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notes. He tossed them on the table in front of her. “Take it. Ł100.” He smiled, and she knew she had revealed her shock. “Half of what I offered you yesterday.”
    â€œÅ100,” she murmured. There was not that much money in the cash box now hidden under Maman’s bed.
    He slid the pile of money toward her with a single finger. “Take it.”
    â€œWhat gave you the idea I need a partner in the salon?” She stood and moved behind the chair, so she would not be tempted to accept this money she needed so much.
    He set himself on his feet and leaned one knee on her chair. His hands clamped hers on its back, pinning her in place, although she was unsure if she could have moved anyway when his gaze locked with hers. “I don’t have any interest in becoming a partner in your salon. My talents run in a very different direction.”
    â€œUndoubtedly!”
    â€œBe sarcastic if you wish. However, the fact remains we are going to be partners. We must recover your vase.”
    She frowned. “I thought you said you were not going to talk about the vase.”
    â€œI said, if you will recall, that I did not plan to buy the vase today. I said nothing of not talking about it.” His fingers caressed hers as his voice dropped to a husky whisper. “If I fail to bring my employer that vase by summer, I shall pay with my life.”
    â€œYou are lying!” She tried to pull away. When he did not release her, she looked into his face. What she saw startled her. Honesty.
    He shook his head. “I had not intended for you to know, but I need your help. If that means telling you the truth, I must. I was hired by a gentleman to bring that vase to him. If I do not, he has vowed to make me pay most dearly. He has, I must admit, reasons to mistrust me.”
    â€œI can believe that!” Slowly she pulled her hands out from beneath his. “Who is this man? Why does he want the vase?”
    â€œI cannot tell you that. I must keep such information confidential.”
    â€œAnd you expect me to be honest when you tell me nothing?” She turned to the door. “I think you should leave.”
    He came around the chair. “Brienne, I need your help. Did you see the men take the vase? Did you see anything to identify them other than that they were from the docks?”
    Evan clenched his teeth as Brienne’s face paled and she touched the swollen spots by her eye. Even rice powder could not cover the bruises. If she had an ounce of sense, she would have sold him the vase yesterday. Word would have spread quickly that Evan had it, and he would have been the focus of the hunt.
    He wondered how she would react if he told her she was lucky she had not suffered worse. Lagrille had intimated that no crime was too low if it gained him the vase. With a silent curse, Evan forced those thoughts from his head. Once he found the vase, Brienne would be safe.
    He was astonished. Why did he care what happened to this woman? In the years he had been involved in the shadowy world of antiquities and art, he had thought only of himself. Yet, since he had seen her dark eyes gazing out at him from the kitchen, he had been able to think of nothing but Brienne LeClerc. Strong and yet fragile, stubborn but tender-hearted, an innocent temptress.
    â€œWhy the money, then, Evan?”
    He forced himself not to smile when she used his given name. It would seem he was finding a way to captivate Miss LeClerc after all, but captivating her was not the only thing he wanted to do with her. He fought to keep from drawing her into his arms. Such a sweet armful she was.
    Keep your mind on the vase. What good will Brienne do you if you are dead? Lagrille would fulfill his threats. Not for the first time, Evan wondered if he had been offered this commission simply as an excuse to kill him. Brienne was right. That vase had no value, save for this family.
    â€œThe money is because I need your