Page 31 of The Hellion and the Captain
“Would she keep the secret?” Rhys asked, not liking the idea of bringing anyone else in.
“Of course she would,” Lily said. “We have been friends with her forever, and she was always mischievous, although not to the extent of Emmaline, of course.”
Emmaline shot her a sharp look, and Lily laughed. “It’s true. Anyway, yes, Minnie would be a good idea. Her father is a partner of Emmaline’s grandfather, so she has familiarity with many different circles of people.”
Rhys caught the brief twinge of concern that crossed Emmaline’s face.
“What is it?” he asked.
“Nothing,” she said, turning a surprised look upon him.
“Something is bothering you about that plan.”
“It’s not the plan,” she said. “It is just… Minnie is exceptionally beautiful. She will attract a great deal of attention.”
“No woman could be that beautiful,” he said, stopping before he said what he was truly thinking – that no woman could be as beautiful as she was.
“Oh, but she is,” Emmaline insisted. “You’ve seen her. You just must not realize who she is. She was at Lily and Colin’s party at the beginning of the season. You looked at her a great many times.”
He had been looking at Emmaline. Now that she mentioned it, however, he recalled her speaking to a blond woman, although he couldn’t conjure an image of her.
He frowned, and Lily broke the silence.
“You should have a code.”
“A code?” Rhys said.
“A way to communicate on the field, in case Emmaline needs help, then one of you will be able to cover for her.”
“Just say ‘help,’” Rhys said without expression, and Lily rolled her eyes.
“That’s not quite good enough.”
“Offside,” Colin suggested. “If Emmaline says ‘offside’ during a match, it means she needs assistance or for one of us to intervene.”
Rhys nodded thoughtfully. It was a term they used frequently enough that it wouldn’t raise suspicions but could easily be worked into conversation if the need arose. “And in social situations, if she mentions her ‘Aunt Eliza,’ that can be our signal that she needs one of us to assist.”
Emmaline beamed at them, clearly pleased with the plan taking shape. Rhys couldn’t help but admire her enthusiasm, even as a part of him still wrestled with the risks they were undertaking.
As the discussion progressed, they ironed out additional details – establishing alibis, coordinating schedules, and refining Emmaline’s disguise. Rhys was impressed by her quick wit and creativity as she offered suggestions and insights.
Despite his initial reservations, he began to see the potential in their scheme. If they worked together, they could pull this off. And if they did... the possibilities were tantalizing. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, Emmaline’s skill could be the edge they needed to secure the cup.
“Let’s have a toast,” Lily said once all of the details were settled.
“With our teacups?” Colin asked, raising a brow, and she nodded. “To new friendships and victories.”
“To new friendships,” Emmaline said, meeting Rhys’s eyes.
“And to victories,” he said back. In that moment, a silent understanding passed between them. They were in this together now, for better or worse.
But looking at the determination in her gaze, the fire that sparked there, Rhys realized that as challenging as this might be, theywouldface it together. Head-on. He had spent his life as part of a team, but he had never had such a partnership before.
He rose to his feet, offering his hand to Emmaline. “Well then, Emmaline – or should I say, Emmett – let us begin. We have work to do. As skilled as you are, your conditioning and your speed need to improve. It’s not your fault — you’re not used to it. But we’re going to have to spend some additional time practicing. Are you up for it?”
She grinned, clasping his hand firmly in her own. “Lead the way, Captain Lockwood. I’m ready for whatever comes next.”
As they shook on it, sealing their pact, a thrill of anticipation coursed through Rhys from where their hands touched, and it had nothing to do with football.
