Page 14 of Devil in Her Details

“Alas, I have not, but from what I’ve read and pictures in books I’ve seen, I believe the comparison quite apt.”

“And what animal do you find a likeness in for yourself?”

“A lynx, if you must know.”

A bark of laughter nearly ripped from Dagger. She reminded him more of a small doe with a fiery spirit than of a wild cat, but he thought it wise to keep that part to himself. “How’s the pest’s face looking? Have we succeeded?”

Her eyes moved beyond him. “I should say so. His face looks rather ugly.”

“Good.” Dagger stepped away. “This will make what I have to do so much easier.”

Her brows lifted with curiosity. “Oh? And why is that?”

“Men make mistakes when they’re angry.”

“How diabolical.” A slow grin spread across her face.

“Lock the door when I’m gone.”

He didn’t wait to see if she obeyed, trusting she possessed enough sense to follow the instruction. He turned and exited the shop, striding out into the street. Not so much as glancing in the direction of the other man, Dagger set off in the opposite direction. Let the arse stew for a bit. He’d double back in a bit to ensure the fool made no trouble.

He rounded the end of the corner, and Reaper stepped up beside him. Dagger cursed and demanded, “Why are you never where you’re damn well supposed to be?”

His brother chuckled, shooting a coin up in the air. “I have other people there in my stead.”

“Irresponsible,” Dagger growled.

“More irresponsible than leaving your daggers at home while you venture out to follow a lead? I was concerned, frère.”

Concerned my arse.

“Your lead. Not a lead. And as you can see, I’m fine.”

“A distinction that matters,” Reaper agreed nonchalantly. Paused, then asked, “Where are we going?”

Dagger sighed. He’d rather have done this alone, but once Reaper latched onto something, like a damn starving dog with a bone, he’d never let go. “Doubling back.”

“Now things are getting interesting.”

Dagger could feel his brother’s grin. Resigning himself to his fate, he muttered, “Now that you’re here, you might as well help me.”

“I’m all ears, frère.”

“Wait.” Dagger led the way down the narrow street running behind the row of shops, determined that whatever business that fop had with Lilly would end today. He should have asked her last name. Calling and thinking of her by her first name felt just too intimate. She didn’t, however, give her last name, so he wouldn’t press. He would find out soon enough anyhow. Nothing in Brighton remained a secret for long.

A quick turn at the end of the block would put them back on the main road. Ahead of that man’s carriage.

“Why all the stealthiness?” Reaper asked in an intrigued whisper.

The memory of her comparing him to a panther tugged at the corner of his mouth. Dagger motioned to the nob leaning against the black carriage. “Someone requires dealing with.”

A solemn nod. “They’re connected to our uncle.”

“No.”

“No? Then why the devil are we bothering?”

“Price of my belt.”