Page 59 of A Scandal at Stonecliffe

“I have to know how one cheats in order to catch those who do it,” she retorted. “I’ve been hired to catch thieves. And sharps at gambling clubs. To spot mountebanks and charlatans.”

“Such as someone pretending to be a wealthy widow?”

Verity laughed. “Just so. But only if they’re an adventuress intent on swindling. One learns all sorts of things in this business—once I was hired to catch a poisoner. He thought it was his wife who wanted to do away with him, but it turned out to be the cook who’d been paid by his nephew to put it in the man’s nightly posset. So I had to study all sorts of poisonous plants and chemicals.”

“You didn’t learn that when you were working for Asquith?”

“I was a spy, Nathan, not an assassin,” Verity retorted. “But yes, I learned a bit about arsenic and such back then just in case it became necessary to use it. But I was more likely to give a man something to put him to sleep. Much easier to steal secrets when he’s unconscious.”

“Mmm. And none of the messy aftermath,” he offered drily. “So you broke in and doctored a drink and then waited for him to fall asleep?”

“Usually I managed to get inside houses without breaking in.” She adopted a coquettish attitude, looking up at Nathan through her lashes. “A little of this. And a little of that...” She changed to a worshipful look, clasping her hands together at her breast. “Oh, my, you must be so important. And at such a young age—how very clever you are.” She grinned. “Flattery and flirting usually got me in the door. And if I brought a guard a warm grog on a cold night, who was going to turn that away?”

“Especially if you offered to chat with him while he drank it.”

“But of course. Sometimes I was the distraction, and Sloane or someone else got inside, and sometimes only I could work my way inside and take whatever it was Asquith wanted. That was a good bit more exciting.”

“You never got caught?”

“Of course I did. But luckily I always managed to get away. You’ll have to learn these things if you intend to be a detective.”

“To charm women or to break into a house?”

“I think you know how to do the former,” she retorted. “The rest you can learn.”

His eyebrows went up a little. “Are you serious?”

“Why, yes. Did you not mean it when you said you could work with me?”

“Yes, but I didn’t assume you did.”

“It makes sense. You would attract more wealthy clients—men who would never hire me would trust you. You’re one of them, no matter what comes out about your birth. You can go places I cannot—gentlemen’s clubs, for instance.” Verity hesitated. “But of course if you were only joking, I wouldn’t press you.”

“I wasn’t—I mean, yes, I was joking, but only because I didn’t think you would actually consider it. I would in fact very much like to work for you.”

“Good.” Verity slanted a glance at him, her eyes taking on a glint. “Though, I do have to warn you that I am a very demanding employer.”

“Are you?” Nathan settled back, looking a bit uncertain but ready to play along.

“Indeed.” Verity swung one leg over him, straddling his lap. She felt his flesh surge beneath her, and she smiled, moving a bit as if finding the exact position. “I like things done just the way I want.” She trailed her forefinger down the center of his chest.

A pulse leapt in his throat, sending heat through her. “I think I can follow orders.”

“Can you?” She cupped his face between his hands. “Then kiss me.”

He did, his mouth firm and hot on hers, seeking, coaxing, and a sweet ache formed between her legs. He cupped her breasts, caressing her through her dress, and she moved against him again, frustrated by the material between them.

It was absurd, but Verity felt as though she could not get enough of Nathan. They had made love only this morning, and it wasn’t as if they had been celibate any other night on this trip. But already she was hot and wet, eager to feel his length slide into her, filling her in the most delicious way.

Verity slipped off him, and he reached for her, but she scooted away and reached under her skirts to pull off her undergarments. Tossing them aside, she lifted her skirts and straddled his legs once more. She unbuttoned his breeches, freeing his pulsing erection; he was clearly as ready as she.

Going up on her knees, she slid down onto his shaft, closing her eyes at the exquisite satisfaction. She moved up and down, the vibration of the coach beneath them adding to the sensations. Nathan gripped her hips, his fingers digging into her, and as she rocked faster, he reached beneath her skirts, finding the slick nub between her nether lips, and stroked her.

Verity arched back, her body taut in that final moment where she hung at the edge, aching and eager, and then she went over it, her body shuddering as Nathan thrust into her, letting out a hoarse groan as he reached his own release.

She went limp against him, laying her head on his shoulder.

“Did I impress my future employer?” Nathan’s rumbly low tone tickled Verity’s ear and she shivered a bit.