Chapter Four

She felt him—or perhaps his scent wafted over to her, giving him away—right before he stepped into her path. Tall and broad shouldered, the earl was one of those men who commanded the gazes of all women he passed. Whether he was aware of this was not clear, but any man would enjoy such attention. And usually, an indulgent smile played across his face. That smile was not present at the moment.

Rather, he looked annoyed.

At her.

She bit back a smile. The old mission accomplished ran through her head. But the mission had recently changed, and she needed to remember that they could be considered allies at present. As for how long this fellowship would last, only time would tell.

"You look vexed, Warrick. Whatever can you be displeased about?"

"You must take infinite delight in mocking me."

"I cannot deny that the urge flares to life in your presence." The previous night's dream suddenly flitted across the inner walls of her mind like a butterfly. Selena flushed.

Good grief! None of that! Not now.

It had been the first time she had dreamed of a man kissing her. And no matter how hard she hoped the scene would fade from her memory like most other dreams, this picture clung stubbornly to her mind. The shock of the dream kiss had been startling enough. Then came the betrayal...

"Do you believe in dreams?" Selena asked suddenly. "That they are warnings from heaven."

"No."

"But you believe in curses. How strange."

"I am careful of curses, there's a difference." He surveyed the card tables filled with activity. "Are you here to play cards?"

"Oh, no. I'm no good. I'm watching Theodosia play a hand while I study the players." She leaned closer. "Have you found information about the matter we have an agreement on?"

A short pause. "Yes."

"Well!" Selena cried, giddy with surprise and delight. "Spit it out."

His gaze flicked to the people gathered around them. "Settle down. The manufacturer didn't have much information. He received the order via a note with the instruction for delivery as well."

"So it's a dead end. How disappointing."

"It seems that way."

"And the note?"

"What about it?"

Honestly! "Did you not ask to see it?"

His brow furrowed. "Should I have?"

"Yes!" Selena wanted to box his ears. "The handwriting of the note could be a clue."

"Unless you plan to test the handwriting of every woman in polite society, which is utterly absurd, I don't see why retrieving the note is important."

"I still want to see it. What if I recognize the writing? I have many correspondents."

"Very well," he murmured, not seeming at all that enthusiastic. "I'll have my man retrieve it."

"Thank you." She eyed him askance. "I have a source for your curse as well."

"You do?" He looked startled—and a bit suspicious as well.

"You didn't think I could come through on my end?" Selena smirked. "I'll have you know I always deliver on my commitments."

"Curses are not your normal topic of conversation," he pointed out. "Which was why I was taken aback."

"Well, in any event, we can visit them tomorrow. As soon as I confirm their address."

"Yours source is a person, not a book?"

Selena nodded. "They are more of a source of a source, but yes."

"Very well. What about tonight? Have you found anything interesting about the secret club I should look into?"

Selena sighed. It was harder than she thought. "Sadly, no."

"And as expected, you cannot stay put for long. Can you at least let me know in advance when we plan to act on your impulses?"

"Then I wouldn't be acting on an impulse, would I?"

"Can you still send me a missive?" His hot eyes landed on her. "Please."

Selena laughed. "Now where would be the fun in that?"

A scowl formed between his brows. "You sure are talented in setting and keeping a man on edge. There is a reason your brother is concerned for your safety. He is correct in protecting you."

"I wouldn't need protecting if it weren't for the lot of you." She blew out a breath. "If you hadn't written down those ridiculous flaws, things would never have escalated so far."

"I am aware of my past faults, Selena. No need to point them out so frequently."

"I'll stop once you find me this club."

"I have your word on this?"

Selena couldn't help the quirk of her lips. "No need to sound so skeptical. Of course, you have my word." Some extra motivation wouldn't hurt.

"It's best to still be cautious. There are still fortune hunters and rogues lurking about."

"So are you," Selena teased. "And we are getting on better than I expected." The last she murmured almost to herself, though, honestly, it was much too soon to really tell.

"I'm quite surprised myself." Those dark eyes glinted in the soft glow of candlelight.

Selena's breath caught. Why did that look remind her so much of her dream? She could feel a flush spreading across her cheeks and quickly looked away.

"Anyway," he continued. "What do you hope to gain from watching people play cards?"

A great question. She was searching for clues, but she had no idea what these clues might look like. Any woman in this room could be a member of the organization she sought. It was a good thing she hadn't set her sights on becoming a detective. Her sleuthing skills were truly dismal.

"I'm not sure what I am looking for to be honest," she admitted reluctantly, then followed with a defense, "But it's better than not looking at all."

"Why are you so set on finding these women?"

"Tell me, why did you and the rest of your gang decide my greatest attribute and my greatest flaw is my brother? Do I truly have nothing good or bad about me other than Saville?"

"Of course you have. We were just . . ."

"Foxed and alive with revelry?"

"Would you believe me if I said we were all scared of your brother?"

Selena nodded in thought. "I can certainly believe that. Though it still doesn't excuse you lot." And it still didn't make her feel better about the entire affair. Some things, once done, cannot be undone.

"You are right. There is no way for me to defend ourselves on that score. We are in the wrong."

"Let us not talk about that any more now." There were other, more important matters at hand. "I really must sharpen my detective skills."

"If you are thinking of seeking out a real detective, please don't."

She turned to him. "Why not?"

"My sense of peace."

A light chuckle left her lips. "Do not worry; I have no intention of going that far."

"Good. Your brother is already itching to send you to Fielding Park."

Fielding Park? She snorted. "He can try."

Come to think about it... Selena had first met Warrick at Fielding Park. She'd found him utterly enthralling with his bold, angelic features and hair the same shade as the deep hazel of his eyes. He had changed in many ways since then, but those two striking features still remained the same.

On the outside, Warrick might look the charming, pampered aristocrat, but Selena had more than once caught a glimpse of the cold, hard steel beneath his countenance. A wily, if a bit blundering, beast at his best; a lazy beast at his worst. Back then, he'd been so intimidating with his good looks and big size. Today, the only thing intimidating about the man was his presence in her dreams.

Silence filled the space between them. Not uncomfortable, but contemplating.

Warrick shifted beside her, inching a step closer. His lowered voice trailed pebbles across her skin. "Shall I escort you home?"

Selena blinked. "Now? I still want to observe the people in the room."

"I truly did receive the shortest end of stick between the two of us," he muttered, almost sounding petulant. "Not only must I watch over you, but I also promised to help you find a secret club I, you, know nothing about, while you dig for information on curses. I must have lost my mind."

"Will you hush? I am trying to concentrate on finding a clue." Anything, really.

"But we haven't discussed the most important matter."

"And that is?" Selena asked, surveying all the woman in the room.

"When will you provide me with a moment of peace?"

Ah yes. What had he said about that? Anything that was pleasing. "You shall have it soon."

"I want three. Three moments of peace. Then I'll hush."

Demanding man. "Very well. You'll have three." Providing him these moments also provided her with them, after all.

"Then the first moment shall start now." He held out his hand. "Let's go."

Selena stared at that outstretched arm. "Will leaving the ball truly bring you that much peace?"

"Yes. It means I can go home, truss my feet up on my desk, and get skunk drunk without a care in the world."

"That is your idea of peace?"

He snatched her wrist and placed it on his arm, holding her hand in place with his palm. "Yes, because I wouldn't have worry about you."

"What about Theodosia? I cannot leave her."

Warrick motioned to the entry. A furious Saville strode through the doors of the cardroom.

Selena gasped. "Why didn't you say my brother arrived?"

The knave smirked. "Where would be the fun in that?"

"Beast." Selena grabbed the sleeve of his jacket and gave him a tug. "On second thought, I would prefer a warm bed right about now. Let's not delay your first moment of peace."

"Are you sure?" Amusement danced in his voice. "We should greet your brother, no?"

"Do not make me whack you over the head with my reticule, Warrick. If I can sense his foul mood from this distance, you must as well. A wide berth is best." Selena stilled for a moment as someone new entered the room, then she suddenly laughed. "Let me ask you something, Warrick. Are the rumors about you being chased by a woman brandishing a candelabra true?"

He cast her a suspicious look. "Why?"

She nodded toward the entry. "A woman with a candelabra just entered and she is heading our way."

Warrick glanced and curse. "Damn it. Not again."

She tugged at his sleeve again. "We had better hurry up, or you might also be on the receiving end of violence tonight."

He grunted, allowing her to guide them in the opposite direction to another set of doors. "Why do women keep brandishing candelabras at me?"

Good question. "You have that kind of face, I suppose."

"That is absurd."

Selena wasn't so sure. She glanced at one of the three candelabras on a nearby table. She had the same urge at the moment.

*

Some things aman couldn't explain.

Warrick clenched his fist to resist the urge to pat his face and trace his hairline across his forehead. Not only was he shedding hair, but his hairline seemed to be receding an inch a week—an exaggeration perhaps, but still a worry.

He loved his hair.

He didn't want to go bald.

And anyway, what the devil did Selena mean about him having that kind of face? What kind of face did a man have to have for a woman to brandish a candelabra at him?

No, this had to be down to something else.

Could it be about the list? This had been a thing that started to occur only recently, so that seemed a bit unlikely. Yet not entirely improbable.

Could it be the curse?

Surely not, though he could not disregard the fact that the harassment had started after he turned thirty, presumably activating this family curse.

The other option was that he did have that sort of face? Preposterous, if he may say so himself.

He didn't know which idea he resisted the most.

All of them.

Ardently.

This was what his life had come down to—too many inexplicable things. It made him uncomfortable. He needed those moments of peace. He wanted a lifetime of them, not just three. But for now, any would do.

A hand gripped his shoulder in a tight vise. "Running off so soon?" Saville's grating voice sliced between his shoulder blades, causing them to stiffen. "It seems everyone has set out to vex me this evening."

Warrick turned to his friend, shielding Selena's view. "Shouldn't you be more concerned with the reason you are here?"

"That little harridan hasn't noticed me yet. You, on the other hand, should escort my sister home. She has to gather her belongings for Fielding Park."

Selena snorted, stepping up to her brother. Never a good thing. "You'd dare to send me away?"

"I'm not daring to do anything. I just do it."

Her chin lifted a notch. Several notches. Warrick tried to step between the two, but her words were faster. "I'm not leaving."

"You are retiring to the country," a foxlike smile upturned his friend's mouth, "or you are marrying. Choose."

Curses stuck between Warrick's teeth. "Saville."

Selena stepped forward. "I choose neither. What will you do?" she challenged.

"That's not an option. My word is law."

"Saville," Warrick spoke in a low voice. "I shall see your sister home."

A mocking gaze met his. "Can I expect a proposal?"

Warrick back shot straight. "What are you talking about?"

"Yes." Selena prickled like a porcupine beside him. "What grave mood have you entered into now? Insisting I marry is one thing, but trying to pawn your friend off on me? Are you a revolting villain?"

"I share your sister's sentiments."

Her shocked gaze flew to his. "You do? This must be a first."

Before Warrick could break free from those bright eyes that locked on him with meaning, Saville snapped, "Is this a conspiracy?"

Then Warrick did something he had never done before: he shoved his friend back a step. "Consider your words before you speak, man."

"What are you doing right now?" Saville demanded.

Hell if he knew. "Do not lose your temper with us when we are not the ones who ignited it."

"What does it matter who ignited what? Escort Selena home. She is leaving for Fielding Park in the morning."

"Brother," Selena said. "If I retire to the country, will you join me? Theo will if I ask her. Shall all four of us shall embark upon a new adventure together?"

Saville puffed up. "Have you read the paper this morning?"

"What do you think?" she shot back.

"Well, today it's quite interesting. Lady Essex has run off with a Spanish lover after it came to light there was a wager about how many times Lord Essex could tup his mistress in one night. All rather scandalous."

"Saville," Warrick warned. His gaze tracked the crowd. Luckily, everyone's attention was on the card games. "That's no way to speak in front of a lady, even if she is your sister."

"What's the matter? It's in the papers for all ladies to read." His eyes settled on Selena. "I wonder why."

"I'm glad you wondered since your male brain seems to keep on forgetting. The blame lays solidly on your shoulders, brother dear. The list. The wagers. The reason I don't read the papers."

"You cannot blame the last on me."

"Of course I can."

Here we go again.

Selena poked a finger at her brother. "Since you are so curious, let me tell you. It all happened when I was a little girl, barely eight. My governess told me about a book she was reading. Her eyes lit up whenever she spoke of it. A fascinating tale of—"

"Get to the point, Selena."

"What a story killer, you are," she said. "Very well. I couldn't sleep on this night, so I decided to go in search of the book. It just so happened you were in the library that night as well."

Warrick had a nasty suspicion.

"Oh? What is so strange about that?"

"Yes, you were reading with one of the maids, your breeches around your ankles."

Warrick choked on a breath.

"Needless to say, it was that moment I became clear on what I can do without in life, and I could very much do without that picture. Even now, my brain hurts just thinking about it. I avoided the library like a plague after that, and also any sort of reading, since it all reminded me of your little affair."

"That..." Saville's voice trailed off. Another man left speechless by Selena Savage.

"For once in your life, brother, claim responsibility."

Saville glared at Selena. "Fine, I was wrong to use the library that way. And have I not been claiming responsibility for the rest?"

"You mean the list?" Selena asked.

"That list was drawn up by Avondale's mother."

"Blaming an old woman now?" She scoffed. "I've been curious for a while now. What contribution did you bring to the list?" Her gaze cast to Warrick. "What about you?"

Lord, I need a drink.

"I can't recall," Saville snapped. "Shall I gather Deerhurst and Avondale so we can hash this out?"

"Let's not do that tonight," Warrick protested. Or ever. He hoped there would come a time when they didn't just rehash the debacle over and over. For now, it was best to let her vent her frustration on them until she was ready to forgive them. It was one of the reasons—he understood it now—why he would help her with anything she asked. Why he had allowed Saville to burden him with the title of protector, watchdog, and wetnurse. Though he'd only ever felt like the last.

In truth, he carried the weight of losing the list. He had grasped the pen that inscribed the words. But more than that, he felt responsible for this loss of self she seemed to be feeling. He couldn't recall who had spoken the words of Saville being her best and worst trait. But Saville wasn't even a trait to begin with. They'd been real blackguards back then.

"What better night than tonight," his friend said with a sullen look at them.

"Saville." Warrick reinforced his tone, making it unmistakably a command. "Let it go." Let it all go, he warned with his eyes. "Also, I'm here. I've been watching over her the entire time."

Saville shot back a warning of his own. "You knew she planned to sneak out tonight?"

"Are you asking about your sister or Lady Theodosia?"

Saville cursed.

"Don't forget who sparked your annoyance in the first place," Warrick reminded. "And don't forget who assigned me the role of guardian for this season."

"I am astonished that you are taking my sister's side. Weren't you the one who wanted out of this role three days ago no matter what? Since when have you become so close? You are even shielding her from my wrath." His eyes narrowed. "You've never done that before."

What the hell had wormed up Saville's arse tonight? His own temper would soon erupt if he didn't get out of this damn house soon.

"Close is not the word I'd use to describe it, but your sister and I have come to an understanding."

Saville crossed his arms. "And what understanding is that?"

"Rather than play cat and mouse, we coexist and mutually benefit from the coexistence. You might want to try it with your lady playing cards over yonder."

"And what are these mutual benefits?" Saville asked. He might as well have coated his voice with suspicion.

"I don't tattle to you, and she allows me to escort her safely to and from events," Warrick replied bluntly. He felt her gaze on him. Hot. Speculative. "It's a good deal."

"Bloody hell," Saville snapped. "I cannot believe you said that to my face."

"Neither can I," Selena murmured.

Neither could he, but that still didn't stop the pride swelling in his breast when he caught the look of delight in her gaze. Finally. Was this how it felt to champion a woman? Warrick had to admit, the feeling wasn't that bad. Not bad at all. A man could get addicted to this sensation.

The corner of his gaze caught the lady with the candlestick inching closer. She had hesitated when Saville joined their party, but she hadn't given up.

Of all the things he had to deal with.

Someone pinched his arse.

Warrick jerked forward, a curse leaving his lips even as he whirled around to catch the culprit. Could someone please explain to him what's the matter with the woman of the ton and why they are targeting him?

"What's the matter?" Selena asked.

Confound it! They escaped again. "A bug bit me."

Confusion clouded her face. "A bug bit you?" Her eyes darted back and forth, searching the air. "What sort of bug? I hate bugs."

Saville laughed, a knowing glint entering his gaze. "A bug, you say?"

"If you hate bugs, then we had better leave at once," Warrick said, sending his friend a threating look. "We will discuss this more another time."

As for tonight, all he wanted to do was escort Selena home and practice peace of mind with a bottle of liquor. Any would do at this point. It wasn't too late to salvage this night. He could still return home and forget about women pinching his arse, ladies brandishing candelabras, and her.

He could forget, even if just for a moment, all about Selena Savage and the look that flashed across her heart-shaped face when he chose her side over her brother's.

Yes, let him forget it all.