A Secret Love (Cynster 5)

"No. That will be all."

"Very good, sir." With commendable aplomb, Chance bowed himself out, and remembered to shut the door.

Gerrard stared at the closed door, then looked questioningly at Gabriel.

"He's in training." Gabriel waved Gerrard to a chair. "Would you like some brandy?"

Gerrard grinned. "No. Patience would be sure to notice." Once at ease in the chair, he met Gabriel's gaze. "Vane told me about this swindle you're trying to expose. I'd be happy to help. What do you need me to do?"

Omitting all mention of the countess, Gabriel outlined his plan.

Chapter 6

At noon the next day, Gabriel descended the steps of the Burlington Hotel, well satisfied with the arrangements he'd made. His plan was in motion and developing nicely. Soon the countess would be his.

Turning into Bond Street, he looked ahead. His steps slowed.

Alathea stood on the corner of Bruton Street, hanging back by the shop facade, her gaze on the crowd surrounding a nut vendor.

She'd always been particularly partial to nuts-and she was clearly debating pushing into the crowd to secure a bag. At this hour, the rowdy crew about the vendor's stall was composed of young sprigs and boisterous bucks.

Lips setting, Gabriel had crossed the street before he'd even thought of what he was doing-or going to do. The memory of his last encounter with Alathea flashed-too hotly-into his mind. His jaw set more firmly. Perhaps a bag of nuts would go some small way toward mending his fences with her.

He could hardly excuse his reaction to her by explaining he'd confused her with another lady.

Alathea eyed the circle of male backs between her and the source of the wonderful smell of roasting nuts. That succulent smell had lured her from the doorway of the modiste's where Serena, Mary, and Alice were engaged in making last-minute adjustments to their ballgowns. The salon had been airless and cramped, so she'd come down to the street, intending to simply wait.

That smell had made her stomach growl. Pushing into the crowd, however, would very likely expose her to a score of impertinent remarks. Still… her mouth was watering. Deciding she could not exist a minute longer without a bag of nuts, she stepped forward-

"Here."

A strong hand closed about her elbow and drew her back-her heart nearly leaped free of her chest!

Without meeting her eyes, Gabriel moved past her. "Let me."

She did, for the simple reason that she dared not move-her legs had turned to jelly. Her latest plan for survival dictated she avoid him at all costs-she'd intended to do just that. She'd been doing just that-she was in Bruton Street at noon, for heaven's sake! What was he doing here? She'd never have left the safety of the salon if she'd known he was about.

She clung to her irritation-undoubtedly wiser than surrendering to her panic.

Gabriel turned back to her, a brown paper bag in his hand. "Here."

She took the bag and busied herself opening it. "Thank you." She popped a nut into her mouth, then offered the nuts to him.

He took a handful, his gaze on her face. "What are you doing here?"

She met his eyes fleetingly. "I'm waiting for Serena and the girls." She gestured down Bruton Street. "They're at a fitting."

Looking down, she took her time selecting another nut. If she gave him absolutely no encouragement, perhaps he would go away. She was acutely aware that the longer she was alone with him as herself, the greater the danger of his recognizing his countess.

Then her conscience prodded-hard. Damn! She didn't want to, but… Lifting her head, she fixed her gaze on his right ear. "I have to thank you for yesterday. I would have been kicked if you hadn't…"

Grabbed her, held her-been aroused by her.

She quickly ended her sentence with a gesture, but her consciousness must have shown in her eyes. To her amazement, from under her lashes, she saw color trace his cheekbones. He was embarrassed? Good lord!

"It was nothing." His accents were clipped. After a moment, he added in a low voice, "I'd rather you forgot the incident entirely."

She shrugged and turned to stroll back to the modiste's. "If you wish." Dare she suggest he do the same?