Her jasmine scent enclosed him in a flowery haven. Without being able to stop it, he released a soft moan and pulled her closer. Her passion surprised him, but he welcomed the cooperation. In the days ahead, he would need it to prove his innocence.
He broke the kiss and buried his face in the sweet curve of her neck, trying to calm his irregular breathing. “Curse you, woman. You certainly know how to twist emotions inside of me,” he whispered against her silky throat.
She drew back from him, her forehead creased. “Why do you say that?”
“Because you are so hard to resist even as much as I try to fight it.”
A brilliant smile touched her mouth. “Then we are evenly matched, because I have the same confusing emotions flitting through me.”
He chuckled, gathered her close again, and bent his head to kiss her again, but a thundering knock on the door startled him.
“Nash, I must speak to you,” his servant said urgently.
Nash placed a quick kiss on Maxey’s lips before stepping to the door and opening it.
His servant hurried in and closed the door. “Forgive my intrusion, but several minutes ago, three men presented forged invitations and tried to enter the party.”
Unease crept into Nash’s heart, tightening his chest. “Are you certain?”
“Yes.”
“Did they ask for anyone in particular?”
“They wanted to meet the main performers, and mentioned your name in particular.”
“Did anyone at the party recognize them?”
“The few guests remaining in the dining room denied their acquaintance.”
“Peter.” Nash placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “What are your suspicions?”
The slender man with blond hair shrugged. “I think they are here to harm you…or worse. They are not gentlemen. They appear as if they were hired to take someone out.”
Cursing under his breath, Nash pushed his fingers through his hair. With William dead, Uncle Matthew would come looking for Nash. And once he was dead, Joshua was next. Nash would not let his uncle harm one hair on Joshua’s tiny head.
“Where are they now?” Nash asked.
“Out front by the trees.”
Nash released a heavy sigh. “I need to leave without drawing attention to myself. But how?”
“We will disguise you.”
Nash chuckled, even if humor was not his first emotion. The only clothes he had were the ones on his back. There was nothing to use as a disguise. If they were at the opera house, there would be many outfits to change into.
“Peter, I don’t have a costume here.” He motioned down his body. “This is all I have.”
Frowning, Peter glanced across the room and then stopped on something over Nash’s shoulder. He jerked his thumb in that direction. “I have the perfect attire for your escape.”
Nash swung around to see what his friend had in mind. The maid remained slumped on the couch with her head tilted back as soft snores fluttered her lips. Nash groaned and shook his head.
“Surely you jest,” he mumbled as he and Peter hurried to the couch.
Maxey rushed to stand by his side and clasped his arm. “What is going on?”
“Remember when I told you about my powerful uncle?”
“Yes.”
