She was definitely mad. “You can’t fall up.”
“Really?” she asked. “Because that is what this moment feels like. Falling, yet floating without worry or pain.”
He bent his head to her. “Are you on an opiate?”
She laughed and Nick was surprised the frost didn’t melt at the sound of it. It was the balmiest sound he’d heard in a long time. Sensual and comforting. “I’ve not taken anything today. I’ve been very good today.”
This was her being ‘good’? Why was he tempted to ask her what she was like when she was bad?
Perhaps it was her eyes. Nick had always been partial to a fine brandy. He could feel his mind slipping, as though he’d taken a sip just from being in her presence.
He had to remember that he’d also always been partial to crazy.
Recalling his past, he began to harden himself against her. He was here to do a job. He had to keep that in mind.
Lady Elisa’s own expression became guarded. “Do you work for Lord Alguire?”
“No, who is he?” Perhaps, if he knew more details, he could figure out a way to complete this task as swiftly as possible. So far, she seemed stable enough. He was ready to leave.
She frowned and looked past him before returning her gaze to him. “Are you another doctor? Have you come to... examine me?” He wondered if any hard treatments had been done to her during her time here. The need to get her out grew.
He was not a doctor, but Nick was examining her far more than he should be. “I’m not a doctor.”
“Who are you?” she asked.
No more word games. “Lord Nicholas Childs. I’m here on your brother Lord Goldstone’s behalf. He said you were in need of help.”
Her eyes had flashed at the mention of her brother’s name. “Have you come to take me from here before the ceremony?”
“What ceremony?” It frustrated him that he had no idea what was going on.
She stepped close and placed her hand on his chest before lowering her voice. “Are we leaving?” She grinned.
“Yes, we are.” He sensed Dr. Hobbs would get in the way.
“You’re an angel,” she pronounced.
Nick smiled but fought it back down before it became a permanent fixture with her. He’d been called an angel before. This should not feel new to him, but it did.
If Nick were being truthful with himself, he’d admit to the excitement he was feeling and how very unexciting his life had been for the last few years. Since leaving Lord Gregory’s service and Maria’s death, he’d been living as a monk.
He clung to the idea of being a regular gentleman, which was something his father hadn’t given him or his brothers the opportunity to become. He’d abstained from most pleasures and worked to find happiness in his role as Cassius’ man of business.
Yet since Cass became duke, things had started to change, and that old anxiousness was lifting to the surface. If he were to keep his head, he’d have to distance himself from Elisa’s allure.
“I’ll be ready,” she said. “At any hour, day or night. I’ll be ready.” She bounced in place once. Gladness brightened her features. “Thank you, Lord Nicholas. I don’t know what I would have done had you not come for me.”
Something touched his heart and spread. Her gratitude was profoundly moving. She was desperate. He knew that look, had seen it more times than he liked.
Cassius’ words came back to him. This was a chance to redeem his past failings. Perhaps, getting this woman to her fiancé in a few months would finally shake loose the shadows of the past that clung to him.
He hadn’t known they were there until a moment ago. Winter brought death, yet Nick felt himself awakening. Hope glittered in her eyes like shiny brass chandeliers.
Thankfully, she was betrothed. It would keep his mind from venturing in directions it shouldn’t.
“Tell me about the ceremony,” he said. “I’m sorry, but your brother has not shared much of the details .”
“I’ll tell you on the way.” She turned away then and went toward another door that led to the small apartments.
Nick watched her retreat. “On the way where?”
“I’ll tell you on the way,” she promised. “Please, hurry. We don’t have much time.” She disappeared into the building.
He wanted to tell her that they were not bound for wherever she thought they were going. He was taking her to his property and leaving her there under guard. He’d return once the Season was ready to begin.
The less he knew about her actual mind, the better.
See how the story unfolds.
Get the story HERE.
Book List Order
Also by DEBORAH WILSON
∫ ∫ ∫
VALIANT LOVE SERIES
Book 1 - The Perfect Lady
Book 2 - The Perfect Gentleman
Book 3 - The Perfect Duke
Book 4 - The Last Duke
Book 5 - Mark of the Marquess
Book 6 - Dread of The Earl
Book 7 - Scar of The Duke
Book 8 - Wounds of A Viscount
Book 9 - Pain of The Marquess
Book 10 - The Secret Life of a Duke
Book 11 - The Secret Pleasures of An Earl
Book 12 - A Knight of Vengeance
Book 13 - A Knight To Dare
∫ ∫ ∫
STANDALONE NOVELLA
The Lady's Masquerade
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Copyright and Disclaimer
Copyright © 2019 by Deborah Wilson - All rights reserved.
This book is a work of fiction. The characters and events portrayed in this book are either the product of author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, or actual events is entirely coincidental.
In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this book in any form or by any electronic means without written permission from the author. Recording of this book is strictly prohibited. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
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