Deverell's Obsession: A Risqué Regency Romance by Sahara Kelly Read Free Book Online

looked as if it might have been Indian.
    “This is Persian.”
    “ I was close. I would have said Indian .”
    “And as you can see, there are no obvious ways of opening it.”
    “Right.” Dev frowned. He really hated these things.
    “Now observe.”
    Harry twisted the smooth stone and with a slight click it lifted off the top of the box. But instead of a round ball, it was a half sphere. Harry turned it upside down and showed Dev the base where there were some ridged carvings sticking upward.
    “And now the clever bit. This took me weeks to figure out.”
    Harry took the stone, moved the box slightly, and aligned the carvings beneath the stone with some carvings on one corner of the top of the box.
    He pushed the stone into the matching holes…and the top popped up, revealing the empty insides.
    “That is clever,” Dev agreed. “And damn sneaky.” Then the wheels fell into place inside his head. “Oh my God. The markings inside the ring? You think they’re a…”
    “Key. Yes, I think they could well be a key that opens…what? I have no idea at all.”
    “A key. She said it was a key…What the hell has she gotten herself into?”
    Harry stared at him. “I think we could both use a brandy. And then you can tell me who ‘ she’ is. This Léonie.”
    Dev stared at his friend for a long moment. “I can’t. Not yet. But I promise you I will come back when I have it worked out and you shall know everything.”
    His long look was returned steadily, and finally Harry nodded. “If it’s that important, then I’ll accept your promise to return.”
    “Thank you, Harry. You’re a true friend.”
    “Who will, if you don’t keep your end of this bargain, find you, beat you senseless and steal this bloody ring for myself. Do you understand?”
    Dev grinned. “Perfectly.”

Chapter Five
    Léonie opened her eyes once more onto a room she didn’t recognize. But this time, there was no apprehension, just a sense of warmth and comfort. For a few moments she snuggled the coverlet up around her chin and relished the softness of her bed. This was luxury indeed.
    Blinking the sleep from her eyes, she took in the warm golden curtains drawn across the window and the rich deep gold of the furniture. It was functional yet attractive; exactly suitable for a guest room.
    Happy to have deduced that much, she realized that not only were her brains finally functioning, but so was the rest of her.
    It was time to move from her cocoon and examine her surroundings.
    “Oh miss, I thought I heard you. Please. Let me help.”
    A young maid hurried into the room, bearing what looked like a dressing gown over one arm.
    Léonie paused, seated on the edge of the bed with her toes on the thick carpet. “Oh, no, really. I can manage.”
    She stood—and the room began to sway.
    The maid was at her side. “You have to take it slow, miss. Nasty fever you’ve had. Takes time to get your strength back.”
    Léonie had to agree, and allowed the girl to lead her to the chamber pot. Refusing further assistance, Léonie took care of matters and emerged feeling a great deal better.
    “Now, miss, I have orders to either see you back to bed for a bit, or ask you to slip into this…” she picked up the dressing gown, “… and have a little breakfast in your private parlor next door. What do you feel up to?”
    “I think breakfast sounds like an excellent idea, if you please.” She allowed the girl to slip the warm robe over her arms and tie it at the waist. “What is your name?”
    “I’m Jenny, miss.” The girl curtsied. “I’m to take care of you while you’re here at Deverell House. If that’s acceptable, of course.”
    “How lovely, Jenny. Of course it’s acceptable. I’m so pleased you’re here to lend me a hand.”
    The girl smiled happily. “Very good, miss. Now if you’ll just take my arm. Lean on me if you need to. You’ve been under the weather for a bit, Mrs. Williams says, so taking it easy for a while is the