the man, she felt heat zing through her as if sparked by lightening. “Why on earth would he do what you said? Target me? I’m nothing. Besides, if I was a mark, I wouldn’t be talking to you now. I was alone with him while I stitched a wou…” Good God, she was a blabbering idiot. She was about to give credence to part of his accusation. He’d been injured. A knife wound. He didn’t get that without some type of confrontation.

“A wound he most likely received when he killed someone or tried. Perhaps the confronted person got the upper hand.” Ash was quick to give his opinion to enlighten her. He pointed a finger at her, shaking it as if the motion would help make the accusation true. “There is no proof because he disposes of the bodies. How he does it so easily… I have ideas but I’m not going to enumerate on all the possibilities. Take care…Elizabeth. Don’t see him again if you value your life.”

Her stomach somersaulted at the thought of bodies being disposed of with no trace left behind. She found herself shaking her head, unwilling to accept all Ash pointed out to her. While at the same time understanding there might be some validity to her brother’s statement. Elizabeth intended to stay firm on this topic, on his accusation. She was not going to cower in fright. If she wished to see this man, she would. Well…he would have to extend an invitation. “I’m not a target. Even for revenge, no one would take their hate out on an innocent female. No one wants revenge on mother for what my father has accomplished in his work. That leaves father to keep us sheltered. He keeps all of us well-guarded. Even you.” Now, she found she was trying to convince herself. “I’m not going to see the man again.”

“You can’t rely on your easy statement. DuBois comes and goes as he pleases. You have the distinct habit of visiting the lake. Thad lives nearby. He could get to you anytime he wished.”

“I can…I can change my habits.” She meant to be just as stubborn as her brother. Even though she wished for something different, seeing Thad again was out of the question. Doing so would never happen. Not in this lifetime. She stiffened her spine, deciding that was the only capitulation her brother was going to receive from her. Defending herself along with her actions was out of the question.

Ash had a way of looking at her that never failed to unnerve her as well as send her temper to flare. Her brother perfected the look when they were children. He was tapping his finger on his chin. The expression in his eyes smoldered. That was when he tossed out the question she couldn’t refute. “Doesn’t Lady Lenore have a ball scheduled for next week? The man receives invitations to all events. Seems he is there more often than he is not. He attends most in his father’s name. Count DuBois, have you forgotten? He and our father have never been on the best of terms.”

Her brother did seem to have an answer for everything. “You go to so many,” Elizabeth tried for syrupy in her tone. “How would you know? Besides, seeing the man at a ball, is not at all the same as seeing him at the lake.” Seeing him in the cottage where he kissed me…touched me where he shouldn’t.

“Alone at the cottage…” One of Ash’s dark brows shot up confirming Beth’s thoughts. Another annoying habit of speculation, he got from their father. “Elizabeth, I’m worried about you. You’ve got to understand this is not a game. At least not one you can ever win. Father would never allow you to marry the man if the relationship ever got so far.”

Elizabeth disliked the drift of his queries. He questioned whatever she spoke about. She was no longer a child he could dictate to. For her there were no thoughts of wedding him. She was just curious about her feelings for the man. That was all. “I’m not going to see him again unless it is something like that, at a ball. Never seen Thad before at the entertainments father and mother allow me to attend. Doubt if the man is interested in débutantes. That’s what this ball is…one for the coming out of young ladies. You won’t be there unless mother insists you put in appearance to support me. Neither will Thad.”

“He might if he believes he will see you there, dance with you. Thad DuBois is intelligent. He would never have kissed you, risked that intimacy, if he hadn’t been taken by your beauty…or…what he believed you could give him.”

There was nothing she could give this man. She possessed no sway with her father, if that was what Ash implied. “Thad will not be at that entertainment.” She meant to remain stubborn in the face of his arguments. “Truly, if he does attend, I won’t speak to him. Won’t dance with him. His name will never be on my dance card. You needn’t worry.” Elizabeth understood she lied through her teeth just so her brother would stop harping at her.

“Shouldn’t you address this man you only met this afternoon as Mr. DuBois. Oh,” he tapped one his long fingers on his chin. His grin turned feral. “I forgot. You’ve kissed the assassin…the bounder. You’ve allowed him to hold you in his arms. What else? Where did he touch you?”

He was back to that. She wasn’t about to let on what happened or didn’t happen between them. Those were facts her father’s men wouldn’t perceive. “You don’t need to learn everything. I’m keeping a secret as to what happened in the cottage.”

He poured a third glass of brandy. “If it were me doing the kissing, the seducing, I would hold your sweet butt with my hands. Pull you against me so you would comprehend how much I wanted you. Was that what he did?”

Unable to stop it from happening, her face heated. She gasped in a tight-fisted breath of air. Her brother probed too far. She was shaking her head, willing the flames to disappear. Wishing her face would cool. She would stop giving away her secrets. Ash would see her cheeks. He would know what she wished to keep private. His grin unnerved her. She felt her nerves stretching, snapping.

“No!” The next move happened from instinct. Traveled back to their childhood. She held a pillow next to her chest. The next moment the soft cushion became a missel directed at her brother. The projectile flew for a beat, hit the hand holding his brandy. Liquid splashed over then onto Ash. His cuff was soaked. Her mistake was evident in the hard chisel of his jaw. He didn’t intend to let the result of her temper pass.

“Now you’ve done it.” His voice was calm, mortifyingly controlled. That was the moment when she knew she was in huge trouble. Ash set the glass down. He moved toward her. His strides long, filled with purpose. “You deserve a child’s punishment! I’ve been tolerant. Tried to give good arguments coupled with some much-needed advice. Help you judge the situation. You’ve ignored everything I’ve said. Now you’ve drenched this shirt. I’ll have to change before I go out tonight.”

Unwilling to waste valuable time, Elizabeth raced toward the door. Her brother caught her by her arm before she could slip through the small opening. Turned her to face him. His hands on her arms tightened. She felt a moment’s panic. Not that it would have mattered if she’d been able to pass through the door. He was faster, more agile. He would have had her before she reached the stairs. Bending low, he caught her up onto his shoulder. Walked with her back to the drawing room to stand in front of the chairs.

“You need a spanking,” he muttered, reiterating his previous statement as he tossed her on the chair where she’d been sitting. Father has spoiled you. You take too much for granted. He directed a finger toward her. “I can tell by the look in your eyes you don’t intend to be practical about this situation. What are you going to say if DuBois asks you for a dance? If he holds you too close? He could dance you into a secluded corner. Steal another kiss. Would you create a scene? Go with him? You want that second kiss. I can read you like a book. I’ve known you for so many years. You are unable to hide anything from me.” He sipped in a long deep breath of air. “I don’t know what else to say to you.”

Seizing her win, she expected him to either give her that child’s spanking or tickle her until she couldn’t move. Elizabeth was pleased he gave his threat more than one thought. His voice lost the sting of anger. What she heard now amounted to silent resignation. “If he asks me, I’m going to say yes. It would be impolite to refuse a dance. He won’t ask. You’ve nothing to worry over. Thad will never attend a débutante ball.”

“You must learn how to say no to Thad DuBois. Somehow, you’ve stirred up a nest of hornets. Bloody eyes, you didn’t say no at the cottage. A girl has to learn when to tell the man she is with to keep his questing hands to himself.” Ash kneeled down beside her, placed her hands in his. “I’m worried about you. Truly, I am. I’m not playing at being autocratic. It’s not the kiss that has me sweating. It’s the person you’re interested in who frightens me. Listen to me. You have to stay as far away from that man as possible. Don’t go to the lake. Don’t go to the cottage. You must go to the balls. In that there is no choice. You never need to accept a dance with him.”

“Mother didn’t stop our father from taking all he wished for before the marriage,” Elizabeth pointed out with a matter-of-fact sigh.

“That’s different. Father wasn’t a known assassin.”

Without admitting Ash was right, she did agree with him. Danger radiated around Thad. The threat was part or most of the attraction she felt. “Do you intend to tell Papa?” she asked, afraid of the answer.

“Not yet. Against my better judgment, I’ll wait. See what transpires in the next few days. Be good. Be careful. Don’t do anything you might find you will regret. Bloody eyes, don’t fall in love with this man!”

Doing so, falling in love with Thad, might be far too easy. With her, he was so gentle. Tender. “You know there is no proof he kills people to make his money.” Not understanding why, she defended him. “Doesn’t there have to be evidence of a crime? Truth that a certain person committed said crime? You’ve tried him then found him guilty all on your own.”

“That’s because there are no bodies to be unearthed. No trace of the person who has disappeared. Seems not only is he the handsomest man in all of London, he is also the most devious, most likely the most dangerous too. The truth…the man is good at what he does. Right, there is no evidence…not irrefutable proof. Yet…” Ash paused then poured them both more brandy. “Yet…people hire him to get rid of people. That reality isn’t rumor. Cold hard fact is that he accepts pay for the purpose of ridding the world of…people.”

“I’ve heard rumors,” Elizabeth admitted, rehashing all her brother’s words. “I never felt afraid of Thad. Believe there would have been some fear if he…if he was a cold-hearted murder. Don’t you think?”

“He wasn’t there to hurt you. You’re right in your assessment. The man was smitten with you. Either that or he wished to see how much of yourself you would give him. If what you told me is true, he respected you to some extent. While the kiss was natural…”

“I liked the kiss,” Beth was quick to say. She smiled at her brother, understanding she’d won his silence. “Wished for another kiss. He stopped that from happening by telling me he had to take me home. Even though he understood father’s men would see me home, he insisted.”

“The fact you enjoyed the kiss was obvious on my first sight of you. Your mouth is even now red as well as swollen. I’m glad you told me the truth. If he approaches you again, we have to let father know. We can’t protect you if you keep secrets. If he contacts you in any way, you must tell me or father. Can you agree to what I’ve pointed out?”

Elizabeth didn’t want to agree with him or with anything he spouted. Knew her brother would be relentless in pursuing his wishes. While she wanted to see Thad again, she did need to admit the man was dangerous. One could say the same of Ash along with their father. Tara found love with a man who was a bounty hunter. Hunting fugitives was dangerous work. Though that man worked for her father. If the truth was told, she was surrounded by dangerous men. Men who lived on the edge excited her.

Thad DuBois, from what she heard, was a free agent. He worked only for himself. No, that wasn’t true. Thad also worked for his father, Count DuBois. Would Count DuBois want revenge against her father? Would he use her to gain an advantage? Elizabeth didn’t believe any of that nonsense. When they were together, the count and her father seemed to get along. What did she know about any of the intrigues going on between London and Paris.

“If, at a ball, he asks me for a dance, I won’t refuse. He would believe it strange on my part after I let him kiss me. That would make him wonder about my motives. Won’t allow him to dance me into a corner for another kiss even though I would like another kiss.”

“One dance, one dance is all that’s allowed under any circumstances. Don’t allow him to find a dark secluded corner of the balcony. It’s a bit too cold to spend time outside. Thank goodness for winter.” Ash was pacing now, talking, instructing her. “There will be no walks in the garden.”

“One dance,” she agreed, even while she dreamed about his arms around her, the scent of him, the warmth of his male body next to hers. She hoped he would hold her closer than what was deemed appropriate. “Are you going to attend?”

The loud groan from her brother gave her the first reason to smile since she returned from the cottage. Ash hated débutante balls, débutante rehearsals…everything débutante. After his lecture, he would feel honor bound to protect his little sister. Attendance was necessary.

“I will be at Lady Lenore’s soiree. Just to make certain you keep your promise.”

“I didn’t promise anything.”

~ * ~

Thad spent the week with Beth ever-present on his mind. Night as well as day, he couldn’t keep from thinking about her. At night, his dreams focused on her. The brief kiss escalated in the shadows of his mind, searing his body with lightning swept desire. Didn’t wish to constantly think about the young woman. Needed to maintain a clear, level head when he met with Grisham Monthaven.

This man couldn’t be trusted. Grisham sported an evil agenda. One Thad wished he could sort out. While he put out feelers, he wasn’t rewarded for his efforts. He sent Jacque, his trusted friend, to follow the man, hoping to ferret out a few more details. All he was able to discover was the fact Monthaven had no past. Everyone possessed a past. A life that could be used against them or for them.

Thad harbored misgivings a mile deep. For a brief time, thought to tell him he wouldn’t see him or entertain any adventure he might request. Grisham Monthaven spelled trouble. He needed something to hold over his head. A means to keep him quiet if approached. The money offered to him for the job tempted. Seemed to override his instincts. The contract would be an easy one. An older woman…to be brought down to her knees because of petty revenge. For a moment, he felt sorry for the lady along with all she would lose.

He brought in a deep breath of air, reminding himself he needed caution with every decision. As far as he could tell, the proposition could be carried out with ease, the monetary reward exorbitant. He, along with his men, would be careful. Intended to take every safeguard. The task would be completed before the ball. He could return to see Beth. If allowed by her male chaperones, a dance.

There were opportunities presented when he rode by the lake in hopes of seeing Beth. She was never there waiting. Didn’t expect Beth to fall into his arms quite so easily. Thad was certain she’d been warned away from him. Any self-respecting father or brother would feel impelled to do so. Understood when he brought Beth home the other night, Ash was waiting for her. What he didn’t know was how much of their escapade her brother knew about. This first meeting was by chance. The coincidence would never happen again. He needed to orchestrate a second meeting.

After several days of careful deliberation, he decided to see the man offering the job one more time. Might indeed take on the contract he offered. Needed a diversion from thoughts about Beth. There was no better way than work to take his mind off a woman. Take his mind off the way her mouth felt beneath his. Her scent…evocative…titillating. The touch of the rounded, soft curves of her breasts pressed against his chest. The feel of her curved derriere as his hands explored places he had no business sightseeing.

Beth never told him no. Instead, she purred softly, ripples of her female hum of delight coming from deep in the back of her throat. She pressed against him. Tried to move closer when he kissed her. Held the back of her head with his hand. She met his tongue with hers. Pulling away before he knew her secrets better was next to impossible. Thad shook his head as if the gesture would rid him of thoughts of Beth. Needed to keep his mind sharp. Focused on the business at hand.

The challenge of his job, the daring, the excitement, those were all things he craved. Thad met Grisham at Devil’s Hideaway. This tavern was where he did all his business. The owner was trustworthy. The maids he kept happy were loyal to his cause with attentive consideration to their needs. No one here would betray him. His meetings were kept secret. He paid the hired help well, treated them as if they were queens. Bedded the serving wenches with dedication to their needs. Never left a woman unfulfilled. The people who worked here would do anything for him.

The workers here kept what they guessed about his secrets, secret.

Now, he waited for Grisham Monthaven in the side room he used for all his business ventures. Here there was a table big enough to accommodate him along with Jacques, his most trusted retainer along with his client. For his convenience a side door would lead outside. A man could leave this establishment without walking through the common room. A carriage for his use always waited within easy reach. There were no windows. Thick planking on the walls along with the door, kept whatever was spoken in the room private. As the door opened, Thad stood to greet the man who was here to hire him to dispose of an unwanted female. Watched the man as he paused a moment, framed by the open door. Took stock of him. The eyes of this new client of his held the slant of betrayal. For the right price, this man would sell his mother to the devil.

“Grisham,” Thad said as the owner led the man into the back room of his establishment before pulling out a chair. A serving girl followed with a tray holding ale along with meat pies. “Have a seat. What is it you have in mind?” Thad thought the man looked familiar. Couldn’t place him. This man, Grisham, had led a hard life. Lines around his mouth and eyes aged him as did his weathered skin. White streaks touched his dark hair. Grisham was gaunt yet he carried himself as if he owned the world. That stance told him the man came from aristocracy. He seemed to have fallen on hard times. Though…Grisham wouldn’t be here if he didn’t have the funds to meet his requirements. There was much to learn about him if he were to become his client.

Grisham looked around. His brows drawn together in concentration. He tapped his fingers on the table seeming hesitant to carry out the business at hand. “Can this place be trusted. Need complete discretion. Don’t have a mind to end up in Newgate or on a ship bound to a penal colony.” His prospective client set the cane he walked with beside him on the table. While it appeared, the man needed the staff to walk, Thad would bet there was a sword at one end. A bit of protection for this frail man if he was forced to defend himself.

“Everyone here is faithful to me. There are no prying eyes or ears that would deceive me. Now, I don’t have a great deal of time to waste. If I agree, want to take care of this matter before the end of the week. What is it to be? Tell me what you need. Who you want me to dispose of then pay me. Half now then the last half when the person has disappeared. No questions about how or where. No questions at all.” Thad leaned forward. His eyes focused on this new client. “You understand. If too many questions are asked, they won’t be appreciated. There will be consequences. Discretion is the key to this type of business as well as its success. The less you know, the better for both of us.” Thad understood most requests were meant to do away with an unwanted person. “Who is it you detest enough to never see in this lifetime?”

Again, his client drummed his fingers on the table, touched the handle on his cane several times as if thinking about the sharp pointed tip at the end. Nervous energy twitched at him. His brows drew together. Concentrated. His lips formed into a sneer. After he looked up, he spoke, his voice a rumble of hatred. “My wife…my ex-wife. She divorced me twenty-two years ago. All these years I’ve wanted to see her pay for her crimes against me. She abandoned me when I needed her. She must pay. Now is my chance to get even. Revenge can be splendid. Don’t you think? I want her to know it is me who has sent you to her. She won’t recognize my last name. Tell her Grisham sends his regards. She will understand the fact I’ve reached out from what she believed was my grave to do away with her.” His hands were clenched tight, quivering. The lines of his mouth were drawn. Age lines around his eyes made white with the malice he felt. He seemed to clamp down so tight on his jaw Thad could hear his teeth grating.

Thad had no intention of learning about her crimes against this man who harbored hatred in his soul. Came back from the dead, did he? Interesting thought. The less he knew or understood about his victims, the better. If he learned too much, he might sympathize. “Her name?” he queried beginning to lose patience.

“Mary White. The woman remarried. Had two sons. Forgot about her two daughters she conceived with my seed. Went right on with her life as if I’d never been a part of hers. Wrote me off, she did. Could have tried to save me. There was enough money to bail me out. Didn’t come to visit before they set me on a ship to Tasmania. I saw her at the docks the day I left the country. She was smiling as if saying good riddance.” He waved his hand in the air. “Now I say, good riddance to her!”

“Where does she live? I’ll send a message for her to meet me. Will let you know when it’s done. Other than this one specific piece of information there is nothing else for you to learn.” Thad rose, having collected all the intelligence he needed for a successful business venture. He never shook hands. Waited for the payment. Grisham pushed over a bag filled with gold coins.

Thad emptied the contents on the table, never trusting the men or the women who came to him. If he was underpaid, he would have to do something about that pertinent fact. His client’s understood retaliation along with underpayment would be deadly.

Once Grisham left, Thad knew his man, Jacques, would follow discreetly. It never paid to trust anyone. When Jacques returned, they would exchange information about the man. He needed to learn as much about his clients as possible. Grisham carried a wealth of secrets, ones he needed to know before business could be conducted with any success. Thad must know all of a client’s secrets. Anyone who could order this type of blow was a man who could never be trusted. Spent time in Tasmania, he’d said. Must have been sent to a penal colony. Never heard of anyone escaping from an institution of that sort. What did he do to warrant the punishment? He didn’t think the crime had anything to do with his quest for revenge against his wife. There must be someone else involved. Monthaven wasn’t his last name. Discovering his true identity became first on his list of must-dos. He would take care of the wife after he learned a few more salient facts about Grisham Monthaven.

Thad leaned back, lacing his fingers behind his head. One of his favorite ladies who worked here brought him a glass of ale. She set her butt on the table in front of him. Leaned over showing her charms in hopes of enticing him to her bed this evening. He smiled at her then shook his head. Since meeting Beth, he…he’d been celibate. True, less than a week passed since meeting her, kissing her, holding her delicious butt in his hands.  She entranced him. He wished to have many more sensual encounters with Beth. Must figure out a means to get passed her ever-present guards. Perhaps he should focus on Mary White. He wanted to be done with this client so he could attend the upcoming débutante ball.

Damn, since kissing Beth he wasn’t interested in other women. Couldn’t even get an erection looking at the rosy tips of this lady’s breasts. For a few seconds the woman stared hard at him. After that she sighed, softly shaking her head.

“Damn, but you’ve got it bad for some special lady. Who is the gel who has you wound into so many knots you don’t care about your pleasure? I can help you forget her at least for a short time.”

“Doubt any lady could help me forget her.”