“Then who raised you?” Now, if she could just get him to confess his real name…
He hesitated, and she thought a line of anger crossed his brow, but his expression softened again. “My father’s brother, but for only a few months. I joined the military not long after I left home.” He shrugged. “It seemed the thing to do at the time.”
She frowned. “I am truly sorry about your family. I’m certain if they had heard you sing, they would have been very proud of you.”
“I thank you, Maxey. I, too, wish they could hear me sing.”
The comforting timbre of his voice relaxed her while he talked. So far, their conversation had gone smoothly, and she hadn’t experienced that uncomfortable, giddy feeling since she first looked at him. As long as he kept his distance, she would be able to keep from falling apart like a love-struck girl experiencing improper feelings for the first time.
Keep things nice and simple, and everything will go splendidly.
A slight noise caused her to glance at her companion. Sally was slumped in the corner of the sofa, her head lolling back as gentle snores fluttered from her open mouth.
Embarrassment burned Maxey’s face. She reached to shake her friend awake, but Nash sprang from his chair, knelt by Maxey’s side, and grasped her hands.
“No,” he commanded softly. “Let her rest.”
Maxey forced down the lump of panic in her throat. What could possibly be wrong with Sally to make her nod off like that?
“But she fell asleep. I must wake her.”
He grinned. “I would not count on your companion waking anytime soon.” He patted Maxey’s hand. “You see, my servant put a small amount of sleeping draught in your companion’s drink. She will be out for a few hours.”
A gasp tore from Maxey as her heartbeat took on a fierce rhythm. She swallowed the knot of fear lodged in her throat. “Why…why would your servant do something like that?”
“My manservant is very suspicious of overprotective companions.” Nash rose and pulled Maxey with him.
She held her breath as her mind scrambled to think of what to do next. Did Nash suspect her treachery already? She thought she had covered her tracks. If so, then why did he drug Sally? His manservant wouldn’t have done it without Nash’s approval.
Anger poured through her, and she fisted her hands. It was important to remain strong and stay in control. She could not lose her temper now.Think, Maxey!But no matter what, she needed to gain his trust and get him to confess.
Nash stepped forward, closed the space between them, and wrapped her in his arms. The room seemed smaller, and her wobbly legs were unsure of their strength.
His improper intentions frightened her to death. If the man was to blame for drugging Sally’s drink, what did he have in store for her? And if he was indeed his brother’s killer, would she be next?
No matter what, Maxey must do something to gain control over her innocence. Shemustmake him believe she knew what she was doing.
Chapter Two
Nash had onething on his mind, and it didn’t include waking Maxey’s companion. Maxey was more beautiful and charming than he’d imagined, and he didn’t want to waste a minute of his time or hers. She had told him earlier she informed men when their attentions were not wanted, and so far, she had yet to convey a negative response to him.
That was a good sign.
He stroked her face, which was still warm from embarrassment over her companion’s untimely slumber, and trailed his thumb over her bottom lip. Fascinated, he admired its gentle curve, loving the luscious raspberry color that contrasted with her creamy, smooth skin. High cheekbones, a straight nose, and a delicate, curved chin made her face nearly perfect. Her hair was a lovely blondish-brown, almost like wheat. But it was her eyes that held him prisoner. Bluish-gray flecks of sunshine.
Her beauty could hide her charade up to a point. She had a secret, and determination pushed him to find out why she asked so many questions and why she was so innocent. Yet she had come to this party. Invited guests were inno wayinnocent. And many of them were doing not-so-proper things at this very moment.
He wondered why she took such intense interest in him. His manservant had told him about this woman who came to the opera every night and sneaked around backstage while asking questions about Nash. When he saw her and her companion crawling through the hedges, Nash became more curious by the second.
“Maxey, would you accompany me outside for a walk in the gardens?”
As he studied her hesitant expression, her tongue slipped from her mouth and moistened her tempting lips. The urge to kiss her became strong, but he refrained for now. There would be time for that soon. He would see to pleasing her later.
She hooked her arm around his elbow, and he escorted her through the side door onto a small patio that overlooked a flower garden. A thick patch of trees bordered the secluded area, keeping their walk very intimate. As they strolled, her body shivered against him, her breath escaping in uneven spurts. He smiled, loving the power he had over women. He had always thought himself experienced in the art of seduction. Rarely did a woman refuse him. This one would fall as easily, he was certain.
“So, Nash, where will your operetta group travel next?”
Her voice shook, and he tried not to grin. Certainly, he made her nervous. He loved knowing that she was falling fast for his charms.
