Deception (3 page)

“She is magnificent.”

Dorian kept his expression stoic and neutral. Was the head of The Company also pining away for Lillian? He struggled to keep his seat and not draw a weapon or jump across the desk and strangle Cullum. “Sir?”

“If you had ever seen her fight, she is something to behold.”

“Are you planning to pursue Miss Dellacourt in a romantic fashion, sir?” Why had he asked his boss such a forward question? He was done for.

“No. Of course not. My interest is strictly business.” Another fleeting grin replaced his stoic expression.

The tightness in Dorian’s chest eased. “And is there some reason we are discussing the notably splendid lady?”

“The thing I have always admired about you, Lambert, is in spite of your title and upbringing among those who patter around an issue, you always get directly to the point.”

“I shall take that as a compliment, sir.”

“As it was intended.” Cullum, on the other hand, liked to play games. He enjoyed making the people under his command figure things out for themselves.

Dorian had still not decided if this was an effective tool or some kind of sick torture.

“The lady is going to venture out on her own.”

“Is she?” His gut clenched. Was she leaving The Company and where would she go?

“She won’t be able to leave the matter of Shafton’s overreaction alone. She’ll want answers.”

“She’s going to disobey your order to stay here until you find her a suitable partner?”

“I would bet my life on it.” Cullum casually inspected his fingernails. Curious that a hunter’s disobedience should not cause him distress.

“You want me to stop her.”

He loosed a short burst of amusement. “I’m not sure you could, though I should like to see that match.”

Dorian didn’t know whether to be amused or offended. “I’m not without skills, sir.”

“True, but we shall not test them against another hunter. Those skills are better served fighting the enemy. There will be plenty of demons to destroy before this is over, and perhaps your skills are wasted in The Company office.”

“Are you displeased with my work?”

“No. You are an excellent strategist and assistant. I have no complaints.”

Curiosity wiggled inside Dorian. “My orders, sir?”

“Follow her. If she discovers something of interest, bring the information to me. Perhaps keep her out of trouble, though I may be asking too tall an order, even for you.”

He had never seen Lillian in battle, but he had read the reports. Subduing her was not likely within his capabilities and following her—“She’s a hunter. She’ll know within a few miles that she’s being tracked.”

“Then you had better introduce yourself before one of those interesting blades of hers finds its way to your throat.”

“Why not just order her to accept me as her partner and assign her to a fact finding mission?”

“I could do that, but I do not wish to push her away from her instincts. They are flawless. Also, I’m not ready to completely release you from your duties as my assistant.”

“You are worried about my loyalties, sir?”

“Not to the cause. Never that. It will be for the best at this time if you continue to work for me directly as opposed to becoming Lillian Dellacourt’s hunting partner.”

“As you wish. Will that be all, sir?” Dorian stood.

“Yes. You likely have some packing to do. I imagine she will be leaving before first light.”

“Is there anything else I should know?”

“No. I trust you will do what is necessary for the betterment of The Company and England.”

“Of course, sir.” Dorian walked out of the study and rushed up the steps to his chamber. He had much to do, and he needed to speak to his brother before he left the castle.

Near dawn, Dorian followed Lillian from Castle Brendaligh. Fearlessly, she drove the team of two fine black horses as if the devil were on their heels, and better than most men. A slower phaeton might be more appropriate for a lady. A woman travelling alone was enough to raise eyebrows. Why hadn’t she disguised herself as a man?

Her vehicle was generally a man’s conveyance.

Ten miles into the journey, she pulled her carriage to the side of a deserted road.

Still as a statue, Dorian hid in a thick tree line.

Lillian walked behind her carriage, raised her arms above her head, and interlaced her fingers. Her breasts pushed forward and her waist narrowed.

He fidgeted in the saddle, brushing away the ridiculous notion she could disguise her curves. No one would ever believe she was a man, no matter how good her disguise.

“How long do you intend to follow before you state your business, Mr. Lambert?”

Dorian maneuvered his horse out of the shadows and onto the road. He brushed aside the wave of guilt. He had his orders. The fact that he enjoyed the view was irrelevant. He jumped to the ground and bowed.

Her pale green pelisse set off the shimmer in her red hair. When she leaned over, the swell of her breasts went on display.

No sense denying his attraction to her. Knowing her better would not be a hardship. “I suppose now is a good time to announce myself, Miss Dellacourt.”

“Your presence has been known almost since the start of the journey. I assume Cullum has ordered you to stop me?” She lifted the end of her skirt, revealing a high boot more suited to riding a horse than having two pull her carriage.

The revelation of her slender leg, even covered by fine leather, diverted him from her question until a long thin blade appeared from inside her footwear, and Lillian’s intense stare drew his gaze up.

“Do you intend to kill me, Miss Dellacourt?”

She took a deep breath, which lifted her full breasts in the most befuddling way. “I would prefer not to. I loathe killing humans.”

“Yet you do not rule out the possibility.” She really was magnificent.

“I have someplace to go, and I will not be stopped by you or Drake Cullum.”

“I’m not instructed to stop you, madam. I have only been ordered to follow and see what it is you find.”

“And if I find something? What are your orders, Mr. Lambert?” She spun the knife along her fingers so fast the blade blurred.

A pity she didn’t tuck away the knife. He longed for a second glimpse at those legs. “He has ordered me to make certain any important information reaches him first. I think you underestimate Drake Cullum as well as how much you are esteemed within The Company, Miss Dellacourt.”

She continued to spin the blade as if the motion was absentminded. Another person might tap her fingers or fidget. “I’m not going to be hindered by you.”

“I would not think of it.”

“Do you intend to assist me?” Her head cocked one way and her hip the other, a most charming pose.

He was as curious as the next man as to why Shafton had been so vehement about blaming the hunters for the master’s ascension. Assisting also meant having the opportunity to get to know Lillian better, a welcome bonus. “I am at your service.”

She watched him intently. Her eyes, impossibly blue, showed curiosity, determination, even a touch of fear. Sensible girl. Anyone as notably brave as Lillian, should arm herself with a modicum of fear to keep them alert.

His mount stomped at the prolonged inactivity.

“You may ride in the carriage if you’d prefer.”

Joy erupted inside Dorian. Out of proportion with an offer to sit next to her and yet there it was. He tied his horse to the back of the curricle and offered his assistance to the lady.

Despite she did not require the least bit of help to mount the vehicle, she accepted his offered hand.

The touch lasted less than five seconds, yet it sent the thrill of anticipation through his body. Perhaps spending time with this particular woman was a bad idea. He climbed up after her but made no move to drive the vehicle. She was a competent driver and it was her curricle.

The corners of her lips bowed up in the most delicious way.

“I’m happy to take the reins if we meet any passing carriages along the road.”

“That might be wise.” She flicked the leather, and the horses broke into a trot.

“May I ask, where exactly we are headed, Miss Dellacourt?”

“Edinburgh.”

“And our mission?”

“I’m surprised you do not know.” She focused on her driving.

“I was informed you intend to investigate Lord Shafton in some way, but I cannot guess what you hope to find in Edinburgh.”

Her eyes narrowed. “How did Cullum know what I was doing?”

“He is a man of many secrets and incredible intuition. Plus, we all saw the altercation in the dining room. I supposed it was not difficult to discern your intentions.”

“I must learn better control over my temper.” She spoke almost to herself.

“I would not change a thing.”

She turned toward him. “I heard rumors indicating the entire war with the demons began just outside of Edinburgh. I want to find that location. I am not entirely sure why, but my instincts tell me to go back to the beginning. I’m going to locate the log books, reports, and notes at The Company headquarters.”

“Instincts? And do you intend to stride inside the castle and demand files? What exactly is the plan?”

She grinned. “I had intended more stealth, but now that you are assisting me, I like the idea of striding much better.”

“You must be mad. You seriously planned to break into The Company file rooms and thought you could get away with it.”

She mumbled something that sounded like, “Oh ye of little faith.”

“Are you that good, Miss Dellacourt?”

“I’m the best, Mr. Lambert.”

His groin responded to her breathy voice and the seduction in her words as if she were talking about an activity far different from her ability to infiltrate the castle.

* * * *

By the time they arrived at the posting house, Lillian’s back ached from constant jostling on rutted roads. She longed for a hot bath and a soft bed. Several stable boys ran to take care of the three horses. From the exterior, the inn appeared nicer than most.

She allowed him to hand her down and even gave Dorian a feminine curtsy to complete the allusion.

The inn’s charm continued inside, with clean wooden floors, a warm fire, and a lively clientele. A tiny man ran the place. In spite of his bald head, tufts of hair grew prodigiously from his ears. He bubbled with enthusiasm over having such a fine young couple come to stay with them.

Dorian told the innkeeper they were newly married. This revelation garnered them overwrought excitement and unnecessary attention.

Lillian worried the innkeeper might have an apoplexy.

As soon as they were shown up the narrow stairs to a room considered the best, and the door closed, she turned toward her companion. “Why did you tell him we were husband and wife?”

He shrugged. “I thought it would lead to fewer questions.”

“You could just as easily have said I was your sister.”

“Ha, with all that red hair and mine black as night. Who would believe it? I was only thinking of your reputation. There is no need to be cross.”

She forced a proper scowl and punched her fists into her hips. “I have no reputation, Mr. Lambert. I barely exist in the world outside The Company. Do not bother yourself about protecting me in any way. I am fully capable of doing all things for myself.”

His smile was slow and devastating. Lillian kept her expression neutral in spite of the bubble of interest in her lower regions. She had work to do. Nothing, not even Dorian Lambert, was a distraction from her goals.

“Cullum told me you might not like my company. I understand you and Reece Foxjohn were quite a close team. I assure you, my intentions are honorable.”

“You think Reece and I are lovers? Is that what Cullum thinks as well? We were not the only partners of opposite sex. Is it your opinion, men and women cannot work together without a sexual relationship developing?”

“I don’t know what Drake Cullum believes or knows. He keeps his own council unless the knowledge is of use to the cause. I am certain men and women are capable of working platonically together. But you must admit you and Foxjohn have a unique rapport.” Dorian sat on the only chair in the room. His long legs spread out in front of him, exaggerating the flex of muscles under his breeches. He looked far too relaxed.

Her heart pounded loudly. She tried to stay on the subject, though she couldn’t help gazing upward and taking in the full length of him. It was perhaps two years earlier when she had first met the older brother of her instructor from her days as a student. Brice Lambert was dangerous and brilliant with all forms of combat. It had surprised her that Dorian was more intellectual, and even more shocking was that for a man who pushed a quill around and did Cullum’s bidding, he had a fine form and bulged with muscles.

Now that she thought of it, Drake Cullum looked to be in fighting form as well.

“If anyone is concerned with my nocturnal activities, they should not speculate. I am not ashamed of anything I have done since joining The Company. Men pop from bed to bed and think nothing of it. I am equally in need of relief from time to time.” Why had she said that? It was far too much information and not quite accurate.

His dark brows lifted. “Indeed? Then you and Foxjohn are lovers.”

“I did not say that.”

“Nor did you refute it.”

“I need not deny or confirm anything for the files of Drake Cullum or his assistant.”

“I do not like the way you said ‘assistant.’ You make it sound as if I’m fetching the tea and running errands. I can tell you that who you do or do not engage in sexual congress with is not included in your records with The Company, at least not as far as I’m aware.”

“Mr. Lambert, I do not care if you like it or not.” She turned and took a good look at the small room, with its one bed tucked up against the wall near the window. “Perhaps we could have a lover’s quarrel at supper and you could ask for another room.”

He shook his head. Most of his longish hair had come loose from its queue during the day. His dark locks shook. “This is the only available room for the night. I think it might be best if you called me Dorian. I should be honored to call you Lillian, or do you prefer Lilly? I noticed several of your friends use that endearment.”