Passion for the Game(87)
“Do you mean to run me through?”
“I might.”
He raked her with a skeptical glance.
“I urge you not to think of my skirts as an advantage in your favor. I have trained as much in gowns as I have breeches.”
His hands came up in a signal of surrender. “Pray tell, fair lady, what service can I provide that would spare me from certain death?”
Maria set the tip in the Aubusson rug and rested her hand casually atop the hilt. “Do you love me?”
Christopher’s brow arched. “Gads. How unsporting of you to solicit a declaration of love under duress.”
Her foot tapped impatiently.
He smiled and stopped her heart. “I adore you, my love. I worship you. I would kiss your feet and supplicate myself for your favors. I offer you all that I have—my vast riches, my many ships, my cock, which weeps for your attentions—”
“Enough.” She shook her head. “That was odious.”
“Oh? I should like to see you do better.”
“Very well. I love you.”
“That’s it?” His arms crossed, but his eyes were soft and warm. “That is all you have to say?”
“Stay home tonight.”
He tensed. “Maria?”
She inhaled deeply, then released her breath in a rush. “You asked me many times what association I have with Eddington. He is an agent of the Crown, Christopher. He is out there now, waiting to follow us and catch you in the thick of things.”
He stared at her pensively. “I see.”
“I know about Sedgewick.”
When he opened his mouth, she held up her hand. “No explanations. I mention it only because Simon found the witness. Sedgewick demanded the man’s cooperation as ransom for the safety of his family—a wife, two sons, and a daughter. Tim and several men freed them. The viscount has nothing against you now.”
His brows dipped together in a deep frown. “You render me speechless.”
“Good. I prefer not to be interrupted. I was told that you know about Amelia.” Her voice was shakier than she would have liked. “That you found her and are watching her. Is that true?”
“That is my hope, yes.” He stared at her with fathomless eyes. “I have asked for a firm identification before bringing the news to you. I did not want to raise your hopes needlessly.”
“Where is she?”
“If the girl I know of is indeed your sibling, she is in Lincolnshire.”
“Thank you.” Maria tugged up her blade and paused before turning away. “Be careful,” she said softly, her hand over her heart. “I wish you well, Christopher. Godspeed.” She moved toward the door.
“Maria.”
That low, raspy voice curled around her spine. Tears fell, and she brushed them away as her pace quickened. Her hand curled around the doorknob, but before she could turn it she found herself trapped. Christopher’s arms caged her, his body pressed tightly to hers.
“You forfeit your dream to reunite with your sister in favor of sparing my life.” He pressed his cheek ardently to her temple. “You tell me of your love for me. Yet you cannot ask me for assistance?”
“Our lives diverge here,” she whispered, her throat too tight to speak any louder, “as they should. You are free and safe, my path goes on. I will have Amelia, never doubt it. But I cannot do it this way—at your expense. I will find something of equal value to Eddington.”
“You show me no mercy by sparing me for a life without you in it,” he said roughly.
Maria began to shake, and he wrapped his arms around her.
“I know, Maria. I know he has offered Amelia in return for me. I know how much she means to you. You risked your life attempting to save her.” He hunched over her, burying his hot face in her neck. “What I did not know was that you would confess all to me and attempt to save my life, despite knowing of Sedgewick and the rest. My God . . .” His voice broke. “How deeply you must love me to take this action. I am not worthy.”
“You know?” Her hands clutched at his.
“Tim came to me today. He related Eddington’s visit and your agreement. He also overheard Eddington speaking to a man waiting in his coach for him. He said he ordered the retrieval of your sister some days ago and was awaiting news. I pray my men were successful in preventing her abduction, but we cannot be certain.”
She struggled against him until he freed her, then she spun to face him directly. “We must assume he has her, then.”
He looked at her with such tenderness. “So despite your attempt to spare me, I must still go tonight. I have no goods here in Town—that was simply a ruse to see if you would betray me—but I have my confession and I will exchange that for Amelia.”