Page 25 of When the Duke Met His Match

Silence moved through the prison as they stepped into the hall, on alert for any guards.

Theophilus glanced down the left wing and saw no movement, then he turned to face Odette once more.

The uniform he gave her was far too big, with material hanging over her body loosely and a cap that concealed her face if she didn’t hold it up. It was absurd, but something about it tugged on his heartstrings.

He couldn’t help but smile at her.

As she nudged the cap up again, her gaze met his, surely aware of his staring. She punched his arm half-heartedly.

“What are you ogling at?” she demanded, her lips turning in an embarrassed scowl. “What have I told you about—”

The sound of boots shuffling down the hall silenced her at once, along with Theophilus’ hand against her mouth. He pushed her ahead and pinned her to the wall, not removing his palm from her lips.

He gave her a stern look, signaling her to be quiet. Irritation flared in her eyes, but she didn’t say anything.

With a pounding heart and a sense of relief, Theophilus watched as a small group of officers passed by some distance away, their attention seemingly focused elsewhere.

Another moment passed, and he let his hand fall from her mouth, only to gaze down at her with his arm pinning her to the wall still. She stared back at him just as intensely, taking in deep breaths.

He watched as a careful swallow moved down the length of her throat, tension gathering between them.

She blinked back at him, likely aware of the invisible pull between their bodies. “You said we need to be quick-footed, no?”

Shaking off the ridiculous thoughts, Theophilus nodded and grabbed her arm. Beginning in the direction of where the officers left, they hurried down the hall, put into motion once again.

Odette didn’t stray from him and walked perfectly in tow. He could only imagine how anxious she was, aware that attempting to escape from the prison would land them both in severe trouble.

He guided her down several halls, winding and turning with the layout in his mind. He had been stationed there long enough to know it like the back of his hand.

“We are nearly there,” he murmured to her, quickly turning the corner.

His heart dropped when he spotted a guard at the far end of the hall, close to the exit. He stood at attention and straightened himself once he noticed them.

“You two, identify yourselves.”

Theophilus lowered himself to her ear and whispered, “Let me handle this.”

Odette didn’t object, and she followed him obediently.

He pulled the cap from his head and pressed it against his chest. Recognition flooded the soldier’s eyes, who happened to be a lower rank than him. He seemed more rigid in Theophilus’ presence, and while it wouldn’t take much convincing to get past him, he wanted to provide a reason for him being there.

“We came to take a final look at the prisoner before her transport in the morning,” he murmured as calmly as he could manage. “Everything seems to be in order.”

The soldier nodded with a more relaxed demeanor. “It’s a relief to see those traitors finally sent back to their country where they belong.”

Fierce anger radiated from Odette at once, and she took a step forward with conviction. He interrupted her before anything else could happen and flashed the soldier a confident look as he placed the cap on his head once again.

“We will be on our way.”

The hat covered most of her face, but he couldn’t take his chances. They needed to be away from there as soon as possible.

The soldier looked at her oddly and gestured toward her. “What’s wrong with him?”

The disguise is working, then. It isn’t much farther now.

Swallowing discreetly, he replied, “He is half-French and gets irritated at times. Now, back to your station, soldier.”

The soldier saluted him and nodded, turning to leave the room wordlessly.