His next words, however, surprised her while sending a chill down her spine.“There are other means, Miss Carmichael.Accidents happen.”He collected a box from his pocket, pulled a cheroot from it, and placed it between his lips before lighting it with a flint.A quick inhale preceded a puff of smoke.“Let’s not make more of the situation than necessary.You’re no different than I.We’re both government employees with jobs to accomplish.Do yours and you’ll be rewarded.Don’t, and you will be sacked.”
Samantha gritted her teeth.Blood pounded in her ears, encouraging her to lash out against the man who had her cornered.Knowing it would most likely be a mistake, she took a deep breath in an effort to calm herself.
“Fine, but I have to warn you.Mr.Croft is a cautious man.He doesn’t trust easily, so if what little trust I’ve earned from him thus far is to be preserved, our friendship must continue to develop naturally.It cannot be forced to suit your agenda.”
“I understand your concerns, but this has already taken longer than what was expected.A week is all you get, so I recommend you don’t waste it.”He turned, tossed the cheroot, and started walking away.“I trust you’ll keep me informed.”
Samantha watched him mount his horse, the squeak of leather sharp in the still night air.A soft whinny followed, and then the thud of hooves as Kendrick rode off, his shadowy figure blending with the darkness.
She knew of only one way in which to achieve her goal before time ran out.Her heart raced at the idea.It would require more from her than all her years of training combined.But given the stakes, she might not have a choice.
Her hands, she realized, were trembling.Not because of what she might lose if she failed in her mission, but because of the threat Kendrick issued against Mr.Croft.He’d have him killed if need be.And she would do whatever it took to prevent such an outcome.
* * *
Mr.Reed greeted Adrian when he arrived at the boxing club.“It’s good to see you again, Mr.Croft.Would you like to train alone or do you prefer to engage in a match?”
“A match would be welcome if one of your trainers can spare the time.”
“Certainly.Jones should be free for the next two hours.”Mr.Reed called for the stocky Welshman to prepare himself, then leaned closer to Adrian.“Before you begin, you might want to see how the ladies are doing.Barrow is training them in the next room, and I’ve got to say, they’ve made exceptional progress so far.It’s quite impressive.”
Adrian glanced in the direction Reed indicated.He’d known of Miss Carmichael’s plan to be here today.It was the reason he’d come – so he could see her again and enjoy her delightful company.
“I’ll just be a moment,” he told Jones, waving him off as he started toward the closed door to the left.
He pushed it open and stared, a little taken aback by what he saw.For there she was, together with her friend, Miss Stevens, and a few other women.All of them dressed in loose fitting shirts and snug breeches and doing their best to murder the wooden dummies they’d been provided.
“What do you think?”Barrow asked when he came to greet Adrian.“I myself was skeptical when Mr.Reed told me to teach them how to defend themselves.But it turns out they’re remarkably capable and quick learners.”
“It would seem so,” Adrian agreed, his attention on Miss Carmichael’s perfect technique as she threw a series of punches.It was hard to believe this was only her third lesson.
He caught her gaze when she turned, his chest expanding with pleasure in response to her smile.She crossed to where he stood, her damp skin glistening slightly from the exercise.The effect, Adrian realized, was not the least bit off putting but rather…exhilarating.
“As you can see, I’ve been practicing.”She rocked back on her heels, her gaze drifting to the other women before returning to him.“I took your advice, adjusting my posture in front of my mirror until it was perfect.Hazel helped.”
“It would seem the effort paid off.You’ve made remarkable progress in very short time.”
Her answering grin nearly robbed him of breath.“I’m determined to learn.”
“Will you excuse me a moment,” Barrow asked.“I need to have a quick word with Reed.Won’t take long.Maybe you can give the ladies some pointers in the meantime?”
Adrian nodded, the thrill of engaging Miss Carmichael in another mock fight spiking his pulse.“I’d be happy to.”
He shucked his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and strode to the center of the room before calling for everyone’s attention.“Allow me to introduce myself to those of you who don’t know me.I’m Adrian Croft.Barrow had to step out for a bit, so he asked me to manage the class until he gets back.
“First of all, I’ve got to say I’m impressed by your efforts.Did Barrow tell you what to try first if a man attacks you?”
“Kick him where it hurts,” someone said.The comment was followed by snorts of laughter and furious blushes.
Adrian nodded.“That’s right.Of course that’ll only work under certain conditions.If an assailant attacks from behind, you’ll have to apply different tactics.”
He gestured for a woman he did not know to step forward and then proceeded to show a series of moves that might help in the situation he’d just described.
“Excellent work,” he told her once they were done.“Now everyone find a partner and take turns trying to make that work.”
Knowing the numbers weren’t even, he told Miss Carmichael, “You’re with me.”
She stepped toward him, a look of determination burning bright in her eyes, and turned so he could attack her.A breath to keep his heartbeats even, before he placed his hand at her throat, his other hand grabbing her arm.
