Read Online Some Like It Sinful (Hellion's Den) by Alexandra Ivy - Free Book Online

the distant cottage.
    “Yes, and in the process have inconvenienced a most lovely lady.” His voice was smooth but edged with a lethal intent. “Clearly they need a lesson in manners. One I intend to deliver quite forcibly.”
    Hawksley was in full approval of wiping out the scourge currently drinking themselves insensible, but first he had a more pressing concern.
    “A word, Santos,” he murmured with a pointed glance toward the woman at his side who had pulled out a handkerchief to futilely brush at the dust on her gown.
    Following his glance, Santos allowed his gaze to rest upon the curls shimmering like a silver halo in the moonlight.
    “If you insist.”
    Hawksley’s lips tightened. He discovered that he did not care for a gentleman regarding Miss Dawson with such open male speculation.
    Especially not a man who had only to cast a lady one of his smoldering smiles to have her doing whatever he might bid.
    “I do.”
    A hint of amusement entered the dark eyes, but with a sweep of his hand he led Hawksley toward the nearby trees.
    “What is it?”
    “There is nothing more to be gained here.” Hawksley shoved his fingers through the long strands of his hair. He had not slept in nearly two days and he abruptly realized he was weary to the very bone. “I need to return to London.”
    Santos considered his words a moment. “What of the woman?”
    Well, that was the question, was it not, he ruefully conceded.
    When he had first planned his brilliant kidnapping scheme, it had been with the certainty that the woman in the carriage was either a conspirator to murder or at the very least a hardened tart who made a living in blackmailing others.
    Why else would she be involved with a gentleman such as Lord Doulton?
    Now he discovered himself at a distinct loss.
    “I am not yet entirely certain.” He sucked in a deep breath. “After the past few hours, she is no doubt anxious to be returned to the comfort of her home.”
    “That notion does not appeal to you?”
    Appeal to him? Hawksley swallowed a self-derisive laugh. If he were perfectly honest, he would admit that it was a notion he refused to even contemplate.
    Why? Well, he was intelligent enough to come up with a dozen different reasons without examining any of them too closely.
    “Not when I still do not know why Lord Doulton wishes her dead.” He furrowed his brow. “It may be he would be content to simply keep her out of London. On the other hand, there is nothing to keep him from sending Jimmy or another ruffian to her village to do away with her.”
    “There is that,” Santos murmured.
    “Beside which, she must have something that threatens Lord Doulton even if she does not know what it is. I mean to find what that something is.”
    The dark eyes slowly narrowed. “You intend to take her to London?”
    Hawksley shrugged. “I do not think I have a choice.”
    The smuggler regarded him with an enigmatic expression for a long moment. “You could place her in my hands. I have many places to keep her hidden while you conduct your investigation.”
    “No.” The refusal came swift and fierce.
    Not surprisingly, Santos lifted his brows at the vehement refusal. “Why?”
    “I desire to keep her with me.”
    “You do not trust me?” Santos demanded with a hint of amusement.
    “With a beautiful woman?” Hawksley gave a humorless laugh. “Only a fool would trust you. But it is more than that.” Shifting, Hawksley glanced toward the woman still dabbing at her skirts. In the moonlight she appeared even more ethereal. So tiny and fragile it was difficult to believe she was more than a creature of moon and mist. Thankfully, he was well aware her appearance was deceiving. Beyond her staunch courage, she possessed a near-brilliant ability to view the world about her with perfect logic. A talent that he could not deny was precisely what he was in need of at the moment. “As much as I hate to admit it, I am at a standstill in searching for Fredrick’s