“You’re right about one thing,” he said at last. “You’re not amiable.”
“Not in the least,” Nicol agreed flatly. Then he set his wineglass down. “I should be going,” he said. “Tomorrow is a busy day for me.”
Disappointment sliced through Lindsay. Disappointment and profound regret at his hasty, too-frank words. He had played his hand far too quickly with Drew Nicol, and he couldn’t even say why he’d done it. It was unlike him to be so clumsy. Nicol might be attracted to Lindsay, but that didn’t mean he was willing to own his desire, and there was no point trying to force the issue. That way led madness, maybe even violence. Lindsay knew that too well.
“I understand,” Lindsay said. “Let me settle up and we can leave.”
“There’s no need for you to pay—” Nicol began, but Lindsay froze him with a look. Nicol subsided, though he pressed his lips together in a firm line that signalled his displeasure.
Lindsay eyed that stubborn, appealing mouth with profound regret for one long moment, then tore his gaze away and summoned the footman.
Chapter Eight
When they stepped outsideinto the cool night air. Lindsay inhaled deeply, filling his lungs. It had been stuffy inside Dalkeiths and his wolf was prowling within him, pressing its muzzle against his human edges, eager to be free and no doubt certain it could do a better job at winning Nicol over.
Beside him, Nicol was tight-lipped and silent.
“Well,” Lindsay said, turning to him, “My rooms are at Locke Court, just off the High Street. Which direction do you go, Mr. Nicol?”
Nicol glared at him. Or rather, at his throat.
“Is something wrong?” Lindsay asked mildly.
“Your clothing is very ostentatious,” Nicol said. “As are your jewels.” He pointed an accusatory finger at the crisp white linen wound around Lindsay’s neck. “Is that a diamond pin?”
Lindsay pressed his chin into his chest in an attempt to look at the offending item. “It is,” he said. “Diamond and amethyst. Do you like it? I think it goes very well with my coat, I must say.”
“You are a fop,” Nicol said. “More to the point, you are quite plainly awealthyfop. Make no mistake, Mr. Somerville, there will be at least a dozen cutpurses between here and Locke Court who will be only too pleased to relieve you of your jewels and purse.”
Lindsay grinned, amused. “Are youworriedabout me, Mr. Nicol? I must say, I’m very touched. However, I will be quite all right, you know. I’ve walked the streets of London and Paris at this hour of the night many times and I can’t imagine Edinburgh is much worse than either of those wicked cities.”
“I can’t speak for London or Paris,” Nicol replied in his terse way, “but I can assure you that you are underestimating your chances of being set upon. These streets are very dangerous at this hour.”
Lindsay tried to hide his amusement. Poor Nicol; he really had no idea who he was dealing with—though the fact that he appeared to feel responsible for Lindsay’s well-being was oddly endearing.
Lindsay made his expression serious. “What do you suggest I do?”
