Read Online Daring the Duke by Anne Mallory - Free Book Online

the pistol toward the door.

    "Ye see anything?" a deep voice yelled down the alley.

    "Nah, damn blighters got away," said the voice on the other side of the door.

    "Who was the girl?"

    "Some fancy tart. Let's go. Damn cold tonight, and I’m not freezing me stones off looking in the dark. We’ll finish this another night."

    Audrey smirked. Fancy tart, was she? Good to know her identity wasn’t totally exposed.

    Footsteps echoed down the alley and back to the main streets. Stephen and Audrey maintained their silence for a few minutes in case the men returned.

    Stephen leaned a shoulder against the door. "Fancy tart? So you’re not working with them?"

    She shrugged. "lf I wanted to kill you, you’d already be dead." Not that she had ever killed anyone, but he didn’t need to know that detail.

    He smiled. "You’re no longer working for Flanagan?"

    "What do you know about Flanagan?" Her voice had more bite to it than she had intended, but he looked amused.

    "He’s a crook. Names his people after mythological characters. Runs a crime syndicate throughout England but keeps his people close at hand.
    And he is not as hard as he would have people believe."

    "If you only knew," she muttered. But he had it right.

    "You no longer work for him, do you? Your trail was cold for a year.
    Why return?"

    She raised her chin, but didn’t reply.

    "lf you no longer work for Flanagan, for whom do you work?"

    "No one."

    "Did you miss the adventure? Run out of money?"

    She didn’t answer.

    "No," he continued, "this entire escapade is not your style. You wouldn’t be so easy to catch."

    She narrowed her eyes and stood motionless, but he moved to stand in front of her and she tilted her head back to look into his shadow-lined face. He spoke softly and ran a hand down her cheek. "Why are you taking these risks, Audrey?"

    His warm voice seeped into her soul, and she found herself answering, "I have to pay the price."

    "What type of price?" He stroked her cheek again.

    Her voice cracked. "Not that kind."

    "What then, money? What do you need?" He moved closer and continued to stroke her cheek.

    "Not your money." She moved away, angry with herself for allowing him to befuddle her.

    "I didn’t offer my money."

    She chose not to respond and straightened her skirt.

    "Come, Audrey, let me help you." She blocked his seductive, silvery voice from her heart. She had heard that tempting song before, from others.

    "The alley is empty. We should go, Your Grace."

    She tried to pass him, but his arm shot out pinning her to the wall. Solid warmth trying to heat her perpetually cold skin.

    "I could make you tell me," he murmured into her hair, his warm breath tickling her neck.

    She was saved from testing his theory when he released her and peered through the window. Satisfied the alley was empty, he held the door open.
    She slipped through and hastened back in the direction of the theater. She stiffened as a tall man stepped into the end of the alleyway. She reached for a knife, then recognized the handsome, brooding features and well-tailored clothes.

    "Roth, how did you find us?" Stephen asked.

    "I followed the mess."

    Stephen smiled.

    Roth spared her a glance that spoke measures. He was here to protect Stephen. In those cold eyes she had seen herself reflected and condemned.

    Must be trying to have so many people concerned about your welfare.

    Or comforting.

    No, trying definitely. She didn’t want or need anyone looking after her.

    Roth led them to Stephen’s carriage, and they entered without incident.

    Roth sat opposite them staring out the window.

    Stephen tucked a blanket around her legs. She was tempted to throw it off, but its welcome warmth enveloped her. She left it on.

    It was a silent trip back to her house. She avoided looking at the brooding golden-eyed man who had joined them.

    The carriage door opened, and she accepted Stephen’s assistance to the front door. He leaned down, and her breath