Page 95 of The Duke's Mysterious Lover
As Thorne spun her to a halt, she met his eyes once more, giggles still escaping her lips. He was looking at her as if she were a miracle.Hismiracle.
“Christ, Kit, ye’re magnificent. How angry would ye be if I told ye I loved ye again?”
Grinning, not caring how many eyes were on her thanks to her brash laughter, Kit’s hand moved toward his neck so her gloved fingers could stroke the skin above his collar. “Honestly? At this moment? Not at all.”
Something likevictoryandjoyandperfectionflashed across his face, and he scooped her hand in his. “It’s possible I’ve ruined my reputation completely tonight, my love, so I really,reallyneed to refrain from pulling ye into my arms and making love to yer mouth, the way I want.”
“Is that another way of saying you want to kiss me?” she teased.
“I love ye, Kit.” He placed a kiss on the back of her hand, then flipped her hand over and—in front of everyone!—kissed the inside of her wrist. He didn’t drop her gaze, which had turned smokey, as he whispered thickly, “Good Christ, I love ye.”
She opened her mouth to respond eagerly, to tell himshelovedhim, but a cold voice interrupted her.
“That is quite enough of that.”
The voice sent ice down Kit’s spine, and she saw Thorne’s eyes widen just slightly before he disguised his reaction with his usual jovial smile. “Bonkinbone!” he announced in delight,turning to offer the man his hand. “Congratulations on yer betrothal!”
Kit watched as her father studied Thorne, clearly trying to decide if the man was sincere. But she knew him well, and knew no one would be able to tell he wasn’t.
Finally, her father shook Thorne’s hand stiffly. “Thank you. You are well, I trust?”
“Och, well, I’m settling into the new title. As are ye, I see.”
There was nothing in Thorne’s words or expression to indicate anything other than innocent cheer, but Father still inspected him closely, as an entomologist might study a butterfly he was considering adding to his collection.
It was then that Kit realized her father didn’tknow, not really.
HeknewThorne had once worked for him, but Thorne had quit when he’d become his uncle’s heir presumptive, so as not to endanger the dukedom. Before the purge had begun.
Heknewthere were a group of his ex-agents who were tracking his movements and gathering evidence and trying to bring him to justice…but he didn’t know if Thorne was part of them.
Heknewhis daughter was here at his betrothal ball, but he didn’t know why Kit was here with Thorne, and how much either knew.
Kit felt her lips curling into a cold smile. He was unsure.
Soon her fatherwouldknow. She’d make certain.
Finally, Father nodded once, firmly. “Good. Stroken, thank you for attending. I know my fiancé’s family is delighted to welcome you. Now, I wonder if I might steal away your…companion?”
He had barely glanced at her.
But he knew.
Thorne did a passable job of blinking in surprise. “Of course. May I introduce Miss Katherine Pastorino? Kit,darling, this is William Stoughton, the Earl of Bonkinbone. I’m certain dancing with him will make ye even more of a smashing success.” He winked at Father. “But dinnae let yer lovely fiancé think ye’re neglecting her.”
He was giving a smashing impression of a complete idiot, but unfortunately the performance was lost on her father, who now studied Kit with an icy gaze. “Miss Pastorino,” he finally offered with the slightest incline of his head.
Remembering just in time that she was the one who supposedly set up this meeting, Kit merely arched one brow imperiously. “Delighted, my lord.”
“Oh, there’s Brokenbush!” Thorne announced brightly. “I need a word! Kit, I’ll fetch ye in a few moments,” he blurted to her, already craning his head as if to catch sight of an acquaintance. “Brokenbush, auld chap, it’s been too long!” he called as he hurried off.
And then, despite the crowd around them, she was alone with her father.
The orchestra had started another tune, this one slower. Father lifted his hand, she settled hers atop his glove, and they began to move.
He wasn’t nearly as good a dancer as Thorne. Or perhaps it was because Kit was too nervous to enjoy herself.
As if she could enjoy herself in this situation.
