Some Like It Sinful (Hellion's Den) by Alexandra Ivy Read Free Book Online Page B

against the wall. He had no intention of moving until his eyes managed to adjust to the darkness.
    Several moments passed before a figure slid through a slanting ray of moonlight, and his tension eased. Straightening, he stepped away from the wall.
    “Dillon.”
    Little was visible beyond a squat, blocky body. Had there been light, however, he would have seen a pug face crisscrossed with knife scars and a squashed nose that had been broken more than once. He had hired Dillon as his manservant shortly after arriving in London, more for his ability to watch his back than for any talent as valet.
    Thank God, since no sane gentleman would allow the brute near his throat with a razor.
    “What is it?” he demanded.
    “Jimmy just left the road,” the servant warned in a raspy voice.
    Hawksley gave a slow nod. He had expected as much. Jimmy Blade would not easily allow a small fortune to slip through his fingers. Especially not when it would mean returning to Lord Doulton and confessing he had failed.
    “Is he coming in this direction?”
    “I’d say there is the likelihood that he’ll eventually stumble across this place.”
    Hawksley shoved the pistol back into his pants. “Take Brutus and hide him in the woods.”
    “What of you?”
    “We will wait in the tunnels. Signal when it is safe to come out.”
    “The wench may not be so pleased with your plans.”
    Hawksley gave a dismissive shrug. “The wench would not be pleased if I got down and kissed her feet, but she will do as she is told.”
    There was a moment of silence, warning Hawksley that his friend was battling a surge of amusement.
    “Or?”
    Hawksley’s lips twitched as the image of seducing Miss Dawson to his will rose to mind.
    “There are any number of possibilities I am considering,” he at last murmured.
    Dillon gave a short laugh. “Just make sure those possibilities are done quietly.”
    “I will be as silent as a mouse.”
    “And her?”
    Hawksley smiled. “Now that I cannot promise.”
    Turning on his heel, he made his way back up the stairs. He was careful to ensure that Miss Dawson was not poised to knock him upside the head or tumble him backward before stepping into the loft. He would never be fool enough to underestimate his competent angel.
    Finding her waiting upon the mattress, Hawksley moved forward. With one smooth motion he had scooped her into his arms. He paused only long enough to wrap his caped coat about her and pinch out the candle before returning to the stairs.
    “Sir, what are you about?” Miss Dawson squeaked, obviously not quite as pleased as she should be at finding herself in his arms. “Put me down at once.”
    He pressed her closer, not at all prepared to risk allowing her to walk down the steps on her own. She had taken a sharp blow to her head. He had no intention of having her take another tumble. Not while she was in his care.
    “Halt your squirming, kitten,” he commanded.
    “Or?” she tartly demanded.
    “Or I shall toss you out the door for Jimmy Blade to find,” he chided, carefully negotiating the stairs. Thankfully, without breaking either of their necks.
    “He is here?”
    “He soon will be.”
    “For goodness’ sake, why did you not simply say so? I have no desire to have my throat slit. There was no need to manhandle me.”
    Crossing the short hall into the kitchen, he smiled at her exasperated tone.
    “Perhaps I simply desired to manhandle you,” he murmured.
    His blunt honesty momentarily stilled her tongue. A rare occurrence, and one he was certain would not last for long.
    It didn’t.
    As he located the hidden latch that swung the china cupboard forward and stepped onto the narrow stairs that led downward, her lips were already parting.
    “Where are we going?” she demanded.
    “The cellar.”
    Hawksley made certain the cupboard was firmly back in place before continuing down to the narrow tunnel below. Only then did he slide Miss Dawson to her feet.
    “This does not feel to be a