My mask, the same striking blue, covered my cheeks, nose, and eyes. Combined with my short hair and fine clothes, it kept Olivia from recognizing me.
For now.
Her gaze dropped. “I’m sorry,” she murmured. “I lost my way. I didn’t realize this was someone’s office.”
I tilted my head. “I don’t believe you.”
Her lashes fluttered as she lifted her gaze, playing the part of the innocent guest. “Oh, but you must believe me, good sir. I had far too much to drink and lost my way.”
Her eyes darted between me and the floor.
I stepped forward. “I think you’re a spy.”
She gasped—too breathy, too measured. “No! I’m not a spy. I stumbled my way into this room.”
Liar.
She backpedaled, her spine nearly brushing against the bookcase.
She scurried to the right before I could trap her, slipping just out of my reach.
Her hands lifted the cascading layers of her gown, revealing the barest glimpse of her shapely legs beneath the silk.
A knowing smirk curled my lips.
My eyes gleamed behind the mask, dark with intent.
She could run.
She could lie.
But she would never escape me.
“Yes, please,” I murmured. “I’ll have some of the silk beneath your skirts.”
Olivia whirled away, reaching beneath her gown in a fluid motion.
When her hand returned?—
She held her dagger.
Her teeth bared, eyes flashing. “I’m going to kill you.”
She lunged, the blade slicing through the air.
I pivoted, dodging her strike at the last second.
I snatched her wrist in the same breath, gripping her dagger hand tight.
“Drop it,” I hissed.
“No!” she spat.
My fingers bore down, pressing hard against her wrist.
“Drop it.”
She cried out, the dagger slipping from her grasp, clattering to the floor.
