Page 46 of A Story of Love

“Touché. Go ahead and ask and I’ll decide if I want to answer.”

“It’s common knowledge that the Vixen belongs to you, and yet I’ve never seen your name mentioned anywhere when it comes to prize money.”

Fast didn’t reply.

“You don’t want to answer that?”

“Oh, was that a question? Because it sounded like a statement.”

“And you sound like a grammar teacher.”

“I own the Vixen in conjunction with a partner, he has been content to accept all the fame and acclaim.”

“Piers Amory Gregg? Notice the way my intonation went up on the word Gregg, indicating it’s a question.”

“Yes, Gregg is my partner.”

“Interestingly enough, I’ve not been able to find a single piece of information about Mr. Gregg, for all that he claims to be English.”

“That is interesting.”

“Are you refusing to talk about him?”

“Questions about Mr. Gregg are his affair. I’m sure he’d be delighted to be the subject of one of your articles—why don’t you ask him?”

“I think he’s even more secretive than you are.”

“Secretive has such negative connotations. I prefer the word private,” he said, his words an echo of her earlier statement. “Why are you so curious about prize money, anyhow? Are you trying to discover how wealthy I am, Miss Fontenot?”

“I wouldn’t mind knowing.”

“If you want to know for personal reasons, then I will be happy to tell you.”

“Personal reasons? You mean am I hunting for a husband?”

“That is the second time you’ve mentioned yourself and husband hunting in the same sentence tonight. Dare I hope?”

She pursed her lips and shook her head, but a smile crept into her brilliant green eyes. “I may not be interested in matrimony, but I do hope some clever woman eventually hunts, traps, and takes your tail for a trophy.”

Fast laughed.

***

“Are you committed for the next set?” Lord Severn asked Lori as he led her off the dance floor.”

“That would be three dances you’ve asked me for in one evening. Even I know that is the ton equivalent of an instant betrothal.”

“Have no fear, Miss Fontenot, I’m not trying to trick you into marriage. I thought we might have a walk in Lord Archer’s garden rather than dance; it is one of the nicest in London.”

Lori cut him a sideways look. “Why are you being so polite and attentive to me?”

“I should hope I am always polite. As for attentive? Well, for purely selfish reasons.”

“Which are?”

He lowered his voice and leaned close enough that Lori felt his hot breath on her temple. “Because I enjoy your company.”

Lori shivered.