“You’re thinking of what happens after the ball.”An observation, not a question.
“We’ll only have so much control.The rest will be up to…” He stopped, turned to face her, his posture stiff.“Were you serious when you said you never go anywhere without a pistol?”
Among other things.“Yes.”
His expression remained the same: hard and inscrutable.“Show me.”
“Hold this.”She handed him her cone, then opened her reticule so he could look inside.A grunt conveyed his opinion.“I realize it’s small but–”
“Are you an accurate shot?”
“Certainly.”Better than anyone else she’d seen, though it wasn’t her weapon of choice.She much preferred the blades hidden in her sleeves and tucked firmly against her thighs, or the long razor-sharp pins concealed in her hair.But she didn’t mention any of that.
He handed the cone back to her and reached inside his jacket pocket.“I want you to have this as well.”
She stared at the silver dagger he offered, her fingers reaching and curling until they gripped the smooth mother-of-pearl handle.The blade had been etched with a swirling design and polished to a high sheen, reflecting the leaves from the tree behind her.It sparkled as she turned it against the light.
Stunning and lethal.Easily the most wonderful gift she’d ever received.
She swallowed against a sudden surge of emotion, shutting it down and locking it back into place before meeting his gaze.“Thank you.”
“Stop by Reed’s tomorrow and I’ll instruct you on how to use it.”
His enigmatic expression couldn’t quite hide the unease in his eyes.So she nodded, even though she was sure her skill was superior to his.
And tried not to think overly much about just how important his concern for her was.
* * *
“Have you considered courting her?”
Adrian watched Samantha’s retreating figure, the confidence in her stride as she walked toward the park entrance after parting ways with him and Edward.
“No.”He glanced at his friend.“I propositioned her instead.”
Edward’s mouth fell open.“Tell me you’re not serious.”
“She’s not the sort of woman one might consider—”
“Are you blind or just plain stupid?”
Adrian stiffened.He clamped his teeth together.“Insult me again and I’ll break your nose.”
“Don’t be an arse.”Edward matched his scowl.“Miss Carmichael may not have respectable parentage, but she is prepared to risk her reputation and her life to help you catch your sister’s killer.”
“There’s no need to make it sound like she’s doing me a personal favor when she has her own reasons for wanting the killer caught.”
“Fine.Let’s suppose she does.It still doesn’t change the fact that she’s got more courage than most men I know.Add to that her determination, intellect, and need for justice, all of which set her apart, and I think you’ll struggle to find a woman more suited to be your wife.But that’s just my opinion.For whatever it’s worth.”
This was one of the reasons Adrian valued his friendship.Because Edward always found a way to cut through the clutter and get to the heart of the matter.He told him what he needed to hear, offered up a different perspective, and opened his eyes to the truth.
His heart gave an unsteady thud.Taking Samantha as his lover was something he could adjust to.Marrying her, however…
“Aside from the fact that I’d likely make a horrific husband, I’m not prepared for that sort of commitment with anyone.”
“No one is.”Edward snorted.“Take it from someone who’s forced to live with regret.Don’t squander your chance when you’ve found the right woman.”
The comment produced a tremor deep in Adrian’s gut.Edward’s point was solid, delivered with the effect of an ice-bucket dumped right over his head.He stared straight ahead, his focus exclusively on his own thoughts as he turned his gaze inward.
