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His chuckle rumbled through her chest. “Now who is the one declaring defeat prematurely?” He tugged a fourth book from the shelf. The spine on that book had been cracked, but when he fluttered the pages, nothing fell out. “Damn.” As he shook the book, the front cover seemed a tad looser than the other.
“Wait. We have assumed there would be a note inside the pages, correct?”
“I suppose so. Why?”
“What if Laurence knew his brother had gotten wind of the treasure? What if he wished to make certain it remained hidden after he’d relocated it?”
“And he knew dear old Philip wasn’t the literary sort.” Anticipation twinkled in his ice blue eyes. “He would have hidden the clue somewhere that wasn’t as obvious.” Hawk asked her to hold the book while he ran his fingertips along the front cover. “Ah. There. Look. The glue is coming off just here.”
While Belle watched, he carefully peeled away the lining until he revealed a small, folded scrap of paper. “There it is!” Her hands shook with excitement. “I had no doubts you would find it.”
“Do not underestimate yourself, Belle. I would never have looked here if not for your insights.” He peeled the note from the book, and while she put the volume back on the shelf, he unfolded the scrap. “It’s a clue, all right.”
“Let me see.” Gently, she pulled it from his fingers. “’The temperatures might be mercurial here, but the drafts are always cold. Mind your steps else they shall be your last.’” Baffled, she frowned at her companion. “It’s merely another riddle.”
“True, but at least someone had a sense of humor. Perhaps we should give this room another thorough search.”
“For what? We cannot see a draft, and I’m completely baffled by the rest of the clue.” Truly, she had no ideas.
“I suppose we’ll know it when we see it.” After stuffing the clue into the pocket of his waistcoat, Hawk took her hand and drew her across the room. “Check all the windows. Drafts occur there. I’ll inspect the fireplace.”
But check them for what? Belle shook her head but did as he’d instructed. Neither of the two windows revealed a hidden key or a map or words etched into the wooden panes. “There is nothing here.”
“The fireplace doesn’t contain an answer either. It is simply a damned hearth.” So much disappointment rang in his voice that she grinned.
“It was a thrilling search, nonetheless.” She walked to the center of the room and then stood there with her arms wrapped around her person, for it was slightly chilly. “I’ve not had cause to examine Brambleberry Cottage by candlelight.” The library was cozy compared to the one in the manor house. “While I think it a quaint residence, I am not certain I wish to make it my home any time soon. Doing such smacks of a finality I’m not ready to claim.” She laughed but the sound was all too watery. “When I think of the word dowager, in my mind I see an elderly, hobbled woman who has outgrown her usefulness to the people around her. So she’s been tucked away out of sight from everyone.”
Was that admitting too much to him?
“I can understand that.” Hawk’s steps were very much a prowl as he came toward her. “My advice? Don’t make this yet another prison, Belle. There is so much more to life than what you can find on Ravenscroft land.”
“What if I have no idea how to start?”
“For as long as it takes, I’ll be right here with you.” With a wicked light sparkling in his eyes, he cupped her cheek, tipped her chin up, and then claimed her lips.
It was just what she needed in this moment, as were his words. With a sigh, Belle looped her arms about his shoulders and set out to kiss him back. As with every time they came together, the heat of passion built between them, and all too soon the embrace deepened until they were both breathless with need.
“As much as I want to drag you upstairs to that bed where I stole my second kiss from you, I would rather have our next carnal meeting elsewhere,” he whispered with his forehead pressed to hers. Hunger had darkened his eyes, and his interest in her was all too evident as his arousal twitched at her hip.
“Are you quite certain, Montague?” Why he didn’t care for his given name was beyond her ken. She adored it. “I wouldn’t bid you nay.” In fact, the feeling of restlessness and longing had returned, and for whatever reason, she knew only he could help in that regard.
“Don’t tempt me, woman.” With a growl, he took another kiss, more forceful than the others, then he stepped backward and put her at arm’s length. “Perhaps, if you are of a mind, we can talk a bit more while we’re here? I want to tell you a few stories of my past.”
At least it was something. She nodded. “I would like that. Besides, it keeps us from being in Philip’s company.”
“Good.”
“Thank you.”
Surprise flitted across his face as he led the way to one of the sofas. “For what?”
“For including me in this adventure.” Another round of unshed tears balled in her throat. “You have no idea how I’ve appreciated that. Laurence had his hobbies and interests but never included me in any of them, and I missed his company when he went off to do all of that.” Her voice wavered. Quickly, she sat on the brocade upholstery. A shiver of desire shot down her spine when he settled beside her. “Regardless, I enjoy seeing you in your element. With very little effort, you would make a fine detective.”
And perhaps that would keep him near. Damn her own eyes, for her heart was sailing merrily along on a river of affection, that she already knew would end in a waterfall of hurt.
Hawk slipped an arm about her shoulders and encouraged her to lay her head on his shoulder. “Now that is an interesting proposition. I promise to give it some thought. Until then, let me tell you of the time when I had to save my commanding officer from a recalcitrant cow…”
Chapter Thirteen
