Page 16 of Keeper of Secrets

He smiled then, so charming and handsome that her breath stuck in her throat.“Not women that look like you, Chloe.Women of both breeding age and with the correct temperament, who might understand my requirements, are very difficult to find.”

“My temperament?”

His smile broadened.“You know what I mean.”His smile disappeared.

“I’m not certain I do.”She pressed her hands to her stomach, knowing this was her moment to ask for what she needed most.“Which is why I must implore you to fund a modest dowry?—"

“Out of the question.”

His tone left no room for debate as her shoulders curled in.“But…”

“Chloe, it’s marriage to me or find your own future.Those are the choices I’m offering.”

Her breath caught in her lungs as she realized he held all the cards, and he’d use every one to get his way.She hated this deal.But what choice did she have?A shiver ran through her, tears pricking at her eyes.She didn’t have any choice at all.“Fine.I accept.”

“Good girl.I’ll leave you to tell Mildred the good news.As my wife, I’ll expect your confidence.The details of our arrangement are for you and me alone.No one else needs to know.”

“Of course.”She might hate him.Had she kissed him last night?Found him handsome this morning?He was a cold-blooded snake.One who planned to shunt her off to the country to live as a well-paid spinster.

“Good.”He turned away, and her stomach plummeted.She had to do something.She couldn’t lose like this… so completely.Her future and happiness were at stake.So, she attempted to draw herself up, and find some well of confidence inside her that she hardly knew even existed.

“I have one request.”The words fell from her lips in a breathy rush.

He looked back at her then.“You’re hardly in the position?—”

She lifted a finger.If she didn’t stop him, she might never get this out.“It’s been my lifelong dream to travel to London.I’d like to stay for the season.”

“The season?”

“I don’t need to participate in high society.I just want to experience the city a bit.If I do go out, I can go out with you as your charge or some such thing, but I’ve only just arrived.Please don’t send me away yet.”She held her breath, knowing that she wanted more than just to explore London.

She was about to tie herself to this man.She’d learn what she was dealing with before they were formally wed.“And I’d like a fortnight before our ceremony.”

“I’m not posting the banns.”

He wouldn’t.That would be a public announcement.“It’s not about that.I just wish for a bit of time to adjust.”

He grimaced.“Chloe.”

“Please,” she heard the begging in her voice, her gaze surely pleading as she stared back at him.

“Fine.But no more time than that.”

She nodded, relief making her limp again, as he turned, leaving, without so much as a goodbye.Not even a kiss on the hand of the woman he’d just asked to marry.

She had a fortnight to decide if she wished to change her mind, to stay and honor the arrangement or leave, which was good.Because she might have just made a deal with the devil.

* * *

Ryker climbed into his carriage,raking a hand through his hair, surely making the strands stand on end.He had a meeting with the Emperor to share his findings about Adam, and it was the very last thing he wished to do today, especially after everything that had transpired this morning.

Ryker was a man used to keeping private matters private.The idea that he’d just proposed to a woman and planned to marry, had unsettled him.Remaining single was the one absolute in their ranks, even more important than the secret identities they maintained at the club.If any of the men found out about Chloe, he’d be out, no longer allowed among their ranks.

And other than Mildred, the club was all he cared about.

And then there was the matter of Chloe’s request to remain in London.How the hell was he going to manage that?The attraction that crackled between them was palpable.It was a grave detriment to his plan because if he impregnated his wife, he would truly be in danger of becoming his father.

Perhaps Chloe was right.Mayhap he should choose a woman who was less… well… just less.

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