Page 61 of Devil in Her Details

“We’re friends,” he ground out.

“And even friends should trust that if their friends have a problem, they’d ask for help.”

“Indeed,” Lilly murmured. “Let me assure you, my client is of no danger to me.”

No danger at all, Dagger thought wryly. Such a trusting lynx. Like a kitten that hadn’t honed its senses yet.

A deep silence ensued, and no doubt her friends were deciding whether they believed her or not. Dagger himself didn’t, but the danger he posed had nothing to do with any harm they might be imagining. Or perhaps their worries were correct. He couldn’t presume to know anyhow. But given Lilly Trenton’s current troubles, the reason their friend set up shop here in Brighton, they must be worried about her future.

He’d be worried, too.

“Your brother should be visiting soon, shouldn’t he?” the woman asked, and Dagger’s brow furrowed. That didn’t sound like anything good.

“Yes, he’ll send word once his business at his properties is concluded and come for a visit.”

The man snorted. “He is much too indulgent in your fancies.”

Again, mind your own business, Leo.

“Aren’t you the same with your wife?” Lilly retorted, and Dagger gave a mental nod of approval.

Yes, you tell that nob.

“I married my wife.” The man didn’t back down. “I protect my wife. You are without protection here, Lilly.”

“I know you are worried about me,” Lilly reassured. “But you have no cause for concern. Carlisle will be here soon, and I have trusted people around me.”

Trusted.

That one word still made his heart pound. Without any doubt, Dagger knew he was included in that trust. He might not like, nor necessarily agree, that she should trust him so easily, but he liked more that she did.

“All the same,” the woman said gently, “you cannot hide in Brighton forever, Lilly. At some point, you’ll have to think about your future.”

“I am thinking about my future,” Lilly replied.

“A future that might be easier with a husband,” her friend pressed. “I resisted long enough myself. It is not as dreadful as I once believed.”

“I should hope not,” the man drawled.

Lilly’s laughter drifted through the room, the sound lulling, lulling Dagger into places he had no business being lulled into.

“When I find the right man,” she said lightly, “I shall let you know.”

The right man.

His jaw tightened.

“Well, on that note, we shall be taking our leave,” the woman said.

Thank Christ.

Dagger didn’t know how much more he could take of this.

“We’ll send word as to our whereabouts if you change your mind,” the man said.

A rustle of movement followed. Soft farewells as their voices faded. Dagger remained behind the curtains.

Dagger’s ears twitched at the padding of footsteps.