The Wolf's Pursuit (London Fairy Tales #3)(48)

His tongue slipped into her mouth.

His kiss, unlike previous kisses, was so tender, she fought the urge to gasp from the shock of it all.

With her heart beating erratically, she wrapped herself around his body, allowing her breasts to press against his firm chest.

"What the devil!" Montmouth shouted, pulling them apart, but Hunter just reached for her over Montmouth's hands, as if losing her touch was such a painful idea that he could no more release her than stop breathing.

"Do you mind!" Montmouth shouted again, this time punching Hunter in the stomach. Hunter doubled over, but as he fell, his hand reached out yet again toward Gwen.

She took it and held on. Much to the shock of the entire family, who stood with mouths gaping open, as if she had taken complete leave of her senses.

"Cease from touching one another!" Montmouth grumbled. "Now tell me what the blazes is going on before I lose my mind!"

"I cannot." Hunter straightened to his full height. "Up until a few minutes ago, I thought I was dreaming."

"Yes, well, up until a few minutes ago, I was considering allowing you to live." Montmouth narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms. "Now, explain why you would accuse Gwen of seducing you, leave, then return and pretend to have not been here. Everyone saw you. Saints alive! I spoke to you! Now, unless you have an identical twin waltzing around, you'd better explain. Now."

Gwen watched the color drain completely from Hunter's face. "Impossible." He paced in front of her, running his hands through his hair. "It cannot be. He is dead, or presumed dead! He disappeared the day she died, the day…" Hunter began to shake. "I think I need a drink."

"Would that make you feel better, then?" Montmouth asked.

"Immensely."

"Rosalind, hide the whiskey. Oh, and do send a note to Dominique. It seems we are to have a duel."

"A duel?" Gwen gasped. "Whatever for?"

"He kissed you." Montmouth shrugged.

"So you plan to shoot him?"

"My dear, I see no other option."

"Than death?"

Montmouth shrugged. The man shrugged! As if killing Hunter was the same as stepping on an ant!

"You cannot simply shoot him because he kissed me! Besides it wasn't even the first time!"

Rosalind gasped. Montmouth's face turned an interesting shade of purple, and though Hunter still appeared pale, a smug grin appeared on his face. Rogue.

"I'll kill him where he stands," Montmouth announced, eyes narrowing as he purposefully stepped toward Hunter.

Hunter, deciding against bravery, scooted over and stood behind Gwen. "I believe if you hear all of the facts, then you will be less likely to shoot me. Besides, I've already been shot once this week."

Gwen nodded. "True, he has been shot, but that was after I broke his nose."

"Not helping," Hunter murmured behind her.

"Five minutes." Montmouth held up his hand. "You have five minutes to explain before I lose my mind and shoot Hunter on irritation alone."

Gwen could feel the heat of Hunter as he stood behind her. His breath tickled her neck. She wanted nothing more than to lean against him and close her eyes. What was happening to her? She was supposed to be his partner. She refused to become attached to the type of man who would rather stare at himself in the mirror and smile than give any part of himself to a woman.

"I am not necessarily, er, retired." Hunter walked around Gwen and approached Montmouth, hands raised in surrender. "However, it would be best for us to continue this conversation in the privacy of your study."

Montmouth sighed and led the way. Hunter followed. Rosalind linked her arm within Gwen's as they trailed behind the men.

Montmouth turned, starting to close the doors in front of the women's faces, but Gwen held her foot out, blocking it. "I think not. After all, I do not trust you alone with him. Who knows? You may slip and accidently shoot your pistol."

Curses exploded out of Montmouth's mouth. He looked to Rosalind as if to say, "Help!" but she merely tilted her head as if to say, "Give me a reason to slap you."

He held the door open wide for them to enter.

"You have ten minutes before I accidentally—" Monmouth glared at Gwen. "What did you say before? Oh, yes, before my finger accidentally slips on the trigger of my pistol."

Hunter looked at Gwen and winked. "I only need five."

Montmouth cursed. "I was discussing your story, not your speed at seduction."

"Apologies." Hunter nodded and gave Gwen another grin. Heavens, she felt heated all over. She fanned her face, much to Hunter's amusement.

He cleared his throat. "I came here to tell you Gwen had died."

"Clearly she lives," Montmouth spat.

"Are you planning on interrupting me the entire time?"

"Sorry."

Hunter took a seat. "An hour ago, I was not at your residence, but speaking with my grandfather. He has been helping me with a current assignment. As I said, I am not truly retired, at least not yet." Hunter sighed. "I went directly from our meeting to the park to save Gwen. I had reason to believe she was in danger. It seems Redding may have gotten himself into a bit of trouble, and she was to be with him on her walk. The minute I arrived, I tried to locate him, but was too late. For the minute his carriage began to drive away, it exploded."