What You Propose (Anything for Love 2)

Marcus' hands slipped from Tristan's shoulders. It felt like a huge hollow cavern had opened up in his chest. They had been as close as brothers these last five years. Despite letting jealousy take root over Tristan's friendship with Miss Sinclair, he loved him — would die to save him.

"I see." They were the only words Marcus could form. A world filled with nothing but loneliness and solitude opened up before him.

"I don't know what to do." Tristan shrugged and glanced at Miss Sinclair. "I can't leave you to deal with Lenard on your own. And who will watch over Anna while you're out at night?"

Marcus pushed aside all his selfish thoughts. "Your family must come before either of us or the assignment."

Tristan knew him well enough to know that nothing would get in the way of their assignment. Marcus would find a way to get the job done.

"What if I go home for a few days or so? I could be back here in a week. Then I'll stay until we've dealt with Lenard."

"Lenard could make his move tonight." Marcus understood his friend's desire to ease his conscience, but he suspected he would complete their assignment before Tristan returned. "I doubt he'll wait more than a few days before heading out. No. Forget about Lenard. You have enough to concern yourself with. Miss Sinclair and I will find a way to manage."

"I agree," Miss Sinclair said stepping forward to stand at his shoulder. Under such grim circumstances, he found the gesture oddly reassuring. "It will fall to us to deal with things in your absence, Tristan. I'm certain we will manage perfectly well."

/> He wondered if she truly believed that or if the words were said purely to placate Tristan. She spoke with the confidence of a duchess, and it occurred to him she knew how to take control of difficult situations. The leery lords of London were not easy men to deal with, particularly when randy and in their cups.

"I will be Mr. Danbury's partner," she continued boldly. "I will help him in any way I can."

Marcus cleared his throat and stepped back to face her. "Excuse me?"

She smiled. "I'll partner you this evening."

The words roused visions of her partnering him in a much more amorous activity, a wild and erotic coupling that served to satisfy the lust clawing at his needy body.

"Good Lord," Tristan blurted, his wide eyes revealing more than shock. "You cannot be serious. Do you know what Lenard's men will do to you if they discover you're an informer?"

Miss Sinclair lifted her chin and gave a look defiant enough to bring any nobleman to his knees. It confirmed Marcus' suspicion that she had rallied her alter ego, Madame Labelle, to do her bidding.

"Suffice to say, I will not go into the tiresome details of past encounters," she said with an air of superiority. "I may not be skilled in the use of a sword or pistol. But I am resourceful, sharp-witted and loyal to a fault when I believe in the cause."

Marcus resisted the urge to clap. He admired her gumption, knew she would not falter when it mattered. She had neglected to inform Tristan of her experience with a blade. Indeed, he felt privileged to be the one she'd confided in. She had killed a man out of necessity and in that respect would be a useful ally.

"So," Marcus began. He gave an exaggerated wave to feign a degree of disapproval, yet he was confident he could manage the minx and keep her safe. "Let me understand you. What you propose is an alliance, a merging of efforts."

"Precisely," she nodded.

Tristan glared at Marcus. "You're not considering it?"

Marcus ignored him. Hot blood pumped through his veins at the thought of spending the lonely nights in her company. "If you intend to fill Tristan's boots in his absence it will mean taking commands from me."

She would know exactly who was in charge here. In order to protect her, he had to trust in her ability to follow orders.

She arched a mocking brow. "You are to command me in the field, Mr. Danbury, nothing more."

"Agreed," he snapped in his eagerness to seal their deal.

"What?" Tristan grabbed Marcus' arm in a bid to get his full attention. "Have you lost your mind?"

For the first time since her arrival, she presented Tristan with a scowl. "I am more than capable, my lord."

Marcus felt the sting in her recognition of Tristan's new title.

"Anna, please," Tristan said in a softer tone. "You're making it awfully hard for me to leave knowing you'll be out there, dicing with danger."

She straightened as her expression darkened. "Dicing with danger? I have diced with the Devil, and I am the one still standing."

Excitement bubbled away in Marcus' chest. He put his hand on Tristan's shoulder. "I have not lost a man yet, and I do not propose to do so now. Have faith in my ability to get the job done."