She was beautiful—and she knew it. That was the only explanation for her haughty, spoiled arrogance.
“I’m looking for proof,” he said. Again, not a total lie. He had been given a hint from one of his friends down at the dock that a shipment was coming in soon. A man like Everley could have stopped with the illegal trades years ago. He no longer needed the money now that he’d acquired a fortune…along with his cousin’s title.
But men like Everley never knew when to stop. They always pushed too hard, too far—and Rupert was betting on the fact that he was doing the same thing now. He hadn’t given up his criminal ways just because he’d gotten himself a title. If anything, Rupert guessed that Everley had only grown more ambitious given his new status in society.
It was a bet he’d been willing to bet his life on by coming here tonight.
Looking at this little queen standing there in all her regal glory, it occurred to him—she might just be the in he needed.
Wariness crept over him. It was one thing to bet his own life, quite another to rope a young debutante into helping him.
No. He could not. He would not, even though he was certain that all it would take was a challenge. A subtle prick to her pride followed by a not-so-subtle dare…
She’d do his job for him and with ease since she had free reign of this home…or would soon enough.
“What is it?” she demanded. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Like what?” He grinned before she could respond. It was rather diverting to make her scowl. Yes, Everley had chosen well. He’d been looking for the belle of the ball and he’d found her.
He’d taken Rupert’s best friend to score a title and estate, had nearly taken his life when he’d gotten close to catching him, and now…
Rupert took one last look at the enchanting little minx with the upturned nose.
And now Everley had gotten the girl.
Life, as Rupert already well knew, just was not fair.
She planted her hands on her hips, not even turning to look when a hand rattled the doorknob. “Why that look?”
She hated not having all the answers, but she wouldn’t get any more from him. He’d do his best to keep her out of this. Whether she liked it or not.
“Do yourself a favor, Princess,” he said as his feet landed on the ground and only his eyes peered over the edge. “Stay out of my way. Stay out of his way. And whatever you do, do not cause trouble.”
Her eyes widened in outrage. “Do not cause trouble? Says the man who means to ruin my life.”
“No, I mean to ruin his. I already told you, it is you I hope to save.”
That made her furious, which made him feel like laughing. A real laugh. The kind of laugh he hadn’t reveled in for an age.
“Stay safe, Princess,” he said as he backed away.
She came closer to keep him in her sights.
“If you need me, I will save you.”
She frowned. “How would I find you?” Then, just as quickly, she seemed to remember herself. “Not that I will need your help.”
“When you do…” He grinned, despite the circumstances. “I will find you.”
5
I will find you.
Conceited man. She scowled at the window even after he disappeared, only spinning around when the door flew open and her fiancé strode in with two men she did not know behind him.
They all stopped short at the sight of her. Everley recovered first. “Delilah. My dear.” He strode toward her with a brilliant smile that did not reach his eyes and left her cold. She forced a smile of her own as he approached, and they basically reenacted their first meeting earlier this same evening.
Which was to say, they said all the correct things as onlookers watched. They made pleasantries and pretended to be happy to see one another.
“What are you doing alone in here?” he asked.
As he did, his gaze moved to the open window. She took a step to the left to block his view, gesturing to the window as she did so. “I’m afraid I became overheated.” She fluttered her lashes and smiled sweetly. Her stepmother had taught her how to give this look many years ago and it was a skill she called upon often. The look said soft, sweet…innocent.
Everley’s look said concerned. At least, that was what he’d apparently aimed for. His eyes said curious. “Are you well or—”
“Oh yes,” she said with a little laugh. “I am just not used to such lavish parties, I’m afraid. The crowd became too much.”
His smile softened as he took her by the elbow and led her toward the hallway. “That is my fault, my dear. I should have been attending to your needs this evening.” He gestured toward the strange men who were watching her with matching fatherly smiles. “I am afraid I have been distracted by business endeavors.”
“Oh, please, do not let me interrupt you,” she said. “I was meaning to find my friends. I am certain they are wondering where I am.”
This, she knew, was very true.
His grip on her arm tightened as he smiled down at her, the sound of music swelling as they drew closer to the center of the action. “I expect they are,” he said. “You must not keep them waiting.”
She tried to match his smile and faltered. When her gaze met his, her skin crawled. Her stomach sank at the coldness she saw there, barely hidden beneath a smiling façade.
Lord Evil.
Silly nickname. But even as she thought it, Mr. Calloway’s accusations were swirling through her mind, making her doubt everything.
Murderer. The word flashed through her mind and she stumbled a bit as she kept pace with her fiancé. When they spotted her friends, gathered together nearby, Lord Everley’s grip on her loosened.
Louisa was waving madly as the others openly stared.
“If you’ll excuse
