The Black Diamond (Black Diamond 2)

"Where did they find the painting?"

"In the storeroom of a French gallery. It had been disguised—hidden beneath the canvas of a rather bland oil painting. I'd traced it there two days earlier."

"Two days earlier! Then why didn't you seize it?"

Julian rubbed a silky tendril of Aurora's hair between his fingers. "Because, my impatient wife, one doesn't just march into a gallery and make off with a painting."

"You could have bought it."

"It wasn't for sale. My guess is the owner knew bloody well what lay beneath that canvas's ordinary veneer. For all I know, he was the one who had concealed it there. I couldn't take that chance. So I waited until I'd had ample time to map out the best way to break into the storeroom at night and make off with the painting undetected. I was poised to do just that when I got word the Macalls were about to strike. That necessitated a change in plans. It wouldn't do to have the three of us trip over each other in our attempts to snatch the painting. Hence, knowing what proficient thieves they were, I simply sat back and let them do the ugly deed. They seized the painting … after which, I seized them."

"I see." Aurora averted her gaze, a troubled expression clouding her face.

"There's a disagreeable side to adventure, soleil," Julian reminded her quietly. "I tried to tell you that."

"I didn't care about you then."

That pronouncement caught Julian completely off guard. "Pardon me?"

"You think I'm upset because you killed a man. Well, you're wrong. You also think I'm a sheltered child, but, as I've tried to tell you, I'm not. The day you stood in Slayde's study, described to me what you do, I understood fully that some of

your encounters were not … tranquil. So if you think my reaction is one of horror, you're a fool. On the contrary, I'm proud you acted so honorably, restored a treasure to its rightful owner." Aurora swallowed, her fingers tensing in Julian's. "But I'm worried."

"Aurora." He caught her face between his palms, brought her gaze around to meet his. "I won't let anyone hurt you."

"'Tis not me I'm concerned about," she replied, vulnerability and confusion reflected in her eyes. "'Tis you."

Julian felt a constriction in his chest.

"Before, you were a stranger," she explained simply. "Now you're my husband. I'm as surprised to hear myself saying this as you are. But these past few days … I never expected…" She hesitated, as if trying to make sense of her puzzling sentiments. "The important thing is, I don't want you hurt. And suddenly I realize you might be."

"Don't worry, soleil." Julian eased the sheets off her shoulders, unnerved by her emotional stirrings—or perhaps by his own reaction to them—silencing both in the only way he knew how. "I won't be hurt." He pressed his lips to her throat, cupping her breasts as he dropped the sheets to the bed. "I have a remarkable incentive to stay well."

Aurora moaned softly, pleasure rippling through her in tiny shivers. "Julian," she whispered. "Make love to me."

Her words were silenced by his mouth.

* * *

"Good morning, Your Grace. Have you an appointment with Mr. Camden?" The young clerk frowned, rifling through his book as he searched for a nonexistent notation.

"No, Tolladay, we don't," Julian returned, looking impatiently about the meticulous walnut-furnished office. "But my wife and I need to see Mr. Camden on a matter of some urgency. We've driven a long way. I'm certain he'll make himself available."

Tolladay consulted his watch, then glanced at the closed inner office door. "He had an early morning appointment, sir. They should be finishing up any minute now."

"We'll wait," Julian assured him.

As if on cue the door opened, and Henry Camden's voice drifted out to them. "I'll see to it straightaway, Guillford."

"Oh no," Aurora muttered under her breath.

"Relax." Julian squeezed her elbow. "It was inevitable that we run into him sometime. It might as well be now."

"Julian." Camden spotted his guests and halted in surprise. "I had no idea you were here. Was I expecting you and your bride this morning…?" He broke off, realizing the awkwardness of the situation.

"No, Mr. Camden," Aurora inserted quickly. "And we apologize for arriving unannounced. I hope it doesn't present a problem." Her gaze flickered to the viscount. "Hello, Lord Guillford."

Guillford was staring at them, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other. "Aurora," he acknowledged in a strained tone. "Camden and I have concluded our meeting, so your arrival presents no problem for me." He cleared his throat, plainly striving to regain his composure. "Before I take my leave, let me extend my sincere congratulations on your recent marriage."