A devilish smile appeared below the mask. He was teasing her! She could have joyfully taken that sword that was part of his costume and run him through. The only problem was, then she would have to explain the body to Jerrold.
"Damn you!" she swore under her breath.
"I refuse to keep bargains with ladies who swear. I do have the pendant, and if you behave yourself and act like a proper lady, you might get it back."
When she would have called him several colorful names, he asked, "You do want it back?"
If a lady was what he wanted, a lady was what he would get. "Of course, I want it back."
"Then I am prepared to accept proper payment," he announced. His arm tightened around her waist, pulling her against him.
He towered over her, his face not more than a few inches from hers. Elyse panicked. If anyone else were to come out of that room, they'd surely be seen.
"Not here!"
"But you specifically set the terms of the agreement," he reminded her. "It was to be a public place."
"Not here. Someone might see us.”
"That generally happens in a public place," he commented.
"I don't care what I said. It can't be here."
"Where do you suggest we consummate this agreement?" He chose his words carefully, thoroughly enjoying the play of emotions on her lovely face.
Elyse glanced across the hallway.
"Here," she announced, taking him by the hand and leading him to the library.
"This is not a public place," he reminded her, gazing about the room with several pieces of heavy furniture arranged in a sitting area. Framed pictures of every size almost obscured the walls.
He could be so exasperating, she thought. "It's a library."
He complimented her, trying to keep the smile from his lips. She'd unwittingly played right into his hands. He studied a portrait just over her left shoulder, noticing the Barrington name on the brass plate affixed at the bottom.
"I wanted a place where we wouldn't be seen. Jerrold wouldn't understand if he were to see us." For some reason she felt the need to explain.
"So, you chose an entire roomful of Barringtons to witness our littleagreement."
She saw the direction he indicated.
"This seems to be some sort of family portrait gallery." He indicated the wall behind her. "All those paintings are of Barringtons. Impressive."
His tone suggested that he was far from impressed.
"Are we to keep the agreement or shall I leave?” she demanded.
"You will keep the agreement," Zach announced, his gaze fastening on her lovely face.
"I should like to see the pendant first, to make certain you do have it with you," she reminded him.
"Of course." He reached inside a boot and produced a small leather pouch. The diamond and pearl pendant tumbled into his hand. He suspended it from his fingers, turning it slowly.
"It really is quite lovely, if old fashioned. None other like it in the world." He tested her. Would she be able to tell the difference between the one he had and hers?
Elyse took the pendant from him.
"Does it meet with your approval?" He watched her carefully.
