Well, he’s a rake; he doesn’t need a reason to stare at ladies. Yes. That’s it. Everything is fine.
She straightened up, doing her best to mimic the welcoming smile she’d seen on several ladies when in the presence of someone with a higher rank.
“Well then, pray tell, Your Grace. What are you at Woodsworth Estate for? Ah! Perhaps you’re lost. No worries, I’ll have my butler accompany you to wherever you need to go. I know you’re still new to town.” She inclined her head graciously. “No need to be embarrassed, these things happen.”
“I do not need an escort or directions, My Lady. I know my way around town.”
“Oh.”
“You see, I believe I’ve found something of yours.”
He reached into his waistcoat and produced a folded parchment, its edges worn, the Woodsworth lion and rose crest catching the light.
Celine felt all the air leave her lungs in an instant, her stomach twisting.
No. It can’t be.
The list. Her list.
Her face burned, but she forced her expression to remain neutral.
“I have no idea what you mean,” she said, her tone sharp. “That could belong to anyone.”
“Oh, come now,” Rhys drawled, stepping closer, his broad shoulders casting a shadow. “A lady in a daring green dress, scented with forbidden French perfume, fleeing admirers at a masquerade? And this—” He waved the parchment. “Bearing the Woodsworth crest? I’d say it’s your glass slipper, Cinderella.”
“My name is Celine, Your Grace. Not Cinderella,” Celine’s jaw tightened, her mind scrambling for a denial. “And you are mistaken. Plenty of ladies wear green and perfume. Perhaps one of them happened upon our paper. If that is all, I would like to?—”
He let out a hearty chuckle, cutting her off. “You’re just as sharp-tongued as I remember, My Lady. But I must admit that watching you fail so thoroughly at deceit is very amusing.”
“I have no time for your games.”
The formalities were dropped; she was backed into a corner. She could never let him pin that list on her.
“Games?” His smirk widened, his eyes dancing as he unfolded the list. “I was rather pleased to find this list. A treasure map to a lady’s secrets. Quite… illuminating.”
She clenched her hands, her nails digging into her palms.
Damn him.
“But if you insist that it isn’t yours, I can hand it over to members of the ton who’ll be more than happy to find its owner. You do understand that your residence will be their first stop, right?”
Damn him. Damn him ten times over.
“Fine. You win, Your Grace. Now, kindly hand it over,” she demanded.
She would not cower before a rake.
“What do you offer to get it back?”
She furrowed her brow in confusion. “I beg your pardon?”
“You heard perfectly.” His gaze swept over her, lazy and intense all at once, though his lips curled into a wolfish smirk. “I asked what you offer me in return.”
“What game are you playing at? First, you threaten me, and now you demand something in return for what is mine by right?”
“Exactly. Convince me.” He tilted his head, his smile widening.
Celine clenched her teeth and forced herself to hold his gaze. “Very well,” she huffed. “I have nothing to offer you, unless you want money.”
