Page 51 of The Viscount of Shadows

Claudia started down the steps. “It’s me,” she whispered. Slowly, she closed the door and was engulfed in complete darkness. “Oliver!”

A soft groan came from the general area she had left him. With shuffling steps and taking great care not to knock anything over, she found him. Without thinking, she dropped the burlap sack and immediately gathered him close. He was still alive. Excitedly, she kissed his face all over, and when she found his lips, she stopped there and kissed him deeply. Oh, the taste of him, so enticing. Like a sweet, decadent dessert.

At first, Oliver did not respond.

But when Claudia took the kiss deeper, tangling her tongue with his, it was as if a burst of energy ignited within him. He felt around in the dark and cupped her face, tilting her head slightly to return the enthusiasm. Their tongues interlaced again, and they explored every inch of their mouths. Her insides trembled as if a flutter of butterflies had been let loose. Kissing this man for hours was tempting, but she must keep her senses.

Oliver pulled away. “Why did you come back?”

“I brought food. Simpson wasn’t home, but I left a detailed note of my plan. I also sent a note to Cleveland Street asking them to find Simpson and collect the message I left with Lady Ainsworth. It’s after three o’clock. I couldn’t leave you here for hours without food or drink.”

Crawling on her knees, she felt around for the burlap sack and thrust it into his hands. “Sandwiches, tea, and biscuits. How is your wound? Damn, I can’t check it.” Claudia laid her hand against his forehead. It felt clammy. “Still a slight fever. Where is the blanket?”

“It’s to my right. I kicked it off. I am hot one moment and cold the next. I ache all over. The pain that tears through me when I make the slightest move—how am I going to walk out of here?” he whispered, frustration clear in his voice. “What do I smell?”

“I had to smear dirt and horse manure on my hands and face to enhance the disguise. I washed most of it off. You should stay sitting up so you can eat,” Claudia replied. “Let me help you. Then I have to leave.”

“What? No!” he hissed. “Why?”

“I have to locate Simpson. I am going to the police station. We cannot rely on notes being delivered. I must find him right away.”

Oliver grasped her wrist. “You will be caught. You have been fortunate so far, but I’ve heard numerous voices outside since you left. I also could hear noises like someone ripping down walls in nearby structures.”

“All the more reason for me to find the detective immediately.” Claudia took his hand and kissed it. “I will not abandon you to fate. I must keep trying. And thank you for not lecturing me for bringing you food.”

“I would never second guess anything you do. I have complete confidence in your abilities.”

Claudia smiled in the dark. A man not judging her? How rare and welcome. “We could try and make a run for it right now, but the chance of being caught is far too great. Hopefully, with this food and added rest, you will be strong enough to walk out with Simpson later.”

“You are maddingly stubborn,” Oliver murmured, “But I understand your reasoning and agree. I would not get far without collapsing if we were to try now.” He paused. “You are so fierce. So utterly lovely. And what we have said and done is most decidedly not staying here. You have captured me in all ways.”

What could she say to that? Nothing, except kiss him once again. She wished to stay and kiss him all over, especially across that enticing knot of muscles across his abdomen, and perhaps lower. Such wicked thoughts in such a circumstance, but Claudia couldn’t help it. Another lingering, deep kiss, and then she reluctantly pulled away. Reaching for the sack, she grabbed the food and the jug of tea, pushing them into his hands. “Keep up your strength. Stay well. Stay alive. I will get you out of here. I promise, even if it takes my last breath.” Oliver wanted and needed Simpson, and Claudia would locate him if she had to tear the city apart.

“Be careful,” he replied, squeezing her hand. “When we get out of this, I am taking you out to dinner.”

Dinner? Why? To what end? Realistically, there could be nothing between them beyond this fleeting mutual attraction and regard. Oliver’s standing in society was not the reason. Claudia always believed she was good enough for any man, regardless of title or station, but also thought herself incapable of a long-term intimate relationship and commitment. It was not something she longed for or gave much thought to.

And there was certainly no time to consider it now.

Claudia kissed his feverish forehead and replied, “Yes, we will go to dinner.” Anything to keep him calm. “Promise me you will eat everything.”

“I will,” Oliver rasped. “Stay safe. Do not agree to dinner just to placate me.”

Claudia stayed silent.

“Ah. You agreed to appease me. Forget dinner, then. Instead, agree that we will see each other after this perilous situation concludes.”

“What, courting?” she stated incredulously. Oliver couldn’t be serious.

“Yes, why not? It is what I desire. I desire you. But only agree because that is what you want.”

“I do not know what I want,” Claudia whispered miserably. Her emotions churned, swirling in disarray.

Oliver gently took her hand and kissed it. “Then we will figure it out together. Go now before I kiss you again.”

Claudia patted his hand, released it, then moved forward, arms in front of her, feeling for the wall. Waiting and listening, she heard nothing but complete silence and gradually opened the trap door. A small beam of light crawled across the cache’s dirt floor, illuminating Oliver. He gazed at her with such yearning it caused her breath to catch in her throat.

He is so beautiful, inside and out.

First, she blew him a kiss, then gave him a trembling smile. Her insides were in knots, not only from this hazardous situation but also from Oliver and her jumbled feelings. But there was no mistake. She harbored feelings for him, and they grew more profound the more she was with him.

Once her eyes adjusted to the change in lighting, she ascended.

The Lancaster Road station was more than a few streets away. This wouldn’t be easy. But, as she had assured Oliver before, she knew this area. The general layout was the same as ten years ago. She must head northeast, through Silchester Road, if she remembered correctly.

Stealthily, Claudia made her way through alleys and courtyards, avoiding Danaher’s men. A sense of relief overcame her, for she was almost out of Notting Dale. All she had to do was stay on Talbot Road and continue in a northeasterly direction. If her plan fell into place, they could be safely away from this horrid area in a few hours. Oliver needed a doctor’s care. That is what kept her moving forward and gave her courage.

A voice wafted out of the nearby alley. “Horseshite. I know that smell anywhere. Take him.”

Another man grabbed her arms and held them tight. No! Not when she was so close. Claudia must stay calm and talk her way out of this.

The man stepped out of the shadows, and her heart sank.

Danaher.

He whipped the peaked cap from her head. “Claudia. Welcome home.”