The Cracksman's Kiss by Killarney Sheffield Read Free Book Online

and packing it.
    Kassie ignored her cheerful prattle as she sought to put a face to the stranger. Try as she might, she could conjure nothing beyond a shadowy form and a husky voice. An inkling of something familiar pricked her recollections. Do I know the man? He seemed to know me or at least of me.
    “…the commotion around here last night must have kept you up.”
    Kassie blinked and focused her gaze on the maid folding a petticoat with care. What is it she was saying about a commotion? “What commotion?”
    Sally placed the garment in the bottom of a large trunk, then glanced at her and reached for some tissue. “A thief stole the earl’s Egyptian artifact late last night.”
    “Really?” Kassie’s heart skipped a beat as she recalled the stranger telling her to be quiet or he might end up in Newgate. He had not been afraid of being caught in bed with her; he had been afraid of being caught stealing the earl’s artifact. The scoundrel could have at least had the decency to be repentant for his misdeed where she was concerned. Her face heated. “Did they catch the man responsible for the theft?”
    The girl shook her head and placed paper between the folds of a delicate muslin dress. “No. No one seems to know who it was.”
    Kassie’s thoughts flickered with the flames of the fire. Had she screamed, the household would have been alerted to the thief’s presence in her bedchamber. The earl lost his priceless treasure because of her. If he found out he would be furious. Kassie nibbled on a piece of toast from the tray. If the thief was caught, would he tell of her deception and infidelity? Her hands shook, and she tried to ignore the fear gripping her in icy fingers. “Do you think it might have been one of the earl’s guests who stole the artifact?” Kassie wondered out loud.
    Sally glanced at her. “It could have been, but the earl seemed to think it was the work of a professional thief. No one saw him enter or leave the house.”
    Bile rose in Kassie's stomach. Not only did she betray her husband, she did so with a professional thief. The man was probably very dangerous, and she had given herself to him like a common trollop. She closed her eyes and prayed God would forgive her for her terrible sins. Perhaps God would punish her by denying her a babe. She might have to endure the earl’s disgusting attentions for years. Was it wrong to wish the earl’s touch had the same effect on her as the mysterious stranger’s? With a groan she pushed the breakfast tray off her lap and shrank under the covers.
    Confusion addled her mind. It was wrong of her to lay with a man who was not her husband, but it felt so good … Why did her husband’s touch repulse her when a complete stranger’s turned her inside out? She should be mortified by her behavior, but all she could think of was his lips brushing hers, how her body tingled at his slightest touch. Was she completely immoral?
    “My lady?”
    She poked her head out from under the covers. “Yes, Sally?”
    The maid’s brows furrowed with concern. “Are you feeling alright?”
    Kassie moaned and hid her face behind her hands. “Oh, Sally. I have done something terrible.” The mattress sagged as Sally perched on the edge of the bed.
    “Whatever it is you have done, it cannot be so bad.”
    “It is horrible, Sally. I am a truly terrible person.”
    “You have a kind heart, my lady. I do not believe you could do anything bad.”
    Kassie sobbed even harder. “Oh, Sally, I have done something unforgivable.”
    Sally to ok her hand and patted it. “We are friends, are we not?” When Kassie looked up and nodded through her tears the maid continued, “Then you can trust me to help you. Tell me what it is you have done you think is so terrible. I promise I will keep it a secret until I die.” She made an ‘X’ across her heart with her fingers.
    Kassie wiped the tears from her face with her sleeve. “My husband will never forgive me for what I have