When a Lady Deceives (Her Majesty’s Most Secret Service) by Tara Kingston Read Free Book Online

investigation when she’d barely begun to ferret out her sources. Well, she’d see about that. Perhaps Macalister Campbell had lost his bollocks. But blast it all, she would not scurry away like a frightened kitten.
    “Preposterous.” Jennie dragged in a breath to clear her head. “You may convey to His Highness that I will not cower in an office while he sends in some milksop who wouldn’t dare tread on Harwick’s polished boots.”
    Sophie’s knuckles went white. “I will endeavor to phrase your response more delicately. And Jennie, there’s one more thing.”
    “Shall I guess? What is it now? Has His Highness decreed that I should attend Lady Cavette’s ball and seek out the latest rumors of who’s bedding whom?”
    Sophie’s expression grew more dour. “Nothing of that sort.”
    “For heaven’s sake, Sophie. Out with it. Now.”
    “You are to have no further contact with Matthew Colton. Mr. Campbell will give you the sack if he finds you’ve attempted to use the Inspector as a source.”
    “Give me the sack? Why, the blustering windbag! I daresay the man would soil himself if I crossed the pond to join Pulitzer’s rag.”
    “He’s concerned for you, Jennie. The Inspector’s not one to be trusted.”
    “And what of the others I’ve dealt with? Campbell had no quarrel when I talked my way aboard that smuggler’s ship. And what of Alfred Smythe? Did Campbell believe the swindler spent his waking hours playing bells in a choir?”
    “Matthew Colton is different. He’s not a common criminal. The man is smart. Too devious to predict.”
    “And that, Sophie, is precisely what makes him such a valuable source. I suppose I shall soon find out if that handsome face masks the devil himself.”
    …
    Claude Harwick strolled through the Lancaster Tavern, a ruler surveying his empire. Long, lean, and immaculately attired in black, his burgundy silk cravat and diamond stud struck a vibrant contrast against a pristine white shirt. He made his presence known with charming words and a smile not reflected in eyes as cold and hard as tempered steel.
    Jennie stepped to the side of the bar. Busying herself with a drying rag, she studied Harwick beneath the veil of her lashes. A handsome man. That truth brooked no argument. Silver threads shot through raven-dark hair, crowning a visage that might have marked a Roman coin. His unmarred features betrayed the truth of his reputation for striking first. Three decades of brutality, yet no blades or fists had left their mark.
    He shot her a glance, then another, his gaze lingering for a heartbeat. His mouth curved, a wolf scenting prey.
    Smile sweetly for the devil.
    The tavern door slammed open. A rakish showman sauntered into the tavern, his diminutive stature accented by an enormous hat Alice might have spied in Wonderland. The producer’s latest paramour and would-be leading lady, a honey-blond doll of a woman draped in blue velvet, whispered something against his ear that brought a lecherous grin to his face. No doubt, her request would involve removing the ridiculous top hat along with other items of clothing.
    “I trust your evening has been uneventful, Miss Danvers.”
    Matthew Colton’s baritone snatched Jennie from her thoughts. She pivoted on her heel to meet his lazy half smile. “As a matter of fact, it has been most pleasant.”
    His dark brows arched. “You don’t look pleased to see me. I’d hoped for a more enthusiastic greeting after what we shared last night.”
    Her cheeks flamed. Heavens, she must be absolutely scarlet. “What we shared?”
    “You haven’t forgotten so quickly, have you?” He advanced on her, leaning so close she could feel his warm breath against her lips. “Shall I refresh your memory?”
    Her heart skipped a beat. Surely he didn’t intend to kiss her again. Here. In full view of everyone in the tavern. Had he taken leave of his senses?
    She retreated just enough that she could breathe again. Grabbing a glass, she