“We do not know that,” Wei said grimly. “We have no idea what Mrs. Swann will want in exchange for information.”
“Actually, I have some idea.”
At Glory’s hesitant words, Wei raised his brows.
“Fiona didn’t want me to go in unprepared,” she explained. “And while I haven’t met Mrs. Swann personally, I know some facts about her based on a prior case.”
“What do you know about this woman?”
“She is, well, there is no polite way to say it…”
Her dithering heightened his unease. His little tigress was never one to mince words.
“Then just say it.”
“She bills herself a purveyor of sexual fulfillment,” Glory said in a rush. “She isn’t a bawd, exactly, since she does not employ prostitutes. But her ‘shop’ is a club of sorts which gives her patrons—couples, mostly—a place to, um, explore their desires.”
As the revelation percolated through his brain, apprehension morphed into disbelief, then anger. At himself for involving Glory in this sordid mess. For being so focused on his vengeance that he’d compromised her safety.
“Bloody hell,” he bit out. “We are turning this carriage around now.”
“No.” Glory grabbed his arm, her chin rising to a determined angle. “For fifteen years, you have been hunting your family’s killer. Now you have the opportunity to find out where he is, and I can help you. I love you, Wei, and I will not let you down. Trust me.”
Wei felt something twist in his chest, and it took him a moment to recognize it: the agony of longing. After everything he’d done, the unpardonable mistakes he’d made, he had never expected yuan fen to give him this. A woman like Glory. Who gave him her love and loyalty. Who offered everything of herself, asking only for his trust in return.
And he did trust her…in all respects.
Earlier, she’d told him that her papa had arranged her outing with Winslow, and Wei believed her. Knew she wasn’t playing him false, that she was committed to him and gaining her father’s blessing for their marriage. Just as he knew that she was a capable partner, one he was lucky to have by his side on the present undertaking.
“Glory.” His voice hoarse, he cupped her face. “What did I do to deserve you?”
Her mouth crooked in an impish grin. “You mean that as a compliment, I assume?”
“Minx.” Shaking his head, he traced her bottom lip with his thumb. “How can you be so perfect?”
“I’m really not,” she said, adorable as always. “But perhaps what I am is perfect for you.”
“That you undoubtedly are.”
Unable to resist, he claimed her with a kiss that left them both wanting more. But the carriage was slowing, rolling to a stop. He looked out the curtain and saw an unremarkable two-story brick building with a beige awning. It looked closed for the night…except for the ominous red glow coming from behind the shuttered windows.
“We’re here.” He fought an inner battle. “Are you certain you want to do this?”
“Yes,” she said resolutely.
“Then you must promise me something.”
She canted her head.
“You will tell me at once if anything makes you uncomfortable,” he said firmly. “If Mrs. Swann’s conditions are unacceptable, I will find another way to get the information I need. I will not have you coerced into anything or hurt because of me. Is that understood?”
“Yes,” she said.
“You mean too much to me.” He trailed his knuckles along her jaw. “If anything happened to you, I could not bear it.”
“You know I can take care of myself. And together we can do anything.”
He exhaled, hoping he didn’t regret his decision. “Once we are inside, you will follow my lead.”
