A Most Dangerous Profession(19)

Moira leaned over the edge of the tub for the dropped sponge, stretching to reach it. When she slid back into the water, she caught the faint flush on Robert’s face.

So you aren’t immune to me.

Watching him from under her lashes, she pulled her hair to one side and laid an arm on the rim of the tub, baring her breast.

His lips tightened slightly, a significant response for a man who was always in control. Satisfaction buoyed her. “Perhaps I married you because I knew it would inflame you,” she said calmly, rubbing the lavender soap on the sponge and then circling it around her breast.

This time he visibly caught his breath. You aren’t made of stone, are you?

“Stop that right now.”

“Stop what?”

“Distracting me. I know what you’re doing and it’s not going to work. If you don’t wish to discuss why you tricked me into marriage, then let’s talk of something else.”

“Please, let’s.”

“Good. Tell me about George Aniston. Why is that scoundrel in your life? And don’t pretend you’re in his employ. I know you and if there’s one thing you possess, it’s pride. You’d never work for a worm like him.”

Suddenly, Moira was tired . . . tired of dissembling, tired of always being wary, tired of hating George Aniston and yet having to be polite to him while having to be hateful to Robert, when all she really wanted to do was—

No, don’t, she told herself severely. “As you’ve already guessed, I’m assisting Aniston in collecting the onyx boxes.”

“That tells me what, not why.” Robert leaned forward and she was struck by his strength. Despite his lace and fine clothing, there was no mistaking that he was a man through and through. He’d proven that to her between the sheets and in other ways as well. He might look a dandy, but he was hard-bodied, cool-mannered, and deadly when the situation warranted it. Anyone who thought differently was a fool.

He fixed his blue, blue gaze upon her now. “Moira, whatever Aniston has over you, it can’t be worth degrading yourself to doing his bidding. Nothing is worth that.”

Oh, but there is, she thought, her chest tight with anguish. “There’s nothing to tell you about Aniston. He and I’ve done business a few times. That’s all.”

“So you’re friendly.”

“No.” The word cracked through the air.

Robert’s brows rose and she knew she’d betrayed her feelings too much.

She scowled. “He’s a cheat and no friend of mine. He never has been.”

“I can see that.” Robert’s soft voice held a wealth of meaning. “Then why do you assist him? It can’t be the money, for you’re quite capable of making money whenever you wish. You’re very resourceful.”

She sighed. Perhaps part of the truth would assuage his curiosity. “Aniston is blackmailing me. He specializes in that low art.”

“True. He was using it against my sister-in-law, from whom you stole the first onyx box.”

“Miss Beauchamp is married to William?”

“Yes, though she keeps her maiden name for her career upon the stage.”

“Her marriage must be a blow to Lord Covington. Wasn’t she his mistress?”

“In name only. Covington is more likely to get engaged to George Aniston, if his preferences are any indication.”

Moira started. “Covington and Aniston are lovers?”

“For almost two years. Covington dropped Aniston after his blackmail schemes were revealed. It was then revealed that not only was Aniston blackmailing Miss Beauchamp, but he was also pledging Covington’s funds around town and had run up a huge number of bills. Once Covington dropped Aniston, he was forced to leave London or be thrown into debtor’s prison.

“Which brings us back to: Why is Aniston blackmailing you? Forgive me if I indulge in some speculation, but you seem to be unable to share the truth.” Robert templed his hands, resting his fingers against his chin, his dark blue eyes agleam. “You say Aniston is holding something over your head in order to secure your very considerable services.”

“Yes.” More or less.

“Hmm. Forgive me for stating the obvious, but it’s not as if you have a reputation to uphold or a family to protect. And I cannot imagine you abide him for the money. As you said, you had retired, so I’m assuming you had sufficient funds stashed away to do so.”