She looked away from him to survey the crowd. ‘Yes, well. Mayhap that is why my husband prefers it when I’m away.’
It was the perfect opening for Thomas to ask the question he had been too scared to broach. But before he could form the words, she turned back to him, her hazel eyes pinning him in place. ‘Is it the investigation or Clio?’
His mouth went dry. ‘P-pardon?’
‘Which has brought you back to life? The case, or the woman? I rather think it’s the woman.’
Damn you for knowing me too well.
And knowing if she did not change the subject, she might be forced to share details about her marriage she did not wish to divulge. Cynthia was always far cleverer than anyone gave her credit, including Thomas. He forgot how quickly she could pivot a conversation away from any topic she wished to avoid. ‘You know I have nothing to give a woman, Cynthia. Certainly not a woman like Clio.’
‘And what exactly is she like? Do tell.’
He clamped his jaw shut, and Cynthia’s eyes lit with humour.
‘I’ll tell you what I think,’ she continued.
‘As if I could stop you,’ Thomas muttered.
‘I think Clio is an independent woman who isn’t looking for marriage – which obviously terrifies you – and isn’t hampered by the rules of decorum some of us must bend to no matter how we wish to break free. And you like her, Thomas. Don’t try to deny it because you know I’m right. What danger is there in exploring your interest in Clio if she is willing?’ Both of their gazes travelled together to the woman under discussion. She was standing on the edge of the drawing room, Sir Robin on her shoulder. As if she felttheir twin regard, she lifted her chin and met Thomas’ gaze. A spark of something incendiary flashed in her amber eyes.
‘Everything about her is dangerous.’ As he spoke, Clio drifted through the crowd like smoke over water towards them.
‘You’ve never been frightened of danger. Quite the opposite. It seems to draw you into its flame.’
‘What about her? I can’t offer her any future.’
Cynthia shrugged. ‘Perhaps she isn’t looking to you for a future. I dare say she can find that on her own. And who can ever offer anything more than this moment? The future is as much a fantasy as the past is a prison. Don’t stay trapped in either, brother. Life is here. Now. You might want to try living it.’ Turning away from him, she extended her arms to Clio as she approached and drew her into a brief hug. ‘How are you enjoying your first night?’
Clio rolled her eyes. ‘Blue bloods leave much to be desired.’
Cynthia laughed. ‘Well, hopefully notallof us.’
‘Not you, at least.’ Clio’s smile was brief and brilliant, dying instantly as she turned towards him. ‘I hope you’ve not issued any more threats, Grey. It’s dashedly difficult to get information out of people when they’re terrified.’
‘I’d wager you terrify people on a daily basis with your fearsome feathered companion and wicked wit.’
She fluttered her lashes. ‘Flattery will get you nowhere with me, sir.’
‘Oh dear. Lady Langley has given up on the earl and is headed our way. You better dash before she sets her sights on you, Thomas. I shall head her off.’ Cynthia waved gaily at the duchess who was making a determined beeline towards them. She was as good as her word, leaving Thomas with Clio to intercept Lady Langley before she reached them.
Thomas leaned closer to Clio, her scent wrapping around him like a forbidden embrace. ‘The library. Later. Will you come?’
Sir Robin chirped, tilting his head, his gaze disconcertingly knowing. But damn Thomas if he would be intimidated by a bloody bird. No matter how sharp his beak looked in the wavering candlelight.
Clio bit her lip, and Thomas nearly groaned as his cock grew impossibly hard.
‘Unless you are worried I might win our little battle of wits.’ He couldn’t help himself. He was a bastard for bullying her, but she was a fearsome warrior. He was confident she could handle whatever taunts he might throw.
‘I’m worried I will leave a bloodied mess the maids will have to clean before morning.’
Thomas thrilled at her answer. ‘Until later, then.’ He nearly leaned closer. Nearly brushed his lips against her cheek just to see if her skin was as soft as it looked. Nearly let his heart crack. Just a little. Just enough to know he could still bleed. But Cynthia’s efforts to distract Lady Langley had failed. He could see the duchess approaching with Cynthia in tow. If he wished to escape the drawing room, now was his only chance.
Stepping away from Clio, he nodded his head in an abbreviated bow, abandoning her to the company of the duchess as he swiftly found the nearest exit.
Of all the ridiculous, silly, ill-advised things I could be doing right now…
Clio froze as a creaking board further down the hall had her heart leaping into her throat. Her magic could do many things, but it couldn’t make her invisible. After a long stretch of silence where she determined the house was settling instead of a rogue footman wandering the halls at three in the morning, she continued her mad, sneaking journey to the library.
