Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO

Chloe inhaled in a fresh breath of air, her eyes closing. She’d never seen so many people at once. The most significant events in her village were a quarter of this size and the sheer volume of guests all packed into such a small space had overwhelmed her senses.

Mildred had assured her that this was particularly raucous, being a public event, but also an excellent place to start as many of the social rules were more relaxed here than they’d be at a private party.

Chloe could afford to make a mistake or two in a place like this…

So, when Mildred went to get a cup of tepid punch, she’d managed to slip outside, taking a moment for herself. Next to her, a gas light buzzed, the noise so odd. In the winter at home, not a sound filled the night air, but here, it was always loud one way or another…

“Beautiful night, isn’t it?”

The rumble of the deep voice behind her had her spinning in surprise. That was another difference from home. Handsome men did not just appear out of nowhere during balls. There were hardly any to go around in her old village.

And dear lord, this man was handsome. Even with the mask, she could tell he was a cut above. Dark hair swept back from his forehead, looking both wind-tousled and perfectly styled all at once.

His cheekbones were covered but his jaw had that perfect masculine cut, sharp and strong, and his lips, by contrast, were full and delicious.

His shoulders were broad, the kind a lady might really like to hold onto, his body tapered down to a trim waist and long, powerful legs, highlighted by the tightness of his breeches.

Chloe realized she’d gone too long without speaking. She cleared her throat before answering, “It is.”

“Do you come here often?” The deep baritone of his voice shivered through her. Ought she go inside? Find Mildred? But she didn’t wish to leave. This might be the most exciting moment of her entire life.

“Never,” she answered with a smile. “I’ve come to London for the first time in my life.”

“Interesting,” he rumbled moving closer. “So you’ve never had a season?”

“No,” she said, and blushing to admit how much experience she lacked.

He didn’t appear concerned as he moved a bit closer. “Where do you hail from?”

“Durham,” she answered, looking back out at the small courtyard beyond the veranda.

“You’re a long way from home.”

Home. It wasn’t her home. Not any longer. She had no place to live there, no family to speak of. She was adrift in this world and desperate for an anchor. “You live here in the city?”

“Sometimes,” he said, his gloved fingers brushing her hand on the rail. When had he gotten so close? “I too spend a fair bit of time in quieter parts of England. London is no place to spend a summer.”

She looked over at him where he now lounged against the rail. He was close enough, she caught the scent of his pipe, mixed with pine, something dark and delicious underneath. She drew in the smell of him, her eyes closing for another moment as she… savored.

Did she drift closer or did he? Their shoulders bumped and she jerked back. “Pardon me,” she gasped, her eyes flying open.

He let out a low chuckle, the sort that tickled deep in her belly. “No apologies required. In fact, it’s cool enough out here and enough of your skin is exposed…” His gaze meandered down her throat to the cleavage that her gown revealed. “That you ought to lean into me for a little warmth.”

Tempted didn’t even begin to describe how she felt. Never in her life had she experienced anything like this man. “My apologies. I didn’t catch your name…”

He chuckled again. “I’m just another fellow who paid his coin at the door hoping to meet a beautiful woman. And I have.”

More heat crept into her cheeks, her chin dipping at the compliment and the magic of this moment.

This is why she’d always wished to come here. She’d known London was where great adventure and romance would happen.

His finger hooked under her chin, lifting her face to his. He had a half-smile playing with one side of his sumptuous mouth, the sort that made her breath catch. “You should never look down. You are a woman who should always be seen.”

Her lips parted even as his other hand reached behind her head, plucking at the strings of her mask. The ivory silk slipped down her face, falling into her hand as she gasped in a breath. “Look at you…” he murmured, his eyes, behind his mask, seeming to drink in every detail of her face. “How did I manage to find you tonight, my delicious little treat?”

“I…”

But he was leaning closer, his smell overpowering her, his proximity overwhelming her. He was everything…

And then he closed the distance between them, his lips brushing over hers in a kiss that was so gentle, so light, she wondered if she’d imagined it except… he was close, his scent wrapped all about her, his dark eyes glittering behind his mask.

She wanted to speak, to ask him anything but a warm tingling had spread through her, rendering her body near useless as all she did was stare. “That…”

He quirked that smile again.

“Chloe?” Mildred called, the sound of the other woman’s voice breaking the spell as she spun around, turning away from the mysterious stranger.

She felt as much as she saw her mystery man withdraw, disappearing into the shadows. “Mildred.”

“What, in all that is blessed, are you doing?”

“I…” What was she doing? “I was getting some air. I…”

Mildred stepped close. “Did you expect him to blow it into your chest?”

Chloe might have laughed except she’d never heard Mildred sound so… distraught. “What’s wrong?”

“Wrong? You can’t go about kissing men,” Mildred whispered in a hiss. “If you were seen… your mask isn’t even on.”

Chloe fumbled to return the stiff fabric to her face, hiding her identity as Mildred’s hand gripped her elbow. “Dear, you’ll be done with London before you’ve even begun. Being caught kissing any man is cause for ruin. You’ll go home a spinster.”

Home? She had no home to return to, Mildred knew that. “I can’t.”

“I know. Which is why, you of all people need to follow the rules. You’ve got nothing on which to fall back.”

Chloe’s face dipped again, this time shame pulling her chin to her chest. “I’m sorry.”

Mildred’s head snapped up, her gaze scanning the shadows. “Don’t be sorry, be careful. Now, who was the cad who had the audacity to do such a thing? He looked familiar…”

Chloe shook her head. She hadn’t a clue. Which made her the worst sort of fool.

* * *

Ryker joined the Master in the alcove under the stairs. “Done.”

“It sure was.” The Master peeked around Ryker, looking at… Chloe. That was the name Mildred had called. Who was Chloe to his aunt? And had Aunt Mildred noticed it was him? Surely she would have said something if she had?

He let out a long breath. That had been far too close for comfort. He shouldn’t have dallied so long with the chit, it was just that Chloe was exquisite.

Truly, the most beautiful woman he’d seen in some time, her combination of beauty and innocence had made him wish to… savor the moment. A mistake.

“Did you get her full name?” the Master asked, still gazing around his shoulder. “Know who the older woman is?”

“Why?”

“If you’ve ruined her, I’d like to look her up. I could use a new mistress.”

Something raw and sharp tore through him, his teeth gritting together, as he snarled at the other man. Chloe belonged to him. If anyone was going to make her his mistress…

Not that he usually kept mistresses. Even that was too much commitment for Ryker. “I need to go so you’d better collect your kiss quickly.”

The Master gave a nod, his dark hair falling over his forehead as he casually brushed it back.

Two ladies moved past them, each in decadent layers of silk. Neither were even close to being as beautiful as Chloe.

Her blonde hair had shone in the moonlight, her blue eyes so clear, they sparkled, framed by thick lashes.

Her high cheekbones had only highlighted the perfect bow of her mouth and he didn’t even wish to start on her cleavage…

The very thought of her generous curves had every muscle in his body tightening.

The Master reached out a hand, swiping his fingers down the arm of the second girl. “Hey, love.”

She gave him a giddy smile, a small titter falling from her lips as he pulled her into the alcove.

One of his arms wrapped about her back and just like that, he plucked a kiss from her lips, her gasp of excited breath filling the small space.

And then the Master let her go. “Much obliged.”

She giggled again, scurrying after her companion, giving the Master several glances over her shoulder as she hurried away.

“Done.” The Master winked behind his mask.

Ryker quirked a brow. “Extra points for efficiency, but you forgot to ask if she was a debutante.”

“Shit. You’re right.” The Master, frowned, his eyes scanning the crowd again.

But Ryker didn’t wish to wait for the man to complete the task properly. He had thinking to do at home. “I allow it, considering I’m in a rush.”

“How do I know you won’t tell everyone, sending me to Esmerelda’s?”

“I’m the Keeper, aren’t I? Your secret is safe.”

“You still topped me. You managed a rare beauty.” The Master looked back out where Chloe had been.

Ryker followed the other man’s gaze. He had managed a rare beauty. He knew he’d be thinking of Chloe for a long time to come. But he’d also have to make certain his aunt was none the wiser. That was of the utmost importance too.

What cursed luck that she was acquainted with the only family member he cared about.

With that in mind, he started out the doors, and called for his carriage, making his way back home.

Oddly, he didn’t feel the normal rush of having completed a game, the surge of triumph somehow lacking.

In its place were memories of the softness of his conquest’s mouth and the silky texture of her skin under his fingers.

Chloe was exceptionally beautiful. A woman, if he were a different man, he would savor. But the only thing he savored was his liquor. Which was his cue to leave…

He returned home, heading to his study, where he promptly poured himself a tall snifter of scotch. Removing his coat and cravat, he pushed up his shirt sleeves and then downed the drink in a single swallow.

Glancing at his desk, several pieces of correspondence lay on top. The first was clearly marked with the King’s seal. He grimaced. He didn’t need to open the letter to know the contents. The King was most eager for Ryker to marry and make an heir. It was not a task Ryker relished, in fact, he looked upon it with a great deal of dread.

He mostly ignored the King’s requests, but of late they’d grown more… pressing. He crossed the room, a second letter catching the plain wax seal with no crest. He lifted the note, intent upon opening it when the sound of carriage wheels outside alerted him that his aunt had arrived.

He gave her time to make her way upstairs, having another drink before he started up the stairs toward her chamber.

She’d been a mother to him, so he saw nothing odd about knocking on her door despite the late hour. “Aunt Mildred?”

“Come in,” she called back.

He entered the room to find Aunt Mildred sitting at her vanity removing her own jewelry. She looked older than he’d ever seen her and for a moment, he forgot all his own minor irritants, concern blooming for his aunt. “Are you all right?”

“Fine,” she answered with a thin smile. “Just tired from the journey.”

“You’re never tired.”

“I am well past sixty, young buck.” But her smile softened as he approached, dropping a kiss on her cheek.

“I suppose that means you’ll be staying for a while.”

“I will. Not only am I getting older, but I’ve got business here in London.”

Right. The charge. What was her name? Mildred likely mentioned it in one of her letters, but he’d forgotten.

Did his aunt think that having a child about would tame him? She was sorely mistaken. But the idea of Mildred being ill… that turn of fate might just stop him in his tracks. “Let’s talk business tomorrow. Right now, I’m glad to see you.”

“Now it’s my turn to ask. Are you feeling all right?” She turned toward her nephew. “You’re never happy to see me.”

He scoffed, straightening up. “I am always happy to see you.”

“Humbug,” she replied but she gave him another warm smile. “And I agree that tomorrow is the time to talk. Tonight, I am content to sleep in your excessively luxuriant house and lavish in the comforts of the dukedom.”

“Now I know you’re not feeling well. You never want to lavish…”

She shook her head. “Nonsense. Now be a dear and fetch me a nightcap. Let’s drink it together before we retire.”

That was the Mildred he knew, sipping from the cup of life. “Your wish is my command.”

She snorted as she removed each of her rings. “You must be worried about me. You are never this agreeable.”

“We can agree that we’re both not ourselves this evening.”

Mildred shook her head. “We are not. I know the reason I’m out of sorts.” Her face fell again. “I’m not sure I was meant to be the keeper of another female.”

Ryker paused in the doorway. Was the child giving his aunt trouble? That’s what boarding schools were for. And this would be so much easier if his aunt also wanted to send the child to school instead of blathering on about how children needed love.

Of course, he’d been the beneficiary of her affection as a child. It was Mildred’s home he’d visited on holidays. Her house that had made him figgy pudding, and Mildred herself who’d taken him to cut bows to decorate the mantels. She’d filled his life with the only love he’d ever known. “You are well over sixty.”

“I’m allowed to say it, you aren’t,” she fired back, sounding far more like his feisty aunt. “Now fetch my drink. I’m nearly ready for bed.”

He smiled at her as he started for the study again. He could have sent a servant, but Mildred was right. She was the one person that he would service without reservation.