Sinful Kiss (Sinful Ladies of London Book 2)

by Kristi Jun

  Then the door opened and shut. Footfall was heard. Mr. Roberts walked into the room. He must have noticed her disposition, because he was quietly observing her.

  “Are you all right?”

  “Yes,” she said. “Thank you for that.”

  “Ms. McBride, you and I need to talk,” the Bow Street Runner demanded.

  CHAPTER 3

  Kate felt like a prisoner.

  In the last twenty-four hours, she had been questioned about her past, her choices, and her life enough to last a lifetime.

  Had Lord Blackthorn requested Mr. Roberts keep her safe? Was he concerned for her safety, or was it because he didn’t trust her?

  Maybe both.

  She did not come to London for this. Growing up in the streets, she had always been on the run from the authorities and she had to learn to survive. It wasn’t something she chose to do, but it was a matter of survival, and the only means of keeping her belly full.

  Kate watched the Bow Street Runner and took in the tall length of him. She would not deny that he was a delicious specimen of a man, and if this meeting was under a different circumstance, she would definitely enjoy his company indeed. But from the looks of him, she was the last person he wished to be in the same room with, not to mention, he seemed all too serious.

  “I will be frank, Ms. McBride,” Mr. Roberts started. “I am here on behalf of Lord Blackthorn.”

  “Go on…”

  “I am on leave from Bow Street on a person matter and I am only here at Lord Blackthorn’s request.”

  Blasted man, for his bluntness.

  He paused to observe her, watching her, and she felt discomfited under his scrutiny. She surmised that was exactly what he would do with his time with her: watch her every move.

  “Since we’re being honest, Mr. Roberts, I will be frank. You don’t look the idiot sort, and I assume Lord Blackthorn has spoken to you about me. From your expression, you have your suspicions, so please ask away so we can get this meeting over with.” He seemed surprised at her frankness. “Just to be clear, I cannot stand veiled attempts to spare my feelings and, from your countenance, your eyes tell me you don’t believe in my innocence.”

  “I haven’t made up my mind yet.”

  “Why don’t I save you the time and trouble and release you of your duty. I want someone who trusts me, someone I can trust. Besides, I wouldn’t want you to compromise your honor.”

  “My honor will only be at stake if I don’t keep my word. I will make certain of your safety until Lord Blackthorn returns.”

  “Despite the fact that you think I am capable of the crimes I didn’t commit?”

  He said nothing.

  “You English are all alike; your damn honor.” He said nothing, and that drove her mad. His serious expression was set in stone, revealing nothing, and she hated it.

  “Whether you are guilty or not is not my concern. My only interest is to make sure of your safety. Nothing else. However, if you wish to reveal any concerning information that would help me to do my job, I will not stop you from revealing it.”

  “You want me to reveal concerning information to the man of the law?”

  “This isn’t official police duty,” he said. “You say you are innocent, but Mr. Hawk thinks otherwise. There must be some reason why he thinks you are guilty.”

  “I have said this numerous times, and I will say it again. Ethan was a friend. I would never even think of hurting him.”

  “The American thinks otherwise?”

  “My assumption is Mr. Hawk is angry and needs someone to blame for his brother’s death. And for what life has taken from him.”

  The runner frowned. “So, this is about vengeance?”

  “That is my guess.”

  She saw him jot down something on his notepad and shove it in his pocket. Strange, he wasn’t wearing the red waistcoats like other runners did. But then he mentioned this was not an official duty.

  “I have done nothing wrong but to extend my friendship to Ethan.” Poor Ethan she thought, recalling the last night she’d seen him. If he was in trouble, he’d tell her.

  “Anything else you’d like to tell me now?”

  “I am confused,” she said as she stood up to face him. “Is this an interrogation?”

  “No.”

  “Then why all the questions, Mr. Roberts? I thought you were here to protect me. I thought you weren’t interested if I was guilty or not. That is what you said to me a few minutes ago.”

  “I want to understand the gravity of your situation and what I am walking into.”

  The tall runner gazed at her, then his eyes lowered further to her bosom and for an instant, she thought she saw a flash of curiosity in his eyes. His eyes lifted.

  A flash of interest, perhaps? He seemed to be peering at her intently, and she was puzzled.

  She could not, for the life of her, imagine him taking pleasure in life, or enjoying a scotch or two with friends. He was too perfect. Too irritatingly perfect.

  She shifted uncomfortably and stood up, looking away as the image of him stripped naked in front of her filled her mind, unbidden. You have a filthy mind.

  Clearing her throat, she broke the awkward silence. “Very well. Ask your questions.”

  “I need to know everything you can tell me.”

  She dreaded reliving that night, knowing Ethan died later that evening. “We attended Mr. Harris’s ball in Boston together, as friends. It was a Boston Societal Ball, actually.” She failed to mention that she would never be invited, and the only reason she was there was because of Ethan. “We left before ten in the evening. He escorted me home. I told him I was leaving for Scotland. He was not happy to hear of the news, but he understood. We parted as friends.”

  “Is that all?”

  That was all he needed to know. This territory was getting dangerous for her. She didn’t like revealing this information, even though it was benign. All her life, she had done well on her own, and she didn’t need anyone’s assistance now.

  She felt her composure crumble. She knew well that when Johnathan Hawk wanted something, he usually got it. It would help her a great deal to have Roberts by her side, but he was a Bow Street Runner, and he arrested people like her.

  “Let’s be honest. Neither of us want to be in each other lives. I won’t say a word to his lordship. I give you my word. You are free to go.”

  Narrowing his eyes at her, he said, “I gave him my word. That may not mean much to you, but it means a hell of a lot to me, and I intend to keep my word. Your safety is my responsibility.”

  Stubborn, stubborn man.

  “I intend to remain here at Blackthorn Hall until his lordship’s return.”

  “Here?” she said. This was a bad idea indeed. “Why here?”

  “It was not my suggestion, but he feels it’s necessary.”

  While she appreciated his lordship’s concern, the idea of residing in the same house with the runner made her uneasy. After all, he was only doing this because of his friendship with Lord Blackthorn. “I doubt the marshal will resort to violence.” Wrong, he had already resorted to physical force. She recalled how he had gripped her neck and for a second, she thought he was angry enough to break it. Still, she did not want Mr. Roberts in the same house with her.

  “If you say he is here for vengeance, then precaution is a must. Who knows what he will resort to.”

  She sighed, frustrated, and felt an urgent need to escape. Anywhere but here. Why was this happening to her now? She gave up the thieving. Granted, she was returning stolen jewels for a price for her service, but all she wanted was some peace and quiet in her life. To read a damn book or two without mayhem in her life.

  “This isn’t a prison sentence, Ms. McBride. This is a large estate. You will have your space to do whatever it is you do all day,” he said. “I will need to take care of few things, but I will return before nightfall.” Roberts gave her a quick nod and departed.

  Blast, she was already f
eeling as if the walls were closing in on her. The need to rethink her future in London was renewed. She needed to gather her thoughts first and plan.

  ~ ~ ~

  Despite being told of her background from Blackthorn, Kane Roberts needed to find out more about the woman he was protecting. Granted she did not tell him everything, but she had not fibbed either.

  To his surprised, he was relieved.

  He walked out of Blackthorn Hall and saw the American standing on the driveway.

  “She’s a criminal,” the marshal said. He stood by his steed smoking a cigar, then slowly approached him.

  “This is private property.”

  “I reckon to leave just as soon as you know the full truth. Did she tell you she’s a thief? She steals rare jewels?” The marshal looked squarely at Roberts.

  He knew, unfortunately, but he was not about to get hooked in the unnecessary encounter. “Your words have no credibility here.”

  Narrowing his eyes, the marshal continued, “I see she got to you too. Don’t get too comfortable, because she will deceive you.”

  The man in front of him was really starting to grate on his nerves. Roberts saw a glimpse of a large pistol in a holster inside his dark gray trench coat. “Do you plan to shoot your way into getting what you want?”

  “I don’t need this,” he said, pulling his long coat back, “to fight my battles.” He tossed the cigar on the gravel and killed the flame with his dirt-ridden boot.

  “This isn’t the bloody colonies.”

  The US marshal approached. Two men nearly the same height, same build, and eye to eye. “It’s United States of America to you, fucking English. You should know, we beat your ass.”

  “A country founded on treason.” Kane’s eyes lowered to see the marshal’s fists tightening.

  Kate was right about one thing, he was blind and angry. Tension was mounting, and Roberts knew very well that this American looked as though he could pack a punch. He had no wish get into a brawl if he could avoid it. Not at Blackthorn’s estate, at least. Besides, he’d barely recovered from the tussle he’d been involved in three days ago; he had no wish to break his bruised ribs today.

  But his opponent didn’t need to know that. “I will physically remove you for trespassing, if I have to.”

  “I didn’t realize English police defended the guilty. I hear money buys pretty much anything here. Even stuffy old lord’s protection and the police.”

  How did this foreigner know he worked for Bow Street?

  Johnathan watched him carefully. “You didn’t know I knew, did you? I make it my business to know the people I intend to confront.”

  “Get the fuck out.”

  CHAPTER 4

  Attending the opera was Miss Emily Wentworth’s idea.

  Mrs. Billington was performing at the Royal Opera House this evening, and Emily had planned for both to attend in advance. Kate didn’t have the heart to make an excuse and remain home. The meeting with both Johnathan and Mr. Roberts earlier today had depleted much of her enthusiasm and energy for tonight’s event. In fact, she was fighting a terrible headache.

  They stepped off the carriage in their newly stitched gowns sewn by their modiste last week for this special event. Kate had chosen a soft pink gown lined with white silk lace and a matching reticule and silk shoes. Emily’s ivory gown made her look almost angelic and innocent.

  The street was lined with elegant carriages, and the reflection of the street lamp played off the glittering dresses. If she weren’t so jaded, she might believe in fairytales and happy endings.

  Each passenger stepped out in their most elegant dress and gracefully walked up the steps. She followed the crowd, looking beyond them to the periphery of the street.

  “Are you looking for someone, Ms. McBride?”

  “No,” she said, looking away. Perhaps the runner had changed his mind, she thought with unexpected disappointment. Shaking it off, she gave herself a mental slap for feeling this way. “You must call me Kate.”

  Emily smiled even wider. “Then I insist you call me Emily.”

  Kate walked into the foyer with Lady Wentworth by her side. The room was packed and already entirely too stuffy, but seeing the joy on Emily’s face lightened her heart—such innocence.

  “My brother hasn’t allowed me to attend balls for three years.”

  “I didn’t know.”

  “It’s all right. He had his reasons to do so. I don’t blame him really, not after what happened.” Emily looked away, still smiling.

  Kate wanted to inquire further about her comment, but she didn’t. She understood all too well the need for discretion. After all, she had her own secrets she wasn’t proud of.

  “It’s a lovely night, isn’t it?”

  “Good evening, ladies,” a familiar voice said behind them.

  Both ladies turned instantly toward the voice and saw Johnathan donned in shiny boots, tailored coat, cravat, and breeches.

  “Mr. Hawk,” Emily said. “How do you do?”

  “Well,” he said, gazing into Emily’s eyes.

  The exchange between them was curious. Emily seemed to be fascinated with Johnathan, but that interest wasn’t reciprocated. Of course not, the only thing running through his veins was vengeance.

  “I hope you are not following me, Mr. Hawk?” Kate said.

  “Merely making certain you don’t run,” Johnathan Hark retorted. “That is what you are good at, right? Oh, and stealing.”

  Before she could give her response, he bowed to Emily. “Have a wonderful evening, ladies.”

  “Wonderful evening, my ass,” she hissed quietly. Emily gazed at her with a look of concern. She had not given much explanation as to her relationship with Johnathan, and Emily was too polite to bluntly ask questions regarding their exchange. “I am sorry about him. He is a very troubled man with a long history which I can’t get into right now.”

  “Of course,” she said.

  “I appreciate your discretion,” Kate noted. “I will explain everything to you when the time is right.”

  Emily nodded. “I trust that you will.”

  The woman was naïve. Or was it her innocence? Kate wasn’t certain.

  “I believe our family private box is this way,” Emily said, linking her arm to gather Kate and guiding her up the grand stairs.

  Just then, Kate felt a large hand on the small of her back. She turned to see the runner behind her, his hand still touching her and sending a heat wave through her spine. He was donned in a gentleman’s attire and she must admit, he looked rather dashing and very handsome.

  “Good evening.” He nodded to Lady Wentworth in greeting, then he whispered in Kate’s ear, “I am sorry for the delay.”

  The warmth of his breath in her ear tickled her senses. She gave another look at the tall drink of him. He was polished like a new minted coin and she suddenly felt uncomfortably warmer.

  She vowed to have a good evening, no matter what. Mr. Roberts escorted them to their seats inside the private box. Once they were seated, he excused himself, promising to return shortly.

  Emily asked, “May I inquire about the American gentleman?”

  “The gentleman?” Kate said. “Mr. Hawk isn’t a gentleman. He is a brute, and that’s being kind.”

  “A brute?” Emily repeated.

  “Yes,” Kate said. “Do not tell me you are…interested in him?”

  “I’m merely inquisitive about his place of origin. After all, I’ve never met an American before.”

  “Believe me, he isn’t that interesting of a man.” She hoped her nonchalance and choice of words would deter Emily from further questions. He’d only break her innocent heart and shatter it into a thousand pieces.

  Emily seemed hesitant.

  “What is it?” Kate asked.

  “If you don’t mind me asking, what transpired between you in the parlor yesterday? You seemed…well, quite ill at ease.”

  Kate looked at her friend and thought about what she cou
ld say. Of course, it would have to be another lie. In truth, she was tired of lying to the people in her life. She decided she wasn’t going to lie to Emily, not entirely anyway. There were some things she could not reveal to Emily without risking their friendship. “The reality is he is grieving the loss of his wife, his infant baby, and recently, his brother.”

  Emily covered her mouth in shock. “How terrible,” she exclaimed. “The pain he must be in right now.”

  Clearly, she did not help the situation. Perhaps she should not have used the word grief. Maybe anger and vengeance would have sufficed. At least Emily would be frightened enough to stop asking about him.

  “Does he blame you for this?” she asked. “It seems as though he was accusing you of something.”

  “I suppose there are many things I am to blame for,” she admitted. “Do you mind if we discuss this later? I seem to be having a headache.”

  Emily had befriended Amelia last month at a ball they both attended. From there, Kate was introduced to Emily. There was part of her that was refreshing, an innocence and a sense of hope that Emily always embodied.

  Emily’s brother, the Duke of Kemp, was very protective of her. Kate surmised it was her connection to Lord Blackthorn that allowed for their friendships to flower.

  She was beginning to perspire in this muggy interior as the room became thick with people below. Unfolding her fan, she started to fan herself. The view from Emily’s family’s private box was amazing. Looking out into the crowd below, she watched as she fanned her glistening face, not certain who she was searching the crowd for.

  ~ ~ ~

  Roberts saw the magistrate at the ball with his wife. He wanted to inquire about extending the date of the trial. It was a risk he had to take.

  The maid who had worked for his family had been at the house the night his father died. She’d been missing since that evening. In fact, the authority had said there was no one at the house, except for the neighbor. If he could only find out where she was hiding and question her, it could mean his mother’s freedom.