My Duke's Seduction (Wicked Lords of London 1)

Blanket after blanket was removed and Ryker sucked in his breath as his missing ruby collection, minus the necklace, of course, came into view. Worth an earldom, the jewels sparkled even in the low light and his fist clenched before he forced it to relax.

Imperial jade figurines, intricately carved wooden statues, and several other delights came into view.

On each table sat, in addition to the items, a nearly burned-out candle. As the blanket was removed, the candle was lit. Next to it was a quill, ink, and parchment.

As the last blanket was removed and the candle lit, the crowd began to move about the room, visiting various tables and writing on the paper.

“When the candle goes out, no more bids will be accepted.” Coventry muttered so low, it could barely be heard. Then he moved away to mingle with the crowd.

Ryker and Luke did the same, making sure to place bids on a few of the items. Not so high he might win, but just enough to not arouse suspicion.

Every time he passed by the rubies, he had to keep his eyes trained on the far wall. A part of him wanted to snatch it up and run for the door.

But finally, after what felt like hours, the candles began to extinguish. As the marquess looked at the sheets, he approached the winner and shook his hand. Silently they exchanged goods for coin.

Ryker watched his rubies being handed off and took a deep breath to steady himself. He’d get it back.

Weapons were redistributed and the doors opened. Ryker kept his eye on the winner of the rubies. A servant met him outside the auction room, where the man handed off his prize and then proceeded back to the party. For a wild second, Ryker thought to follow the precious stone but instead, he shadowed the man who purchased it. He need only discover his identity and then he’d get it back. Besides, Tricia was in that ballroom and he was desperate to see her again. This entire auction had filled him with an unease. He wanted to feel her pressed up against him to know that she was safe.

It occurred to him that he was once again giving up his pursuit of the crime in favor of her safety, but it only made him smile. She was far more precious to him than any stone. Even if those stones belonged to the Prince Regent.

Swallowing a lump in his throat, he tried to discern when this had happened. She was a bride that filled a list of requirements.

But even has he thought it, he realized it was so much more.

He loved her.

How it had happened, he couldn’t be certain, but after tonight he couldn’t deny it.

“I recognize the man who bought your stones.” Luke spoke from next to him and Ryker started. He’d forgotten the man was there.

“I’ll get them back.” Ryker rumbled low and deep as they entered the ballroom.

Luke gave a nod but his response was cut short by a group of women who tittered with laughter as they passed, their fans hiding their grins. “What the bloody hell was that?”

Ryker shook his head. “I was sure women always giggled so in your presence.” Even Ryker could tell that Luke must have been very popular among the ladies. While Ryker himself was considered handsome, Luke had an easy charm about him.

“Not like that,” Luke winked. “Well, sometimes, but…” His words tapered off as another group of ladies whispered furiously as they passed. He leaned over. “Do you think they’ve discovered who you really are?”

Ryker shrugged but an uneasiness filled his stomach. Something was wrong. “I don’t think so. Their glances are more smug and less coy.”

Luke glanced around. “Where are Tabbie and Tricia?”

Ryker didn’t see them.

* * *

Tricia sat next to Tabbie watching the next set. She liked the party far better from this view but she missed Ryker.

He had said he would return as soon as he was able, which was likely not soon enough. She was eager to leave this mayhem and return to her quiet home. “I can see why you hated these things,” Tricia murmured to her sister. Tabbie had made it her mission, despite her feisty nature, to be a wallflower. Come to think of it, Tricia was doing the same in her own way. She’d rather assumed that men would not find her attractive and had wished to skip of this entirely.

“I can show you some of the best hiding places at a ball if you’d like.” Tabbie gave her wink. “Potted ferns do wonderfully.”

Tricia giggled, relaxing a little. At least she was in good company while she waited. “I shall have to remember that if mother insists I participate in a season next year.”

“Oh, I doubt very much that will happen,” Tabbie returned reaching for her sister’s hand.

“Really,” Tricia blinked. “You think she’ll be amenable to me becoming a spinster? To dedicating myself to charity?”