The Wolf's Pursuit (London Fairy Tales #3)(37)

Gulping, she helped pull that off of him and told her hands to stop shaking. The situation seemed too intimate. It felt too intimate, as if they were about to share the same bed. Hah, if she ever shared his bed, it would be a product of lust and nothing more. The man had no heart, and even if he did, she highly doubted he would share it with a virgin.

"My thanks," Hunter breathed as he placed the bandage on his side. Her eyes trailed down his muscular stomach. It seemed the Wolf liked to box or play, or do whatever wolves did out in the wilderness.

Her eyes flickered down as Hunter finished bandaging himself. "Now." He winced, commanding her attention. She looked into his eyes. "I think it's safe to say I'm in danger."

"Your powers of deduction astound me." Gwen swallowed and fought to keep her eyes on his, though it was one of the most difficult things she'd never tried, for the man was beautiful. It shouldn't be allowed for a man to have such smooth skin. Tight muscles rippled across his stomach and chest. His skin wasn't pale like that of most Englishmen. No, it was the perfect color, almost bronzed, as if he spent a great deal of time out of his clothes, which honestly made a lot of sense.

"The people of London believe me to be retired. There is no reason I would be an open threat. The traitor has to be one of those three men. I do not think the person shooting at me aimed to kill. It was more of a warning than anything. It's possible what you said during their visits struck a nerve." He winced and continued. "Gwen, you need to find out who the mole is. When you go on your walks and dally in the carriage, have a care. You are not debuting in order to win a husband. You have a job to do."

"Are you scolding me?" And drunk? Unbelievable!

"No." Hunter reached out and grasped her hand. "I'm merely telling you the truth. You must be careful. After your carriage ride with Trehmont, find a way to meet me so we can discuss any information you may find. Talk with him about the French, see if he gets nervous, study his mannerisms, is he always looking at his pocket watch? Does he seem to defer your questions at all? You know what I mean." He leaned up and winked. "Where shall we meet?"

"The masquerade." Gwen nodded. "Nobody will recognize us."

Hunter groaned. "Please tell me you're not referring to Madame LaMont's masquerade?"

"It will not be so bad."

"I will want to shoot myself the minute I arrive, but yes, if you say it won't be so bad, I'll take your word for it."

Gwen let out a heavy sigh. "I'll be dressed as a shepherdess."

"Not a sheep?" Hunter grinned. Blast, how she hated that grin. His glaring white teeth irritated her. Was everything perfect about him? Without thinking, she looked down at his body again. Yes. It seemed everything was perfect. Stupid man.

"No, I thought it unsafe, considering the circumstances."

"Circumstances?" Hunter narrowed his eyes. "Whatever do you mean?"

Gwen began walking toward the door, then turned and gave him a wink. "I have it on good authority a wolf is to make an appearance. Wouldn't want to tempt him, now, would I?"

"You tempt him by breathing," Hunter whispered.

"Is that your way of telling me to stop breathing?"

"No." Hunter's eyes narrowed. He looked away and began to slouch against the bed. "Not at all. Gwen, be careful, please. I—" He looked away and cursed. "I cannot lose you. Do you understand?"

Confused by the sudden hurt she saw in his eyes, she nodded and gave him, the great Wolf, a curtsy. "I will be safe. I promise."

"Thank you."

"Goodnight, Hunter."

"Goodnight, my little Red…" His eyes slowly closed as his body fell against the bed.

Gwen quietly stepped out into the hall and made her way down the stairs, hoping and praying that her footman had had enough good sense to hide her carriage once the hour grew late.

Thankfully, when she came around the house, she noticed him sitting near the back of the servants' entrance.

"Home, please," she announced. He nodded and offered his arm.

"I took the liberty of taking the carriage home and walking here myself when the hour grew late, my lady. I hope you do not mind, but I will escort you on the short walk to your sister's residence."

William had been in the service of their family for nearly a decade. He was also one of the many servants who kept her secret. She paid him well for his silence, but even if she didn't, he would still be loyal. For he had loved her father, and she knew that he wanted to protect her.

They walked home in silence. Gwen would never admit to Hunter that she was frightened, but she was. Whoever had shot at him had been trying to kill him, and she had no doubt in her mind that one of those men had to be the three they were suspicious of. She just needed to find out whom, and fast.





Chapter Sixteen





Red—

Tsk, tsk, tsk, you should know better by now. Any time you use the word bedroom, I take it as an invitation.

—Wolf





Hunter grimaced as he looked at the large structure in front of him. The house was monstrous Truly, it would have been better for the old duke to make a flag with his name sewn across it than build such a monstrosity that the whole of London could see his house from miles away.