Page 8 of Keeper of Secrets

Her blonde hair had shone in the moonlight, her blue eyes so clear, they sparkled, framed by thick lashes.

Her high cheekbones had only highlighted the perfect bow of her mouth and he didn’t even wish to start on her cleavage…

The very thought of her generous curves had every muscle in his body tightening.

The Master reached out a hand, swiping his fingers down the arm of the second girl.“Hey, love.”

She gave him a giddy smile, a small titter falling from her lips as he pulled her into the alcove.

One of his arms wrapped about her back and just like that, he plucked a kiss from her lips, her gasp of excited breath filling the small space.

And then the Master let her go.“Much obliged.”

She giggled again, scurrying after her companion, giving the Master several glances over her shoulder as she hurried away.

“Done.”The Master winked behind his mask.

Ryker quirked a brow.“Extra points for efficiency, but you forgot to ask if she was a debutante.”

“Shit.You’re right.”The Master, frowned, his eyes scanning the crowd again.

But Ryker didn’t wish to wait for the man to complete the task properly.He had thinking to do at home.“I allow it, considering I’m in a rush.”

“How do I know you won’t tell everyone, sending me to Esmerelda’s?”

“I’m the Keeper, aren’t I?Your secret is safe.”

“You still topped me.You managed a rare beauty.”The Master looked back out where Chloe had been.

Ryker followed the other man’s gaze.He had managed a rare beauty.He knew he’d be thinking of Chloe for a long time to come.But he’d also have to make certain his aunt was none the wiser.That was of the utmost importance too.

What cursed luck that she was acquainted with the only family member he cared about.

With that in mind, he started out the doors, and called for his carriage, making his way back home.

Oddly, he didn’t feel the normal rush of having completed a game, the surge of triumph somehow lacking.

In its place were memories of the softness of his conquest’s mouth and the silky texture of her skin under his fingers.

Chloe was exceptionally beautiful.A woman, if he were a different man, he would savor.But the only thing he savored was his liquor.Which was his cue to leave…

He returned home, heading to his study, where he promptly poured himself a tall snifter of scotch.Removing his coat and cravat, he pushed up his shirt sleeves and then downed the drink in a single swallow.

Glancing at his desk, several pieces of correspondence lay on top.The first was clearly marked with the King’s seal.He grimaced.He didn’t need to open the letter to know the contents.The King was most eager for Ryker to marry and make an heir.It was not a task Ryker relished, in fact, he looked upon it with a great deal of dread.

He mostly ignored the King’s requests, but of late they’d grown more… pressing.He crossed the room, a second letter catching the plain wax seal with no crest.He lifted the note, intent upon opening it when the sound of carriage wheels outside alerted him that his aunt had arrived.

He gave her time to make her way upstairs, having another drink before he started up the stairs toward her chamber.

She’d been a mother to him, so he saw nothing odd about knocking on her door despite the late hour.“Aunt Mildred?”

“Come in,” she called back.

He entered the room to find Aunt Mildred sitting at her vanity removing her own jewelry.She looked older than he’d ever seen her and for a moment, he forgot all his own minor irritants, concern blooming for his aunt.“Are you all right?”

“Fine,” she answered with a thin smile.“Just tired from the journey.”

“You’re never tired.”

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