Page 95 of Lord of Fortune
She realized she may not have spoken that loudly enough, so she repeated with more volume, “Is that the White Book?”
“Indeed it is. Foliot entrusted it to me a few years ago when he became concerned that someone would trace it to him. Now we shall take it, along with the heart, to Foliot directly so that he can put them together with the dagger and do whatever it is he’s wanted to do.” He tucked the book under his arm.
No, that wouldn’t do. She needed to take the book and leave without him. Perhaps she could shoot him again…
He reached up and touched his bare neck. “Damn, I suppose I should dress.” He turned toward the hall. “I’ll be but a moment. Unless you’d care to help me.” He leered at her, and she could see the gin had settled in to take effect. His eyes were less focused than they’d been a few minutes ago.
This was her moment. Shoot him and attract the attention of Mrs. Jones and Mr. Jones, assuming he was here. Or, find some way to get the book out of Thaddeus’s hands and get him upstairs.
Unfortunately, she could think of only one way to do that.
Swallowing her loathing, she sauntered toward him with a sultry smile. “Why don’t I help you dress?” she offered. “Or undress…” She took the book from his grasp and set it on the table next to his glass.
His eyes narrowed to lecherous slits, and before she knew it, he’d put his arms around her waist and pulled her to his chest. “I like the direction of your mind.” He lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her. His lips were parted, and she could taste the gin on his breath.
She suffered his kiss for what seemed an eternity before gently pushing him away. “Come, let’s go upstairs,” she announced loudly, taking him by the hand and pulling him toward the hall.
He followed with alacrity, stumbling slightly when they started up the stairs. Dear God, please let him fall unconscious from the gin and laudanum.
If he didn’t, she’d have to come up with an alternate plan or find herself in dire straits indeed.
