Page 24 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“So the outcome rests on me?”

“If you know another way…”

She knew of another way and, as Lord Rushton was leaving matters in her hands, it seemed that was to be her only salvation. If she didn’t get Grace married to the earl, her father would have Eve’s marriage contract signed by tomorrow.

“Avoiding Grace may not be as easy as you think,” Eve said. “She has decided to marry you and, with both our parents in agreement, I do not see how you can avoid it.”

He laughed. “She isn’t the first lady to set her cap on me. As for our parents, they can only force me if I had truly compromised her.”

A trip to Gretna Green certainly qualified as a compromise. “The world thinks you did compromise her. As we know, that is everything.”

“You do not care what they think.”

“You and Grace live in Society. I do not.”

He flashed a breathtaking smile. “You were spectacular in Society tonight.”

Despite the flutter in her stomach, Eve rolled her eyes. “Flattery is lost on me, my lord. Save it for Grace.” She gulped the last of her drink—Lord Rushton was right, she did need fortification. She set the glass on the table beside the couch. “We do not agree, but we understand one another. I suggest you gird your loins, sir. The hunt is on.”

He lifted a brow. “I hunt you.”

“More important,” she said, “Grace hunts you.”

“Will you be angry if I successfully avoid your sister?”

“I…I cannot imagine how you can.”

He finished off his drink, set his glass on the matching table at his end and looked at her. “But if I do?”

“That is a trick. If you do not accept Grace that means you have me instead.”

“Perhaps…but that doesn’t mean you must marry me.”

Eve frowned. “If I do not—” She suddenly realized what he meant. “My lord!”

A woman’s muffled giggle in the hallway caused them both to look toward the door.

Eve swung her gaze back to Lord Rushton. “Someone is coming.”

He shoved to his feet and pulled her up.

“The balcony.” She turned, but he caught her arm.

“Not the balcony. The door is locked.”

“What?” Eve said.

“Lady Grendall is terrified of heights. That is why the curtain is closed. Over here.”

The murmur of a deep voice neared to the door as Lord Rushton hurried her toward the armoire.

“We cannot fit in there,” she protested.

A feminine squeal caused Eve to jump. They reached the cabinet and Lord Rushton took another step right, toward the room’s dark corner. He pressed a panel on the wall and it sprang open. He yanked the secret door wider and shoved her inside. Eve’s elbow struck a wall. She turned in the tiny space as he stepped inside, pulling the door shut behind him—and pinning Eve to the wall in pitch darkness.