He shook his head. “Not cargo precisely, but something I was particularly eager to dispatch.”
“I see.”
“No. I don’t think you do.” Smiling slightly, he caught her hand and brought it to her mouth, pressing a soft kiss against the back of her hand. “I owe you an explanation.”
“An explanation? For what?”
“For what I was doing in that alley that night in Liverpool. Why I didn’t tell you sooner that I was a viscount.”
Brianna studied him, worried at his somber tone. “I’m listening.”
He opened his mouth as if to begin, then stopped abruptly. He dragged a hand through his hair. “I don’t know how to tell you. I don’t want you to think less of me when you hear it.”
She gave his hand an encouraging squeeze. “You know how I love stories.”
“Stories?”
“Yes. Just make it a story.”
“All right. I can do that.” He thought for a moment, then nodded. “Once upon a time there was a very foolish, cocky man, who had a title he didn’t deserve and more money than sense—”
“Was he a viscount, this man?”
“As a matter of fact, he was.”
“And was he in some kind of trouble?”
“Yes. Although he didn’t understand that at first. A man and a woman he considered rather close to him were actually plotting to see him dead.”
Brianna sobered. “How awful.”
“True.” Jonathon sent the Constantina a last look. He gave the carriage door a firm rap and his driver put the team in motion. This time they moved at a slower, more leisurely pace. Snuggling Brianna against his chest, he continued, “But the viscount happened to be a lucky man. Exceedingly lucky. For you see, an angel was looking out for him.”
She tilted her face upward. “Truly. An angel?”
“Indeed. For on that dark night, in that seedy alleyway in Liverpool, he should have forfeited his life. Instead, his path crossed that of a stunningly beautiful woman who just happened to be armed with a brass bell.”
Brianna placed her hand on his chest, just over his heart. “I think,” she said slowly, “I know how this story ends.”
Dear Reader,
I hope you’ve enjoyed Brianna and Jonathon’s story. I love reading and writing historical romances, especially those that are based in London. Something about the rigid Victorian manners combined with steamy romantic scenes just makes me smile. I hope I’ve made you smile, too.
If you enjoyed Wicked Games, please consider leaving a positive review! To an author, that makes all the difference.
Best wishes and Happy Reading,
Ava Archer Payne ♥
Wicked Games (The Sun Never Sets Book 3) Page 19