Page 33 of Keeper of Secrets

“Of course you do,” Mildred patted her hand.“He’s handsome and charming when he’s not being an ass.And try to understand.His mother all but ran away and my brother was far too hard on the boy.Used the rod far more than he ever gave affection.What Ryker needs is your love.Show him that and you’ll tame him in no time.”

“But…” Chloe shook her head.“I risk so much.”

Mildred’s eyes set in determined lines.“It’s time to be brave, my sweet girl.You’re on your own and what you’ve lacked is fortitude.It’s time to learn.The prize is worth the risk.”

Chloe swallowed down a lump.She hoped Mildred was right.“What did you have in mind?”

Caroline entered the room and both Chloe and Mildred rose.“Since Caroline will be with you tonight, she should also know the plan.We know that Ryker is jealous of other men.We’re going to use that to our advantage.”

“Oh, yes.”Caroline nodded.“That’s the perfect weapon.”

“We know he’s been lacking in love, and that, my dear, you can give him in spades if he’d allow himself to be open to it.”Mildred tapped her chin.“And we know he wishes to be nothing like his father, which is why he’s been so resistant to marriage.You need to make him understand that he’s just as cruel and selfish in his own way.”

“Oh Mildred,” Chloe shook her head.“I don’t know if I can.I’m not used to doing such things.It will hurt him terribly, I’m sure of it.”

“Strength girl.”Mildred patted her knee.“He locked you in your bedroom, he deserves some of his own medicine.”

“Caroline, you distract his friend so Chloe can speak to him privately.Just get his hackles up first.”

Caroline nodded.

“Don’t let him ruin you, Chloe.Take it to the line but don’t cross it.Because you’re right, if he chooses to be truly stubborn, we’ll have to find you another husband.I want you to tame him, but don’t ruin your future to do it.”

Be strong, be brave, tempt, and then resist.Chloe swallowed down a lump of doubt.There was no way she was actually going to succeed.Was she?

* * *

Ryker stoodon the edge of the ballroom, scanning the crowd for Adam.Perhaps he should have brought Chloe after all.He could have watched her.Seen if she tried to meet with the zealot.Once again, he’d been thinking with his emotions instead of his brain.Chloe was going to be the death of him.

“I see someone interesting,” Strongborn rumbled, shifting next to him.

“Is it Adam?”

Strongborn quirked a brow.“No.It’s the Widow Smith.”

Ryker let out a frustrated breath.Even the Emperor was less focused on the investigation than Ryker.But everything in his life was tied together.

Images of Chloe in that dress had been flitting through his thoughts all evening.

No lady here held a candle to her beauty.Would his remembrances fade once he sent her away?Because he’d sworn not to bed her, but he couldn’t find another appealing.It was damned frustrating.

He scanned the room again.

She was going to be furious with him.He grimaced.He should have just stayed home with her.He’d much rather have his hand up her skirts…

But he forced himself to stop.Touching Chloe was a one-time event.And he’d have to suffer her anger because he intended to make her his wife if for no other reason than to keep other men from taking what should be his.

But how was he going to prevent anyone else from touching her if he sent her far away?She’d been so warm and soft and eager in his arms.Was it fair to suppress that sensual side of her?To deny her needs?

And what if she really was an agent of their enemy?His thoughts swirled in another useless circle, no answers becoming clear.

Across the room a flash of blonde hair caught his gaze.He let out a rumble.That hair looked like Chloe’s.So few women had such thick, luxuriant strands.It wasn’t lost on him that he was now imagining her in the ballroom even though he knew the truth.She was tucked safely at home.

But then the woman turned toward him, their gazes locking.“Chloe,” he said through clenched teeth.Worse still, around her was a gaggle of men.His hands clenched into balls at his sides.He’d strangle each one of them slowly.

“Who’s Chloe?”Strongborn asked.“Your charge, Chloe?”

“None of your fucking business,” he answered, leaving Strongborn to intercept his charge.She was going to be his wife.Why did she need the attention of those egits?

---