Page 5 of Keeper of Secrets

Ryker’s frown deepened.He struggled with the knot, his thoughts elsewhere as his fingers tangled in the fabric.Thomas finally crossed the room to assist him.Once done, Thomas reached for his cufflinks, attaching the metal holders despite Ryker’s assurance he didn’t need help.Ryker held out his wrist, knowing he’d leave more quickly by just accepting the aid.Thomas inserted the cufflinks, opening them to secure his cuffs.The diamond-encrusted pieces glittered in the candlelight.“Tell my aunt I shall see her and my new charge when I break my fast tomorrow morning.”

Thomas nodded, smoothing the shoulders of Ryker’s jacket.“I’m sure she’ll agree.They are also about to leave.”

Leave?He reached for his over coat, shrugging on the garment.It was rather late to take a child out, but he was certain his aunt had her reasons.Perhaps they were going to a dinner party with other nobles who had children the same age.

After reaching for his mask and gloves in the chest of drawers within his dressing room, he gave the knot at his neck a final tug before he made his way back downstairs and out to his waiting carriage.

The trip to the public hall was short, the event blessedly close to home.Unlike a private party, the refreshments here would be sparse, ratafia one of the few beverages, and every person paid a few coins at the door.All fine with him.

He didn’t wish to be seen as a lord tonight.Just another man here to meet a lady.

The Master was already standing by the stairs when he entered.“You’re early,” he rumbled.This evening had not been going to plan.

“So are you.”

He frowned.“I just got back into town after being gone for several days.I thought it best not to stay home long or I might not have left at all.”

One of the Master’s brows rose above his black mask.“Ah.Yes.Investigating the murder.”

Ryker cocked his head to the side.Who else knew he’d been put on the task of investigating?“I see at least one member is not as keen on keeping secrets as I am.”

“That’s why you’re the Keeper,” the Master gave him a one-sided grin.“But as it stands, most members noted that you were tapped at the end of the meeting.I think we all assumed you’d been chosen to aid the investigation.As was I, but my searching took place here in London.”

He grimaced.Had he known that was an option…

He swept a gaze over the crowd to make certain no one was inadvertently listening to their conversation.

“Shall we discuss what we’ve each discovered?”the Master asked, shifting closer.

It was his turn to raise a brow, his gaze finding the Master’s once again.“You’re asking me, of all men, to divulge information at a public event?”

The Master gave a single low chuckle, or perhaps it was a grunt, as his arms crossed over his broad chest.“A tidbit that you’ll share with the entire group.No more.”

Ryker scoffed, a low sound that rumbled in his throat.“He was murdered.I can confirm that fact.”

The Master’s low chuckle bloomed into a loud, easy laugh.“Well played.”

Speaking of play…

As his gaze swept the crowd again, he noted the open door at the back of the hall.Positioned perfectly in the arch of the doorway, a woman stood outside, resting her arm on the stone rail that encased the veranda, her porcelain skin glowing in the cool moonlight.

She was perfect.

“I’ve just found my quarry,” Ryker said.

“You’re deflecting.”

“I’m winning,” he answered, adjusting the mask over his eyes.“Now, keep up.This should be quick and painless.”

“I should hope so.It’s just a kiss.”

Just a kiss.Something heavy settled in his limbs as he started for the woman.Why was it that with some women, this one in particular, the idea of even a kiss was thrilling?

He paused.Perhaps, he ought to go home.Lose.Clean up the spunk at the whorehouse.

Because he should not be this thrilled at the idea of a simple peck on the lips.

But she turned then, her profile catching the light that glistened off her blonde hair.Damn, but she was a beauty.

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