“My lord.”
“Daniele,” Adam said, “I am glad you are here. Just so,” he added, seeing Daniele’s expression at the sight of Rayna Lyndhurst in his arms. “We have had a bit of excitement tonight, Daniele. If you would please check about outside for any uninvited guests. It is possible that our dear comte had us followed.”
Daniele looked at his master, then slipped out of the front door.
Adam carried Rayna into the small parlor and set her down on a sofa. “I think you need a glass of brandy, Rayna,” he said, walking toward the sideboard.
“Do you really believe the comte had us followed?”
Adam shrugged. “It would not be
wise to underestimate him. I had believed that he trusted me completely. I was wrong.”
“You will take me home?”
“Yes, but the comte would not expect it for a couple of hours yet. Here, cara, drink this.”
The liquor burned down to her stomach. She drew a deep breath and set down her glass. “I am much relieved that you play piquet so well, Pietro.”
Adam sat beside her and began to rub her cold hands. “I have always let the comte win at cards. It tried him to lose. Odd, but there is some honor in him after all.”
“What were you doing there, Pietro?”
Adam sighed, seeing no hope for it. “I was the new member of their club. They work for Napoleon, Rayna, and it was important that I be accepted as one of them.”
“But why?”
“I am a spy of sorts, but not for her majesty. I have nothing to do with either Napoleon or the queen. My venture is entirely private.”
“And it involves the Comte de la Valle?”
“The comte is selling to the French goods stolen from my family. I came to Naples to discover the identity of the person supplying him with them. I know now that the whole matter will be resolved within days. There is more, Rayna, but I would that you wait until then. I do not believe that the comte or any of his group will attempt to harm you again, but I wish you always to be in the company of others until I tell you otherwise.” He would have one of his own men watch the viscount’s villa.
“You give me orders, yet you tell me nothing.”
He smiled. “It is true. I ask you again, Rayna, to trust me.”
“Well, I have an order for you, marchese. My father must not know about this night. Ever.”
“Very well. Perhaps it is better that he not know, at least for the moment.”
“Please take off your breeches, marchese.”
He looked surprised, then grinned. “My valet will see to my wound, though I would prefer your gentle touch. I have made you blush again. Forgive me.”
“When will you be my lover?” She looked startled at her own question, but it had come from her mouth, without her mind’s permission.
“When you are my wife,” Adam said calmly.
She wanted to tell him that her father would never allow them to wed. “You do not know my father,” she said.
“We shall see,” Adam said.
The events of the evening crowded into her mind again. “I have never been so frightened in my life.”
“Neither have I.”
“You did not act frightened.”