Read Deverell's Obsession: A Risqué Regency Romance for Free Online

arrived, my dear. Will you entrust me with it again? I promise I will guard it with my life. It is yours and will always be yours. My word as a Deverell.”
    He spoke softly but with a firm determination she could not miss, even in her confused state. “Very well…Dev.” She relinquished the ring back into his keeping, and closed her eyes again as the fog threatened to overwhelm her. “But protect it. It must be secure at all costs. It is the key, you see…”
    Her final whisper ended as sleep crawled over her mind and blotted out everything once again.
     
    *~~*~~*
    “The key to what, I wonder?”
    Dev voiced the thought aloud, even though he was alone in the small ante-room of a business belonging to a Mr. Harold Tomlinson-Scott. During his brief contact with Rundell and Bridge, the foremost jeweler in London, Mr. Tomlinson-Scott had decided that his preference lay with antique items. Estate pieces from earlier eras, rather than some of the magnificent but modern pieces being created and sold by his peers.
    He would not, for example, have had much enthusiasm for the creation of the twenty or so snuffboxes, which had been distributed as diplomatic gifts after the Congress of Vienna. The budget for that little enterprise was beyond belief.
    No, Harry Scott liked the history associated with ancient pieces of finery. He enjoyed imagining the thoughts of the artisans who made such things, and the lives of those who wore them.
    Since Dev had known Harry for more years than he could remember, this small, quiet home and office was the only place he knew he could safely take Léonie’s ring for an appraisal. And maybe a bit of history as well.
    He looked at the circle of gold lying in his palm and remembered her hand as she grasped it.
    Last night…well, he found himself obliged to peek in on his guest before retiring for the night. The maid was dozing, so he sent her off to refresh herself for half an hour, promising to stay with the patient.
    And, fortuitously, that was when she had awoken.
    Dev knew there was a little laudanum available and was ready to pour it for her should the headache be unbearable. But other than that leg cramp, she’d seemed comfortable.
    Massaging her shapely calf hadn’t been a hardship. At least not for her. And he felt guilty that at the touch of her warm skin, parts of him sprang to life that had no business waking up at that time. Or in that room.
    But she was still his obsession, even though she was a real woman. He was having difficulty separating the two in his mind. And going back to his own room, seeing her portrait…well, that hadn’t helped either.
    “Good God, Dev . It’s been an age.” Harry walked into the room, stopped in surprise, then came forward with a smile and an outstretched hand. “What brings you to my humble cave?”
    Dev shook hands. “Can’t I just drop by to say good morning?”
    “No.”
    “You know me too well, damn you. How’s your mother?” Dev grinned.
    “Still nagging, but thriving, thanks.”
    “Well get yourself a wife and children and she’ll leave you alone.”
    “Dev?”
    “What?”
    “I can still knock you on your arse, you know.” Harry smirked.
    Dev, who knew that Harry had been living with a close friend for many years, simply chuckled. The close friend was a man they both knew, and only a chosen few of Harry’s acquaintances were party to the arrangement.
    “Well, give David my regards. We must get together some evening.” Dev punched Harry on the shoulder. “Now, my friend. I’m not here to get my arse kicked, but to pick your brain, believe it or not.”
    Harry looked interested. “A professional consultation? What is the world coming to?”
    Dev sighed. “Whenever you’re ready.”
    “Come on then. I’ll let you pick my brain. Provided you leave me something to think with for the rest of the day.”
    “Hmm. I’ll do my best.” Dev followed Harry through a door and into a much larger room, where there were boxes, tools,