He had the decency to look ashamed. “I suppose that makes us even in this game of subterfuge.”
“Yes, if you help me as you agreed.”
He glanced at the pathetic pieces of paper, the contents as lethal as a blade. “Put the notes away and leave the box on my nightstand. We will visit Lucius Daventry and explain everything to him.” He arched a knowing brow. “Including the details you have failed to mention. You’re tired. I’ll not press you for an explanation now.”
What could Mr Daventry do?
How did one find a nameless blackguard?
“But it’s almost dawn. Do you not require sleep?”
One look at his black carved bed and the pulse in her throat thumped harder. While she had caught more than a glimpse of his chiselled chest, any woman would give their right arm to see Theodore Chance sprawled naked between the sheets.
“I plan to sleep until ten, Miss Darrow, but we must tend to a personal matter first.”
A personal matter?
Did he mean to offer another trade?
Another kiss in exchange for his assistance?
Heat crept up her neck to warm her cheeks. “In an attempt to strengthen our fragile bond, I must be honest. Nothing you could offer would persuade me to kiss you again.”
His gaze fell to the opening of her cloak, a smile forming on his villainous lips. “Having kissed you once, I know that’s a lie. Rest assured, I have no plans to share my bed with anyone, least of all a woman who cannot abide me.”
Should she admit that kissing him had been nothing short of extraordinary? Should she confess her disdain for him did not rage as fiercely as it ought? If she meant to be true to her word, the answer was yes. But he straightened his coat and took a fortifying breath as if preparing to leave.
“If you plan to sleep until ten, why do you look like a man on a mission? Where is it you need to be, Mr Chance?”
“We have one rather large obstacle to climb if we’re to get any rest tonight. You cannot return to your shop. As Delphine no longer resides here, her room would be perfect for you.”
Live at Fortune’s Den? She supposed there was nothing to fear. Her reputation was already in tatters, and he spoke as if she were a visiting aunt, not a woman he was desperate to bed.
“You’re suggesting we live under the same roof again?” Eleanor managed to sound jovial despite the flare of heat in her belly.
“If I’m to help you, I need to keep you close.” His tone lacked the warmth she felt coursing through her blood. “I assume you have nowhere else to go, no relatives to speak of.”
“No. I have no friends or family in town.” She had no one out of town either. Was that why the blackmailer targeted her?
Mr Chance clapped his hands and rubbed them vigorously. “Let us head to my brother’s study. You’ll need to sway him to your cause.” His gaze dipped to the opening of her cloak. “Your feminine charms will give you no advantage. Aaron has eyes for only one woman, but he will listen to reason.”
Aaron Chance was sitting in the dark when they entered his study. His gaze moved over her with cool indifference. “I’m glad to see you’re still breathing, Miss Darrow. Sigmund informed me you had entered the premises.”
Sigmund was their man-of-all-work, a beast of a fellow who dealt with drunken lords and daring intruders.
“They say Sigmund has the nose of a bloodhound. Truth be told, I was expecting to encounter him before I reached the stairs, sir.”
“Theo asked that I grant you a pass.”
Eleanor cast Theodore Chance a sidelong glance. He had been expecting her tonight. Evidently, he wanted to make amends.
“I need to prey on your kindness and beg one more courtesy,” she said, knowing few people would dare to ask Aaron Chance for a favour. “As you know, I cannot go home.”
“I’m sure Theo has told you to use Delphine’s room, and now you seek my permission.” Aaron snatched the crystal glass off the desk and downed what looked like brandy. “I want a detailed account of your problem, Miss Darrow. I’ll not risk my business by harbouring a criminal.”
“You can trust my brother,” Theodore said.
Knowing she had little choice in the matter, Eleanor explained what she kept in the box. The Chance family rallied together when presented with unknown dangers. Aaron Chance’s support was vital if they hoped to find the blackguard who’d broken into her shop.
“We will seek Mr Daventry’s advice and proceed from there,” she said.
Aaron gave a humourless chuckle. “Daventry will guide you, I’m sure. He has a knack for fixing things that are broken.”
“Then you agree Miss Darrow can stay?”
Aaron shrugged. “Who am I to argue with fate?”
Chapter Five
Hart Street, Covent Garden
Office of the Order
As the master of a group of skilled enquiry agents, Lucius Daventry had witnessed many astonishing sights, yet he seemed most intrigued by Miss Darrow’s unusual box.
“Can you describe the man who sold it to you?” Daventry said from behind his imposing desk. His dark eyes narrowed as he closed the secret drawer and placed his thumbs on the wooden appliqués.
