CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Bethwas in her garden when Leo arrived the following afternoon. She felt him, which was ridiculous, but something made her turn, and there he was, stalking down the grass toward her. She’d sent him word that she’d received another note from the blackmailer.
Beth took a moment to enjoy his body in motion. Hat in a large hand, body clothed immaculately. No one wore clothes quite like Leo. The memory of her hands on his bare chest made color fill her cheeks.
Rising, she brushed the dirt from her skirts to give herself a few seconds for the color to subside.
“Now, what has put those roses in your cheeks?”
He stopped before her, his hands wrapping around her upper arms.
“It’s warm out here.”
“No it’s not. It’s quite cold, in fact.”
She made herself look up at his handsome face. Her stomach fluttered, and she had the silly urge to kiss him again. Then there was the happiness that seemed to fill her when he was near.
“Do you know what I think, Miss Whitlow?” His smile was wicked. “I think you were remembering the things we did to each other in the carriage.”
“Leo, stop it.” She looked around, but there was no one nearby.
“I could lure you into those bushes and kiss you again if you wish it?”
Her body turned to liquid in seconds at the image his words created.
“Stop it, you wicked man.”
His laugh was deep. Sliding a hand around her waist, he kissed her with all the hunger they both now felt. When she was breathless, her head resting on his chest, she told him her other news.
“That day you followed me to the shop, Leo. Do you remember that girl who came in, Jessica?”
“I do.” He kissed the top of her head.
“She came in again yesterday, Heather sent me word. And she had her bag, and handed over my card. I have taken steps to have her removed from London to Nick’s estate. She will be safe there.”
“And you have saved another,” he said gently. “My brave Miss Whitlow has succeeded yet again.”
“It means a great deal to me.”
“I know it does, and I also know why. It is good that you are doing this, my sweet. Never doubt I am proud of you.”
Hearing his words meant so much to Beth.
“Now show me the note.”
She moved out of his arms and pulled the paper from her pockets. The lightness left Leo’s face as he read out loud the missive she’d handed him.
“You ruined my life, Miss Whitlow,” he read. “Now I want you to pay. Bring three of your most expensive pieces of jewelry to the Hamilton masked ball. Enter the maze at midnight, and keep walking, I will find you. If you do not come, I will go after your sweet little sister-in-law.”
“How can he accuse me of ruining his life when the reverse is true.” Beth wrapped her arms around her waist, suddenly cold. “It was me who paid the price for what he did. I suffered, while he walked away after violating me, and then murdering my father.”
“I think his mind is not stable, Beth. There will be no more pretense, it seems. He has declared his hand, telling you he is Lloyd,” Leo said, folding the note and putting it in his pocket. “I don’t want you anywhere near him, Beth. We may have to wait until he—”
“No, Leo. It must be the night of the Hamilton ball. I cannot let him harm Grace, and we both know he is capable of that and more. Now we know it is him, he must be dealt with and soon.”
“I don’t want you hurt.” Leo opened his arms, and she walked into them.
“I know, and I also know that will never happen now I have you, Nick, and the others watching over me.”
