Page 4 (1/2)

Daphne sighed The next hour would be long and painful At least he’d not

atory co Had that been the case, she’d have thrown hi to do under the circumstances

“Whatever the reason, I arateful to have someone to talk to” Daphne turned and climbed the stairs Fear was the last e in her eyes

The trudge of heavy footsteps confir Daphne led him into the small parlour, a place clean and colance around the roo an assessment

“Pray, take a seat” Daphne waved to the chair next to the hearth “I can light a fire if you’re cold”

“That won’t be necessary I have a strong constitution Nights spent trawling the streets thickens the blood”

His narrow gaze travelled down the front of her pelisse and lingered on the sturdy brown boots A s With the hour being late, one did not need Aristotle’s grasp of logic to know she wore nothing but a nightgown beneath the coat

The absence of his greatcoat proved intriguing Thorpe wore it as a priest did a ceremonial robe It was a symbol of his work, acted as a arth andwith scoundrels

“Yet you have not been walking the streets tonight, Mr Thorpe” She inhaled the exotic scent of incense, cheap perfu air Despite her skill in deduction, any woman would knohere he had been “Is it true what they say?”

“About what?”

“That one must have a cold heart to bed a whore”

Despite his blank expression, the muscle in his cheek twitched “One must have a cold heart and an e satisfaction”

His honesty was refreshing The comment held a wealth of information that would keep her awake for hours “Thankfully, there are h couldn’t i with desire “Your work has always brought contentment”

“At the risk of sounding patronising, they are entirely different needs”

Daphne moved to the side table and pulled the stopper from the decanter As soon as he heard the clink of crystal, he would know her fingers trembled “I understand passion, Mr Thorpe” It was a lie She knew kindness and consideration, but not the burning force that was said to be all-consu