The Wolf's Pursuit (London Fairy Tales #3)(49)

Gwen gasped. "Is he alright?"

Hunter shook his head slowly from left to right. "I highly doubt there are any survivors. There was debris everywhere. Whoever placed the explosives did a deuced good job. I admit to being so…" his voice cracked, "upset, that I came here straightaway to deliver the news."

"Then explain the so-called twin who was here earlier. By the saints, he even acted exactly like you!" Montmouth shook his head in confusion and cursed again.

Gwen smiled to herself and whispered, "He did not smell the same."

"What was that?" Montmouth asked.

"Nothing." She looked to Hunter, and his eyes brightened. She wanted to touch him, to feel his lips on hers again. Was that why he'd kissed her? He'd thought she was some sort of ghost? Or were his true feelings finally showing through, since he'd thought he had lost her?

"I have a twin." Hunter cleared his throat and folded his arms across his chest. "But up until a few minutes ago, I thought him dead. I don't suppose he left a way to contact him?" Mask slipping, Hunter appeared eager to see his brother. It pained her heart to be of no help.

Gwen shook her head. "I am sorry, Hunter. I truly thought it was you. I did not think to ask, and I believe if I would have, he would have merely given me your information."

"Right." Hunter cursed. "Why would he appear here? Now? What did he say to you?"

Gwen felt herself turn red with both embarrassment and anger. "He accused me of trying to seduce him."

Hunter laughed.

Of course he laughed. The cad. "Apologies, Gwen. It is just that, well, you would not know how to seduce a man if he begged you."

"Care to give it a try?" she countered, stepping toward him, ready to rip his tight jacket straight from his body to prove a point. And to feel his lips on hers again, but first she would strangle him, of course.

"Easy." Montmouth placed a hand on her shoulder. "If you do not care to witness his death, you will cease from taking another step."

She took another step.

Hunter grinned wolfishly then beckoned her with his finger.

Montmouth turned his head just in time to see Hunter make the gesture and cursed. "It is like herding children! Must I separate you two?"

"If you must." Hunter relaxed into the chair. "But know that it only makes finding her that much more… rewarding."

Gwen scowled and began searching for a weapon. If she could not prove her point, she would simply force him to admit she was just as skilled as he. Besides, she knew how attached he was to that handsome face of his. All she needed was a knife, a dagger, a rusty nail…

"Am I to understand that my dead brother resurrected himself, somehow read the code that was safely in my grandfather's possession, pretended to be me, and then accused our dear innocent Gwen of taking advantage?"

"Yes, that sounds right," Gwen said through clenched teeth. "Though it pains me to admit there are two of you in this world."

"Clearly our masculinity offends you."

"Your entire being offends me, Wolf."

"Have a care what you say… Red."

"Pet names?" Montmouth sputtered. "You have pet names for one another?"

Hunter shrugged.

Gwen refused to take her eyes away from his. If he was going to be difficult, then she was going to be the thorn in his side. He winked and licked his lips as if he were staring at a tasty morsel.

"…After all, it pains me to admit there is just nothing more that can be done," Montmouth said. Had he been talking? Blast. Why did Hunter have to have such plump lips? And beautiful eyes, truly beautiful. Not the type that looked feminine in any way, but dangerous — mystical even. His grin set his eyes off, adding a spark of mischief and wickedness.

"…I believe the end of the week will suffice. Do you agree, Gwen?"

What was Montmouth asking?

Hunter raised his eyebrow, no doubt waiting for her to ask her brother-in-law to repeat his statement. Not wanting to look stupid, she merely nodded. "I could not agree more."

"Really?" Montmouth and Rosalind said in unison.

She looked to Hunter for help. But it was as if he had suddenly discovered he had hands, for all the intensity with which he was staring at them.

"Yes," she answered.

Montmouth was silent for a while and then scratched his head. "Well, in that case, I should see to making the proper arrangements. Come along, Rosalind. They should probably have a moment alone to speak. Though I will place your maid at the door. You have at least earned a few minutes for being so amiable after everything, my dear."

He walked over and kissed her forehead before leading Rosalind out of the room and closing the door behind him.

Hunter burst out laughing. "Tell me, Red, do you have any idea what you've just agreed to?"

"Of course."

"Truly?" His voice was suddenly in her ear. She quickly turned around and glared.

"Yes!"

"So stubborn." His eyes raked her from head to toe. "I like that in my… women."

"Women." Gwen snorted. "Typical. You would pluralize that statement. We all know your interest lies with several, not just one."

"Oh, I don't know about that." His smile disappeared as his golden eyes flickered to her lips. "I imagine there is one specific woman I very much desire to taste again." His hand cupped her face as his thumb rubbed her lower lip and then his mouth was on hers.