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I let that statement linger as my finger trailed down the heavy fabric covering her throat. Her pulse fluttered under my touch, but I didn’t stop. Instead, I moved lower, along the fine arch of her collarbone, then across to her shoulder. She was dainty and feminine, but strong. The perfect combination in a woman.
“Do you want help with finding your father?” I asked softly.
“Yes, but I won’t sleep with you.”
I caressed her arm, my fingertips grazing her elbow, and she shivered. “You will—and you’ll beg me for it.”
“You’re delusional.”
I stepped back, smothering a smile. “So what will it be? Am I saving Honest Dan Kelly for you?”
“Do you agree with me that he’s still alive?”
“Yes, because it would be stupid to kill such a high-profile figure and think to get away with it. They are clearly waiting to ransom him off.”
She seemed to mull this over. “Can you get him released quickly?”
“Hard to say. It will take time.” Days and days, if it meant keeping her by my side. Weeks, maybe. Hell, I might wait until next year.
“I don’t want him suffering in some damp warehouse or musty opium den until you do.”
“I’ll see that he’s well cared for by his kidnappers—if you play nice.”
“So you know his whereabouts.”
“My reach in this city is vast and pervasive. I have the ability to ensure his well being, if I choose to involve myself. Am I involving myself?”
I didn’t miss the way her gaze flicked over my body, then traveled up to my mouth. Lust raced through me, my skin prickling with awareness. She was curious, I could tell. Wondering how it would be between us.
I’d make it so good for you, angel.
She closed her eyes. “Fine. I’ll let you kiss me.”
“Such a sacrifice,” I murmured. “And you have it backwards, yeah? It’s whateverIwant, not whateveryouwant.”
“Too vague. I won’t agree to a deal without knowing the terms first. Nor, I suspect, would you.”
She was so cute. Did she honestly think to negotiate with me? “The clock is ticking, widow.”
“What you are suggesting will ruin my reputation.”
“A woman with drawers like yours?” I smirked. “I’d wager she isn’t worried about her reputation.”
She bit her bottom lip, and I watched the plump flesh disappear between her teeth. Envy crawled through my veins. I wanted to bite her, then have her bite me in return. This was going to be fun.
“For how long?” she asked, her voice thin.
“As long as it takes.”
“To get him released?”
“Among other things,” I said cryptically.
“I don’t really have a choice, do I?”
“You’re asking a lot of questions for a woman who very nearly showed me her quim two minutes ago. I told you what I want. Are you in or out?”
“I’m in.”
