Page 54 of When the Duke Met His Match

He chuckled and put his hands up, poised to give them everything he had.

“Well, what are you waiting for? Come and get me.”

Chapter Thirty

ODETTE

Odette’s legs ached as she moved through the streets and alleys, hugging herself within the cloak to ward off the night’s chill. She looked over her shoulder often, afraid of finding soldiers yet hopeful for Theophilus’ return.

Her whole body felt tense and sore from the far distance she went on her own, matched with her mental exhaustion from trying to stay strong. She didn’t want to disappoint him or herself.

As she continued her journey, the darkness closed in around her, casting a creepy shadow over the path. As night fell, Odette spotted the Red Sparrow, a brightly lit building filled with music. Although it looked inviting, the establishment was situated on the outskirts of town and its isolated location made her feel uneasy.

She moved across the street carefully to watch for any passing wagons and carriages, but it was fairly quiet. It was much different from the marketplace.

She stood outside, with her back against the wall. Whenever someone passed by, who didn't seem like someone she wanted to interact with, she would lower her head and hold her breath until they walked away.

As the night slowly ticked on, Odette sighed and took in the area around her. Theophilus should’ve been there already. It had taken her some time to get there, but she assumed it had been long enough for him to catch up.

He was nowhere to be seen, and her stomach soured at the thought.

What if he doesn’t come? What if he was caught? she thought to herself, noting how her heart began to race. What if he’s…

She stopped her mind before it could spiral out of control and induce more panic within her. She needed to keep her wits, especially in a place like The Red Sparrow.

If the man had been correct and there were plenty of thieves and criminals inside, then she needed to be guarded. She couldn’t seem weak or become the perfect target.

Inhaling a deep breath, Odette urged herself to relax.

Theophilus was capable of taking care of himself, just as Odette was capable of taking care of herself. She needed to remember that.

Centering herself once more, she went toward the door and entered the pub. Loud music and bustle surrounded her at once, offering her little time to adjust. Immediately, she felt every eye in the entire establishment on her.

Reminding herself it would be fine, she kept her head low like Theophilus would’ve told her, and she moved through the room full of wooden tables and chairs. She tried to ignore the presence of those gazes on her and found an empty place in the back.

Away from prying eyes, Odette took a seat and willed herself to look up long enough to see that the patrons returned to their usual chatter.

Calming down at the realization, she tried not to worry too much over Theophilus and his whereabouts. He had faith in her ability to carry out the plan, and she needed to have the same in him.

While waiting there, she scanned the large room and tried to pick out anybody she recognized. A considerable number of men were there, drinking, speaking with their acquaintances, and getting up to other nefarious things. The few women there were either entertaining the men with their dancing or far too intimidating for Odette to even consider speaking with.

She indeed felt like a complete outsider, and there was nothing she could do but accept it.

She looked for anyone she knew from France or the rebel group to no avail. She had no idea what the informant looked like and found herself at a loss.

A piece of her wanted to look down on the folks there, labeled as criminals and thieves. But when that time arrived, she reminded herself that she had earned that label herself, along with fugitive, traitor, and surely spinster.

In the eyes of the king and his men, she was no better than them.

“What’s a lassie like yerself doin’ in a place like this?”

Odette suddenly found herself face-to-face with a woman. Her round, doe-like eyes stared back at her curiously, leaning on one leg to jut her curvy hip out. She had a cloth draped over her shoulder, and her dark hair was pulled back in a somewhat messy braid with pieces that framed her full face.

Odette tried to find words, thrown off by the sudden intrusion. Urgently, she cleared her throat and uttered, “I’m waiting for someone.”

The less this stranger knew, the better.

“Aren’t we all,” she said, eyes glimmering with amusement. “Let me tell ye, if yer lad asks ye tae meet him here, ye better run, lassie. Nae good man comes tae this place.”