A Daring Passion

His lips twisted, as if he were not entirely pleased with his inner thoughts.

“No doubt I shall, but until my villainous end arrives I intend to enjoy myself thoroughly.” He stretched out his legs and folded his arms over his chest. “Now, I suggest you attempt to get some rest before we reach town. I doubt you will sleep easily once you are tossed into a damp cell.”

With maddening arrogance he closed his eyes, not only ensuring he had the last word, but proving that he wasn’t even the least frightened that she might try to harm him, or dare to escape.

She gritted her teeth and spent the remainder of the cold trip fantasizing on the numerous methods of torturing a raven-haired devil.

PHILIPPE PRETENDED SLEEP until they rattled through the outskirts of London and entered Mayfair. He had purchased his house in Grosvenor Square ten years before, when it had become evident his business would mean remaining in England for at least a few months a year.

It was far too large and elegant for a bachelor, but since many noblemen had decided that it was more fashionable to reside in the newer squares of Portman and Cavendish, he had concluded it was too good a bargain to pass up.

His investment instincts were flawless.

His other instincts, at least at the moment, were open to question.

Glancing across the carriage at the tiny woman who was glaring at him with a murderous intent, Philippe suppressed a sigh. Throughout the tedious journey he had been painfully aware of Raine Wimbourne. Even as he had feigned sleep his senses had been assaulted by her presence. The warm scent of lilacs, the soft sound of her breath, the brush of her slender leg against his own.

It was as if she were branding herself deep into his awareness. And there wasn’t a damn thing he could do to stop her.

Only a lifetime of rigid discipline had managed to keep him from reaching out and crushing her in his arms.

Feeling the carriage sway as it descended into Brook’s Mews, Philippe straightened and buttoned his coat. He had commanded Carlos to tell Swann to take them directly to the stables. Not only did he dislike disturbing the elderly couple who were the only staff that actually resided in the house, but he had no intention of alerting the neighborhood he had kidnapped a young lady.

It was the sort of thing that was bound to disturb the aging nobles.

Once they pulled to a halt he reached across to grasp the cape that flowed over the seat, and with one smooth motion had it pulled over Raine’s head.

“Bloody hell, what are you doing?” she rasped.

Stepping out of the carriage, Philippe reached back to grasp his prisoner about the waist and easily tossed her over his shoulder.

“Do you wish the entire neighborhood to see you entering my town house in the middle of the night?” he demanded.

“Oh, certainly not.” She futilely attempted to kick him. “I would not wish to ruin my reputation before I am hauled off to prison.”

“The night is not yet over, cara. Perhaps if you please me enough I will postpone your trip to Newgate.”

“Please you? Please you?” she echoed in disbelief. “I intend to kill you.”

“You are welcome to try.” He adjusted her on his shoulder and clamped an arm around her flailing legs. “Now, do be quiet or I will be forced to gag you. Not a bad notion now that I think upon it.” He turned to discover his groom approaching him with a furrowed brow. “Ah, Swann, stable the horses and warn the Hibberts that I will only be staying a day or two and have no wish to officially open the house. Whatever staff th

ey have come during the day will have to do.”

“And your…companion?” the groom demanded.

Philippe smiled with a surge of anticipation. “I will deal with him.”

Swann turned his head to spit on the ground. “You should have him hauled off to the gallows. Or better yet, leave him here with me. I should soon have him ruing his dastardly ways.”

“Yes, I am certain you would be very persuasive, however, I still have use for the brat.” He chuckled at the muffled curse that was smothered by the cape and headed toward the door. “When Carlos arrives tell him I will meet him in the library after I have settled my guest.”

“Aye, sir.”

Carrying his slight burden without trouble, Philippe crossed to the low gate and entered his tidy gardens. Ahead of him the three-storied house built in a mellowed red brickwork slumbered in shadows. It was not the largest house in the square, but there was an aging dignity in the sturdy garrets, the finely carved stonework and wrought iron railings.

He paused long enough to dig the key from his pocket and opened the door to the lower kitchens. From there he used the servants’ staircase to make his way to the attics that had once housed the nurseries. If his memory served him right there was a narrow bed among the furnishings, and best of all the windows were too high and narrow to prevent even the most determined escape.

At last reaching his destination, he stepped into the musky apartments and tossed his furious bundle onto the bed.