Read Loving Byrne for Free Online

on a good thing, as you Americans would say, eh?”
    She smiled, relieved by the spirited flash lighting his eyes. A long, low growl emanated from the back of the church, followed by the stamping of a boot.
    Hammond’s gaze shifted that way. “Perhaps we should go.” One bushy eyebrow quirked upward. “I fear your lieutenant will explode if we stay much longer.”
    “It is getting late. Do you need Stephen’s help to stand?”
    “No, no. I can manage.” He grunted to his feet, wavered a second, then steadied himself. “All better. Thank you, Miss Manning, for your sage and inspiring advice.”
    “You’re most welcome. I’m certain everything will work out for the best.”
    His mouth tipped into a grim smile. “From your lovely lips to God’s ears.”
    Boot heels clicked on stone, then Stephen joined them in the aisle. He pinned the other man with a glare. “It’s time to go.”
    Hammond’s smile faded. “What’s the hurry, Lieutenant?” He pulled a watch fob from a pocket and held it up to the candlelight. “It’s only quarter past ten.”
    Stephen went taut as a bowstring. “Quarter past ten.” All color drained from his face. “It’s over then. I’m sunk.”
    ****
    The wide staircase loomed ahead like the maw of a hungry beast. Stephen fisted his sword hilt and forced reluctant and quite cold feet forward. He was chilled from having to ride outside with the driver while Victoria and Hammond enjoyed the relative warmth inside the cab. And reluctant because of what waited at the top of those stairs.
    Only the napping desk clerk occupied the lobby of The Willard. No one would see them scuttling Hammond back to his room. That was one thing in their favor. Though it wouldn’t matter. Once Denton reported the British envoy’s escape, Stephen could kiss his future good-bye.
    Ahead of him, slender hips swayed seductively with each step. Embers he’d banked earlier flared to life. He doused the craving. The last time he’d indulged his wants, everything went to hell. No sense in making things worse.
    They reached the second floor landing and started down the hall. Hammond weaved slightly but was able to walk without assistance. Good thing. The dolt might find his neck being wrung instead of a helping hand.
    A uniformed figure stepped into the hallway ahead. Stephen steeled his spine, shoring himself for the tirade to come.
    “There you are, Mr. Hammond. I was wondering where you’d gotten yourself off to,” came a familiar, and very un-Denton-like Irish lilt.
    What the hell ? Stephen stepped around the slower-moving Englishman. “Lieutenant Warinner. What are you doing here?”
    Ian shoved open the door to Hammond’s room. “Denton came down with a stomach ailment, so the General sent word for me to cover his shift.”
    Luck be a leprechaun. In the form of an Irish officer who was more brother than friend. Ian and he had been roommates at West Point and upon graduation had been assigned to the same regiment in Washington. They’d been through many a ticklish situation together, including a bar brawl that pitted them against four seamen with tree-trunks for arms. Just as in the taproom, Ian would have his back, no matter what the circumstance.
    Hammond paused in the doorway, his glassy gaze finding Victoria. “Good night, Miss Manning. Thank you again for your kind words.”
    Victoria dipped a curtsey. “You’re welcome, sir. Sleep well. Dawn will bring a new and most joyous day.”
    Hammond gave her a slight bow, and then disappeared inside the hotel room. Stephen released a slow breath. Finally the Englishman was back where he belonged. Hopefully, he’d stay there.
    As the door clicked shut, Victoria turned her sweet smile on Ian. “Lieutenant Warinner. You don’t know how wonderful it is to see you.”
    “ You , Miss Manning, are the wondrous sight.”
    “Tsk-tsk. Such a charmer.” She shifted her weary gaze in his direction. “I’m sure you have things to discuss with the