Page 53 of Keeper of Secrets

“I have.”He grimaced at his aunt.

“And are you still sending Chloe to another estate?”

“Yes, but…”

“No buts.If you send her away, I shall never speak to you again.”

He sighed.“I’m going with her, Aunt Mildred, and you’re coming too.My apologies but we’re going to have to miss this season.”

Aunt Mildred’s eyes widened in surprise.“I think you might want to start from the beginning.”

“I’ll tell you all of it, but first, I need to send word to a few men.The gentleman,” he used that term loosely, “who did this is still out there and I’m going to need some help.”

Aunt Mildred looked at him, surprise widening her eyes.“You are asking for help?That’s a welcome change.”

He only smiled.His aunt didn’t know the half of it.But the footman arrived, and he handed the man the letter.“See these delivered.And on your way out, stop by the kitchen to have a bath sent up.”

The footman left and Ryker turned back to his aunt, leaning over to kiss her cheek.“Are you recovered?”

“I’m fine,” she answered, her face contorted in lines of disbelief.“Are you sure you’re well?”

“Fit as a fiddle and finally in tune.”

His aunt let out a burst of laughter.“I thought maybe that girl had what it took.”

“To what?”he asked, just wanting to hear his aunt say it.

“To tame a wild beast of a rake.”And then she turned and headed back down the hall, chuckling as she went.

* * *

Two hours later,freshly bathed, he kissed Chloe.“This shouldn’t take more than an hour.”

He’d heard back from Strongborn.The duke had agreed to meet Ryker here this afternoon.While he knew that Chloe was perfectly safe tucked in his home, he didn’t wish to leave her.

And so he made his way down to the front sitting room, where Strongborn was already waiting.

But he wasn’t alone.The Summoner and the Master were both with him.

“Gentlemen,” he rumbled entering the room.

“Helmsworth,” Strongborn rumbled back.“I’d worry about protecting your identity, but I already know why you’ve called us here.”

“Do you?”

“You’re leaving us.”

He couldn’t deny it, nor did he want to.

The Master, masked, chuckled.“So, you’re giving up the position to me.”

“If you want it,” he answered back, not the least bit sorry to quit that competition.“And I wish you luck.”

“He doesn’t care, Master, because he’s decided to marry Miss Fairchild.”

“The woman he kissed?”the Master asked.

“No.His charge.”Strongborn answered.“A beautiful blonde who has managed to twist him into knots.”

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