Page 40 of To Steal a Kiss

“Who?” Alice asked, a little alarmed by the spark of jealousy that lit in her heart.

“Oh, no one in particular,” he said at once. “That is, I wasn’t expecting anyone,” he said, looking increasingly ill at ease. “But sometimes women… turn up.”

Alice raised her eyebrows once more. “And you didn’t want to see them?”

He shook his head. “I was heartsick for you, Alice. I didn’t want anyone else.”

Alice digested this and then considered everything she knew about this charming man, everything his reputation suggested. She stared down at him, knowing he would be only too easy to fall in love with. Who was she fooling? She was more than half in love with him now, it would only get worse. As would that spark of jealousy. It would consume her if he betrayed her.

“And what happens if we marry? What happens then when a lady turns up here, seeking your company?” she asked, feeling that spark ignite into something hot and hateful.

“Nothing,” he said, never wavering as he looked back at her. “I’d never betray your trust, Alice. If you do me the honour of marrying me, I’d never dishonour you in such a way.”

He meant it. She could see it in his eyes and hear it in the solemnity of his vow.

“Well then,” she said, letting go of a breath of relief. “You’d best show me around your kingdom.”

***

It was strange, seeing Hunter’s through her eyes. Nate could tell Alice was awestruck, both by the scale and the lavish nature of the place. As a theatre it had an inevitable grandeur of style and decoration. Whilst he’d sunk a small fortune into remodelling the place for his requirements, he’d carefully preserved the building’s origins. This was a temple to gambling, after all, and the theatrics of the surroundings suited the immoderate lifestyle it was a part of.

Everything was the best money could buy, from the crystal glasses to the dozens of massive, glinting chandeliers. He employed two of the finest French chefs in the country to feed the members in an opulent dining area. Throughout the vast building there were carpets so thick your boots sank an inch deep into the pile. The best brandy and liquor of every variety, Champagne and wine, cigars and sweetmeats, all were available at the snap of the fingers… whatever a gentleman desired.

In the Garden any exotic fare from the far reaches of the globe was available, for a price, and so it was at Hunter’s.

There were girls too, naturally, though Nate did not employ them directly. They were hand-picked, of course, his manager saw to that. Only the most beautiful gained entry, Hunter’s was exclusive in all ways, but they came of their own accord. They were well treated, protected from harm and they made their own bargains, kept all their earnings. He’d had no desire to be procurer flesh of any description.

“It’s remarkable, Nate,” Alice said, trailing her hand across the smooth green baize of a Faro table. “I’d never dreamed of anything so… impressive.”

Nate shrugged. “Impressive, perhaps,” he agreed, giving her a crooked smile. “But a very long way from respectable.”

“Respectability is overrated,” she said with a prim sniff, and it delighted him she would tease him so as he saw the laughter in her eyes. Yet, he grew serious, knowing this was not at all the case.

“Darling,” he said, taking her hand and drawing her close again. “You might lose a deal of your friends in choosing me. You do understand that? Your parents may wash their hands of you. People may cut you in the street. I… I know I’ve left you little option in the matter, but… you must prepare yourself for some unpleasantness.”

He felt his heart clench at the idea she should suffer a moment’s unhappiness because of him, but there was little point in denying the obvious.

“Matilda is far braver than I, you know,” he said, sliding an arm about her waist. “There are enough who knew her before Montagu’s refusal to marry her, who know and believe her story. The Earl of St Clair and his mother have been wonderful in showing their support, as have a handful of others. Thank God, Matilda was well liked before the scandal, so that has saved her from complete ruin, but there are many who have been cruel, more who closed doors on her and laughed in her face. Yet still, she stands tall and dares them to do their worst. She’s never hidden herself away or acted as though she has something to be ashamed of. She meets everyone’s eye, and people respect her for that.”

“You admire her,” Alice said, smiling.

He nodded. “I admire her enormously. She has more strength than anyone I’ve ever known. When times were dark, she kept me going. I owe her a great deal, and I’ve given her little reason to thank me.”

“I’m sure that’s not true.”

He laughed at that. “I’m afraid it is, but that’s Matilda’s story to tell if she wishes to. I’m afraid you’ll not think well of me once the story is done.”

She leaned into him. “I know the story, Nate, and Matilda has long forgiven you, as you well know. You were at your wits’ end, sick with grief and worry. It was just a dreadful stroke of luck; she knows that as well as I do. Of all the men to encounter, though, Montagu had to be the vilest.”

Nate nodded, his jaw clenching. He’d give no argument on that score. “He’ll get his comeuppance eventually.”

Nate smiled, not wanting to think about that, not wanting to think about anything but Alice, and the fact she was really considering becoming his wife. It seemed too extraordinary. He’d told himself he didn’t want the life most men had. Marriage, a home, children… of course not. Nathaniel Hunt didn’t crave such dull, commonplace aspirations. Except he had, he’d craved them so badly he couldn’t even acknowledge the desire, for knowing he’d never have it might destroy any peace of mind left to him.

And then he’d met Alice.

“I can’t believe you’re here,” he said, tracing a fingertip down her jawline. “Promise I’m not dreaming.”

She blushed a little and smiled, looking pleased at his words. “I think you’d conjure something a little more impressive if it were a dream,” she said, and he saw again the doubt flickering in her eyes, the uncertainty she was worth such a compliment.