Page 35 of Ruling Destiny

I nod, relieved to slip out of this so easily. “But now I must take my leave, so…” I start to move past when I’m struck by the sight of the pocket watch he now holds in his hand.

“It’s an unusual piece,” he says, reading my expression. “Would you like a closer look?”

There’s a notable shift in the air, like a switch has been flipped, transforming this handsome nineteenth-century gentleman into someone who’s clearly his opposite.

I avert my gaze, aware of the kick of my heart, the frantic clang of my pulse filling my ears. “That’s quite all right. I really must—”

“You really must—” He steps before me, blocking my way. And it’s only now that I notice the sickly sweet grin glued to his face.

My breath grows ragged, coming so quickly I struggle to steady myself.

I can’t let him see my fear. I can’t—

“You’re not afraid of being alone with me, are you?” He tips his head toward mine, and for one horrifying moment, when my gaze meets his, I swear I see the duke’s hideous face staring right back.

But it can’t be. It’ll never be the duke again. But that doesn’t mean this stranger’s intentions aren’t just as bad.

I narrow my gaze, and in the most imperious voice I can summon, I say, “This is most improper. Now if you’ll please step aside—” Before I can finish, he’s cutting me off.

“You’re right,” he says, blue eyes glimmering on mine. “There’s nothing proper about any of this. So tell me, little Time Jumper: What exactly is it you seek?”

My face has gone white. I know this because I can literally feel the blood draining away, pooling down to my feet, leaving them heavy, leaden, unable to flee.

“I spotted you the moment you arrived,” he tells me.

And that’s when I remember—he was in the garden. He was one half of the couple that overheard our conversation.

“Your friends are in the ballroom.” He makes a vague gesture toward the door I’d do anything to be on the other side of. “Dancing, drinking.Thieving.” He emphasizes that word. “They do appear to be enjoying themselves. Last I saw of the fair one—Elodie is her name?”

He looks to me for confirmation, but I give nothing away. “She’s run off with her gentleman friend. I’ve seen her on many occasions. And yet, her only interest is a bit of light thieving and the boy—mainly the boy.” He lifts a brow, chuckling softly. “Unlike you, Elodie poses no threat. Butyouare on a mission. Which I suppose is why you’ve captured my interest.”

“You are gravely mistaken,” I say. “And now I must insist you step out of my way.” I square my shoulders and lift my chin, hoping to come off as indignant, deeply offended, but the man remains firmly in place, completely unmoved by my display.

“Look—” He directs my gaze to the pocket watch he’s balanced on the center of his palm, bidding me to watch as he spins it in a way that never once falters.

On one side is a clock face.

On the other, an engraving of a familiar circular design.

And before I can stop it, I’m mesmerized, locked into place. Watching as those circles appear, then disappear, only to reappear once more. Only vaguely aware of the man before me, regarding me with a look of bemusement as he waits for me to wear myself out and finally come to terms with my fate.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long.

21

I’m not sure how long it takes for me to snap out of it, but once I do, I glare at the man before me and say, “Are you going to let me go? Or shall I scream for help?”

His lips curve slightly upward as he folds the pocket watch into his fist. “Though it’s likely the orchestra will prevent anyone from hearing your cries, please, do not hold back on my account.”

Not only is he not wrong, but he also knows I’ve issued a challenge I’m unwilling to meet. Mainly because I can’t afford to draw that sort of attention to myself.

“Then perhaps you could let me go and spare us both the trouble,” I suggest, only to watch as he takes another step toward me, standing so close now that if I wanted, I could reach out and snatch that golden pocket watch right out of his hand. Then take it back to Gray Wolf and turn it over to Arthur as one of my Gets.

If only this man wasn’t nearly twice my height and double my weight, I’d do exactly that.

Though surely, it’s safer to try to talk my way out of this mess. Or at least that’s what I think until I blink three times and see the clock is quickly running down.

Only thirty-one minutes left.

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