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nodded. “I would very much enjoy hearing it. Tell your coachman that—”
    â€œCoachman?” His smile vanished.
    â€œIsn’t that your carriage out in the street?”
    â€œNo!” Evan rushed to a window overlooking the street. Pound notes crackled beneath his feet, but he ignored them as he drew the drapes aside. When he saw the street was empty, he cursed under his breath. Madame LeClerc must have frightened them away.
    He knew he was being followed. That was why he had come through the disgusting alley at the back of the salon. If they—whoever they were—had traced him here, he must not leave immediately. To be seen now would guarantee more trouble for the LeClerc women.
    â€œDo you recognize them? Will we be receiving a call from more of your friends?”
    He turned to Brienne. Any man who thought only of her china doll prettiness would discover he was a fool. She possessed sharp wits. Those wits must not fail her now when she had to learn, and learn swiftly, that he might be her only ally.
    â€œWhoever your grandmother saw is gone.” Letting the drapes fall back into place, he lifted one foot and peeled off the pound note stuck to his shoe. He smiled and handed it to Brienne. “I believe this is yours.”
    She pressed it back into his hand. “Take your blood money and get out. If you don’t leave, I shall—I shall—”
    â€œWhat? Call Haviland?” He chuckled. “Mayhap you like having him panting over you.”
    â€œâ€™Twould be better than you!” A flush seared her cheeks as he laughed.
    â€œI shall try to remember that, Brienne.” Lessening the distance between them, he smiled again as she inched backward.
    When she bumped into a table, he reached past her to steady a lamp. He curved his arm around her waist and pulled her to him. Her softness was everything he had remembered last night as he had stared at his ceiling, unable to sleep. She opened her mouth, but he gave her no chance to protest.
    Her lips were as sweet as wine beneath his and just as intoxicating. Seeking within her mouth for more pleasure, he relished the caress of her breath against his tongue. When her fingers swept up his arms, he leaned her back against the table. He wanted to sample every inch of her, tasting each flavor she offered, urging her to be as bold. He deepened his kiss until her breath strained against his mouth.
    Something crackled under his foot. The noise made by the money crashed like a fist against his face. With an oath, he pulled away.
    Brienne watched in silence as Evan went to stand once again by the window, his hands clasped so tightly behind his back, she could see his bleached knuckles. Looking down at the pound notes scattered on the floor, she took a single step toward him. She froze when he spoke without facing her.
    â€œNow that we have personal matters out of the way, shall we talk business?”
    Personal matters? Was that how he dismissed that mind-sapping kiss? She did not dare take another step. Her legs were still atingle with the sensation of his strong limbs against them. What a fool she was to let him sweep her away from her good sense with his well-practiced kisses!
    â€œIs this how you seduce all your business partners into giving you what you want?” Frustration filled her voice.
    His laugh was terse. “Of course not, but business must come first.”
    â€œDon’t you ever think of anything other than this business?”
    â€œI cannot.” He turned to look at her, and she wished he had not. His eyes were as dull as the cast-iron stove, and the fire within was as fierce. “And neither, Brienne, can you now. Our enemies will kill to get what they want.”
    She gasped. “But no one kills someone over something like that silly vase.”
    â€œYou are innocent, Brienne. Some people need no reason to kill. They do it simply for the pleasure.”
    Her grandmother walked slowly