Page 154 of The Siren of Sussex

“Yes, though I dared not admit it, even to myself.” Her arms twined around his neck. “I thought I was too sensible for love. That I didn’t need it in my life.”

“And now?”

“Now I know better.” She stretched up to kiss him. Her lips shaped to his in a sweet, clinging caress.

Above them, the first of the eleven o’clock fireworks exploded, lighting the night sky in a fiery fall of color.

Evelyn gasped. She stared up at the heavens as another firework boomed and then another.

Holding her in his arms, Ahmad stared right along with her. He felt the full marvel of the spectacle, as if seeing it for the first time.

When the display finally ended, she looked at him and smiled. “What happens next?”

“An excellent question.” Lady Heatherton’s voice sounded from the end of the path. “I’m quite curious to find out myself.”

Thirty-Two

Evelyn’s arms fell from Ahmad’s neck. She would have stepped away from him, but he made that impossible. He kept one hand firmly around her waist. A sign of his support and protection.

She appreciated it, but she didn’t need it. She wasn’t afraid of Viscountess Heatherton. “Lady Heatherton,” she said. “Is there something we can do for you?”

It was a cool question, under the circumstances, delivered with creditable calm. Evelyn was rather proud of herself.

But Lady Heatherton didn’t even seem to hear her.

Her gaze was fixed on Ahmad, her coldly beautiful face half-shadowed in the light of the lamp that dangled from the branches above. A cerulean silk evening gown, trimmed with acres of lace and satin piping, hugged her slight curves. “So much for refusing to dally with your customers,” she said. “I thought you lacking in scruples in your personal life, but it seems even your business principles are writ on water.”

Evelyn gave Ahmad an uncertain look. His jaw was set, and banked flames burned in his eyes. Not flames of passion, but of rage.

Good gracious. He knew her.

And suddenly Lady Heatherton’s visit to Russell Square made sense. All those questions about Ahmad she’d asked, and the warning she’d issued.

“You’ve mistaken the situation,” Ahmad said. “A common failing of yours.”

Lady Heatherton’s eyes flashed. “Our situation? Or this situation? You and your little Sussex horsewoman?”

“That’s enough,” he said.

“What’s the matter, darling? Don’t want to provoke a scandal?” Lady Heatherton laughed. “That ship sailed the minute the pair of you left the pavilion.”

“Did you follow us here?” Evelyn asked.

Lady Heatherton flicked her a glance. “Don’t be absurd.”

“Then how did you—”

“You’re not the only one of Lady Blackstone’s guests having a stroll on the avenue. There are plenty of others here, too.” Lady Heatherton shot her another acid look. “Best hurry back to your chaperone before your reputation is ruined beyond repair.”

Ahmad’s hand tightened on Evelyn’s waist. “She’s not going anywhere.”

“I told you,” Evelyn said to Lady Heatherton. “My reputation is in good order.”

“Not for long, my dear. As for your reputation—” Lady Heatherton turned on Ahmad. “How dare you give my evening gown to that odious gray-haired creature?”

“I beg your pardon,” Evelyn said.

“It wasn’t your gown,” Ahmad said at the same time. “You returned it.”