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No man would ever own or tame her.
If Raven had her as his own he would know that it wasn’t in his power to give her a long rein or to allow her to have her freedom. It wasn’t a question of giving her freedom.
The only question would be whether he could keep up with her.
Chapter 19
Indy pressed her nose against the carriage window. Paris by way of superior Russian vodka looked different—fuzzier, friendlier, even more romantic.
The elation in her heart expanded to include every person they passed on the street. Everyone looked so beautiful. The moon was shining so brightly. Everyone had a smile on their lips.
Raven had trusted her to interrogate Petrov. He hadn’t interfered or tried to direct the conversation.
“Do you think Sir Charles could be involved in the theft?” she asked Raven. He’d spent much of the evening in conversation with their host.
“I hate to think so, but it’s possible. His mistress, Margot Delacroix, is one of Le Triton’s close associates.”
“She could have compromising information on Sir Charles. She could have blackmailed him into giving Le Triton the information about how to remove the stone from the Society of Antiquaries while it was there on loan from the museum.”
“It seems the likeliest explanation at this stage. Miss Delacroix is bound to be at La Sirène this evening.”
“There are ladies at the gaming tables?”
“I wouldn’t call them ladies.”
“They’re just women earning a living, they’ve been left few options in this male-dominated world. I feel no enmity for them.”
“You have revolutionary ideas.”
“I’ve never taken my privileged birth for granted. I was born wealthy and titled. I didn’t earn these privileges, I was born into them. I don’t think they make me any better than anyone else. I’d live as a commoner if I didn’t benefit so much from my brother’s bottomless pockets. Which I intend to dip into this evening at therouge et noirtable.”
“You’re going to play?” asked Raven, clearly surprised.
“I’m not going to drape myself on your elbow and look decorative, if that’s what you’re suggesting.”
“I didn’t know you gambled. Do you know the rules of the games?”
“Of course. What do you think I do on those long sea voyages? The sailors and I have lively contests. I can best any man at cards.”
“Of course you can.” Raven laid his gloved hand close to hers on the carriage seat. “Society always judges a lady who chooses a different life. I’ve never told you this before, Indy, but I’m so very proud of your accomplishments.”
“I wasn’t doing it to make you proud.”
“Whatever your motives, you’ve accomplished so much and your achievements should never be downplayed, or dismissed.”
“I do believe you’ve had a bit too much tipple, Raven. You’re losing your mocking edge.”
His gaze intensified. “You’re the bravest person I know.”
This new side of Raven was making it difficult to remember why she used to hate him.
Of course, she was probably just looking at him through vodka-colored spectacles.
“Isn’t Paris beautiful?” she asked. “I won’t be able to live in London after we break off our engagement. I’ll be a pariah. I think I’ll move here. I’ve always been more at home in Paris than in London. There are too many restrictions in London.” She stretched her arms wide, nearly touching the walls of the small carriage. “I want to give Paris a hug.”
She wanted to give Raven a hug. Tell him that she loved being here with him. That she... loved him.
That was the vodka talking. It made her overly-courageous. Of course she could never tell him that she loved him.
