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Wendel sized me up with a devilish smile. “It’s a brilliant idea. The American will be more than distracted by a beautiful woman in a beautiful gown.”
I scoffed. “Do I look like I own a ball gown?”
“They wouldn’t let you inside in those clothes.”
I glanced down at myself. “Point taken.”
Konstantin cleared his throat. “I’m willing to pay you both. Name your price.”
“Could you talk to Margareta for me?” I asked.
“About what?”
“I was the one who guarded Diesel on the steamship to England. I was the one who failed. Only I found out later that the mission—the real mission—had been a success, and I was no more than a dummy.”
Recognition flickered on Konstantin’s face. “Margareta never told me that.”
“Why would she? She punished me when I complained.”
“That’s hardly fair. Help me with the blueprints, and let me have a talk with Margareta.”
“I will.” I squared my shoulders. “Thank you.”
Wendel flicked a hazelnut with his finger. “And what could you possibly give me?”
Unease crossed over Konstantin’s face. “I know you have unfinished business in Constantinople. I happened upon a secret that may be of interest to you.”
Not even looking, Wendel toyed with his glass. “About?”
“The Grandmaster.”
When Wendel lifted his head, his eyes gleamed. “Archmage, how could I refuse?”
Night tossed thousands of glittering stars like diamonds across the black velvet sky. I breathed shallowly, my ribs imprisoned by the boning in my corset. The silk sleeves of my ball gown fluttered in the winter wind.
When I shivered, Wendel said, “Take my jacket.”
“I’m not that cold.”
He looked stunning in a black tailcoat and ivory waistcoat, everything tailored to fit the lean muscles in his body. My gown wasn’t half as practical, though it was gorgeous. A froth of golden lace spilled over emerald-green silk. As a mercenary, I spent too much time in leather and steel.
“I insist,” he said. “Before you die of hypothermia.”
“We’re in Vienna. Nobody’s dying of hypothermia. We’re a thousand miles away from that snowy battlefield in the wilderness of Transylvania.”
He arched an eyebrow. “Perhaps I should warm you up.”
“What—?”
He backed me against a stone wall and captured me in a fierce kiss. In the shadows, we weren’t completely hidden from the people on the street.
But I didn’t care. Not when his mouth devoured mine, not when his hands explored my skin. Lust ached through my body. When he slid his knee between my legs, I groaned and gripped the lapels of his jacket.
If he fucked me against the wall, right here, right now, I wouldn’t refuse him. I wanted him to lift my gown to my hips and stain the silk with his climax.
When he finally released me, we were both gasping for air.
“Still cold?” he asked, his eyes smoldering.
