She gasped and grabbed hold of his jacket lapels. “Are you completelymad? He nearly succeeded in killing us both today!”
His dark eyes held a hard glint. “But he didn’t, and by the time I get through with him, he will wish he had.”
She glared at him. “You were just going to leave and not tell me? Keeping me ignorant of such foolish actions?”
“I am better prepared this time.” He moved his jacket aside so she could see the pistol tucked into his waistband. “And Amos is gathering the Blue Boys at this very moment.”
“Is that wise? They don’t know who you really are.”
She could see the muscle working in his jaw. “Then it’s time they did. I’m tired of concealing who I am and worrying that my sins will find me out. The only way I can move forward, thatwecan move forward, is for everything to be revealed. I see that now.”
She was already shaking her head. “That is not a good idea at all. You are opening the door to more trouble if you do that. Now if Avalon decided tomasqueradeas a peer, that is something else entirely and would be a much better option than laying yourself bare.” She could see that he wasn’t convinced, so she added, “If you are concerned that I won’t respect you because you chose to keep those two worlds from colliding, trust me when I say I understand the reasons completely. You did as well. I don’t know what’s changed.”
Some of the tension visibly left his broad shoulders. “I’ve changed and I just want it all to be over.”
Her heart went out to him. She knew this was a vulnerable side to him that he rarely let anyone see. But he was trusting her with his weakness. It was humbling. “So do I, but not like this.” She moved back slightly. “You are not going there alone. Like it or not, we are in this together now, and from now on.”
He snorted. “You are the one who is speaking madness now. As if I would allow you anywhere near that place.”
She crossed her arms. “I’m afraid that is the price you must pay unless you want me to scream and wake this entire household from their slumber. By the time we explain what is transpiring, dawn will likely be making its way over the horizon and then it will be too late to do anything.” She made a show of glancing at the clock on the mantel, although she couldn’t possibly read it in such dim lighting. But the effect achieved what she’d intended. “And the longer we stand here and argue the matter, the more precious time is being lost.”
He stared hard at her. “You are the most infuriating woman I’ve ever known.”
She merely lifted a brow and waited.
It took a handful of seconds before he snapped, “Fine. Get dressed.”
She wanted to smile in victory, but she kept her expression carefully bland as she started to walk away. Before she did, he grasped her arm and said, “You will have to dress the part. We are not going to afternoon tea.”
She catalogued the new gowns she had in her wardrobe. “I think I have something that will work.”
He released her and said, “I will be waiting by the back door. If you haven’t joined me in ten minutes, I’m leaving.”
Lexie wasn’t surprised that he gave her an ultimatum, and she didn’t intend to take any longer than necessary to don the black chemise and the red corset, although it did take a bit of maneuvering to lace it and then properly attach it in the front.
Slipping on a pair of black boots and leaving her hair to flow freely around her shoulders, she tiptoed down the back stairs. When Dominic spied her, his gaze narrowed. “Where on earth did you get that?”
“The modiste.” She offered a mock curtsy. “It was meant to be a seductive surprise after we married since you seemed to like my nun habit so much, but I’m forced to spoil it tonight.”
His nostrils flared and his focus seemed to be homed in on her full breasts. “It isn’t spoiled because you will wear it again when we are alone. But sadly, at that time, it won’t be on for long.”
Lexie’s cheeks warmed at the promise in his tone, and together, they headed out into the chilly autumn night.
CHAPTER 21
Dominic didn’t like this. At all.
He knew that Lexie was more than capable of handling herself. Or rather, she believed that she was, but Dominic had dealt with enough bad people over his tenure as the leader of the Blue Boys to understand the game that was required to stay alive. It was only recently that his concentration had begun to slip.
He thought of what she had said about acting as though Avalon was playing a part and realized that she was right. It was best to keep his two worlds separate and allow one of them to slip from existence. If not, he was in danger of losing everything.
His lack of regard toward self-preservation was another reason he needed to secede his position of power in the East End. For so long it had been the one constant in his life, the sole purpose for which he had kept waking every morning and facing each day. He had wanted to make a difference, to find the respect he always felt he’d been denied from his father. But none of that mattered any longer. He just wanted to live in peace and contentment with Lexie, the woman he loved. And hopefully, draw his mother out of the shell she’d retreated into for so long.
As the hired hackney deposited them at the gaming hell, Dominic turned to his lovely companion. “Do not stray from my side for any reason. Is that clear?”
He could tell she had to stop the urge to roll her eyes as if she was a child being reprimanded. “I promise.”
Feeling as though that was the most trustworthy answer he might receive, he stepped to the ground and headed for the front of the establishment. However, when he spied a familiar figure melting into the shadows of the alleyway, he pulled Lexie in that direction.
