Her breath faltered at the thought. But it wasn’t a rush of anxiety claiming her at the idea of handing control to this man. Because she knew he intended his words to be taken in a sensual context, the possibility of what he suggested inspired a tingling sort of eager expectation.
Flashing a smile that was both dangerous and—Lord, help her—exciting, he offered a hand to assist her into the carriage. “M’lady.”
Of course, his hands were bare, and as her fingers, encased in fine kid gloves, slid over his roughened palm, she recalled how they had felt against her bare skin that day he’d attended her injuries and how he’d skillfully massaged her tight muscles just last night in the darkened kitchen. Strong, assured, commanding. But also gentle and patient.
As she ascended the first step into the vehicle, she made the mistake of sneaking a quick peek at him. She should have known he’d be staring back and far too close. In that brief moment of eye contact as they came nearly level with each other, she couldn’t help but see the brazen hunger in his gaze.
She quickly averted her gaze and hastened into the barouche. Taking the seat facing forward, she struggled to steady her breath. Somewhere out there, for some unknown reason, someone was plotting against the Blackwells. She had to remember that no matter how unbelievably distracting Hale proved to be.
As soon as the man climbed in behind her and took up position on the seat opposite, they were off. Though she was determined not to be distracted by Hale’s presence, it wasn’t long before her gaze was drawn to him as he sat in the center of the opposite seat, practically lounging with his booted feet braced wide and his large hands resting on his thighs.
And once again, he was staring back. Amusement flickered in his eyes.
Wonderful.
She narrowed her gaze.
He grinned.
Her belly flipped and she looked away.
The park was already busy with a flow of smart chaises, daring phaetons, and stylish baroques. Ladies in vibrant-colored riding habits with jaunty hats rode alongside dapper gentlemen in top hats and fine leather gloves. Clusters of debutantes strolled the walking paths in their prettiest day dresses with their chaperones following a few steps behind.
The point of a park promenade was to observe and be observed. To encounter casual acquaintances in hopes they might become more closely associated. To make oneself available to potential suitors in an environment that allowed for private and ofttimes intimate conversation right under the eyes of the masses.
Katherine was well aware of all the different reasons a person could have to attend the park during the busy social London season. She’d simply never cared to understand why someone would bother. It just seemed like such a grand performance.
A short grunt brought her attention back to the man across from her. He’d stretched one arm across the back rest and had crossed an ankle over the opposite knee. He looked far too relaxed and dangerously attractive in the casual posture with the sun turning his dark blond hair to a rustic gold. “Now what?” Hale asked with an arched brow.
Katherine released her breath on a sigh. “Now...we circle through the park.”
His gaze slid to hers. “That’s it?”
With a shrug and a dismissive wave of her hand, she replied, “That’s it. I know very few people in town, so it’s unlikely we’ll encounter anyone with whom to socialize. It doesn’t matter, anyway. We’re not here for pleasantries.” She gave him an expectant look. “You mentioned a demonstration?”
The corner of his mouth lifted. “Can’t you just relax, dove? It’s a lovely day. Enjoy it.”
“You realize our enemy could be watching us right now.”
“I do.” His gaze flashed with intent. “In fact, I hope he is.”
“Do you always court trouble?”
“Don’t need to. Trouble and I are already intimately acquainted,” he corrected with a wink.
Though his tone and manner were teasing, Katherine couldn’t help but be reminded of his confession from the previous night. “Yes, but you’ve taken steps to change that,” she noted.
A shadow passed through his gaze, and she got the sense he was regretting what he’d told her over the plate of cold food. She didn’t want him to regret it. For some reason, she wanted him to feel like he could trust her as much as she was coming to trust him.
“Was it very difficult?” she asked, “Your childhood?”
He reclined farther in his seat, tossing her a sardonic look. “No more difficult than it is for any runt of the rookery.”
“A runt?” The term surprised her and she tried to picture him as a small young boy but couldn’t manage it. His strength and virility were simply too undeniable. “That’s impossible.”
He gave a rough chuckle. “I assure you it’s not. I’ve been the weakest and I’ve been the strongest.” His tone was flat when he added, “Trust me when I say stronger is better.”
The thought of Hale ever feeling small and defenseless made her stomach drop as a protectiveness similar to what she felt for Frederick rushed through her. It was ridiculous to feel such a thing for the indestructible man before her, but it didn’t go away.
“Do you have any siblings?” she asked.
His expression was resistant, but surprisingly, he answered her question. “I’ve an older half-sister.”
“Did you grow up together?”
Hale released a heavy sigh and shifted in his seat to face her more squarely, spreading his feet and resting his hands on his thighs. The look he gave was half-annoyed, half-indulgent. “Why so curious?”
Katherine arched a brow and answered honestly. “I’d like to know more about you. You’ve thoroughly investigated my family. Am I allowed to know nothing of yours?”
He narrowed his gaze for a moment before giving a short grunt. “Lissy’s twelve years older than me. Her ma took off years before I was born; mine wasn’t much to speak of. With our father a raging
