Page 7 of How to Fall for a Scoundrel

She gave an inelegant snort. “Why choose King and Company? Why not approach the Bow Street runners, or any of the other private investigative firms in town?”

“Because I believe we can come to a mutually beneficial arrangement. Admit it, there is no Charles King, is there?”

Ellie weighed her options. He’d already guessed their secret, and in admitting his criminal past he’d already entrusted her with plenty of incriminating information. She might as well reciprocate.

“Very well, you’re right. We made him up. Daisy, Tess, and I run King and Company.”

He nodded, unsurprised. “As someone with a fictional name myself, I feel a particular kinship with Charles King. It’s almost like fate brought us together. I’m in need of a new start, a new name. You’re in need of someone to embody your fictional employer in order to dealwith fools like Bullock. Why refuse five hundred pounds when a simple solution has presented itself?”

Because the thought of working with someone as handsome as you makes my stomach flutter.

No, she couldn’t say that.

Ellie frowned. “The past has a nasty way of catching up with people. What if someone who knew you in Italy or France comes to London and recognizes you? You’ll be revealed as a fraud and jeopardize the case.”

“It’s a risk, of course, but there are risks involved in any endeavor. It’s low enough to be acceptable, in my view.”

“I’m not the only one who makes the decisions at King and Company. I’ll have to discuss your proposition with my partners.”

“Of course. I’m sure they’ll see the benefits of having me around.” He uncrossed his legs and stood, and Ellie did the same, trying not to notice how beautifully proportioned his long, lean body was. Or how tempting his lips were.

She’dkissedthose lips. She still couldn’t believe it.

He reached into his jacket pocket, pulled out a large gold-cased pocket watch on a thick albert chain, and held it out to her. “Here.”

“What’s this?” She took it from his outstretched hand automatically, then frowned as she read the monogram engraved on the back.WB.

“Just a trifle, to prove how useful I can be. It’s Bullock’s.”

“Youstoleit?”

“Just now. From his pocket, while he was talking with us.” His eyes gleamed with devilry. “You can return it to him when he comes to your office tomorrow. It will put him in a good mood.”

“And how will I explain it being in my possession?” Ellie demanded, aghast.

“Say you saw him drop it when he walked away, but by the time you’d picked it up, you’d lost him in the crowd.”

Such sleight of hand was annoyingly impressive, but Ellie sent him a disapproving frown. “Let me make this quite clear, Mr. whatever-your-name-is. I donotcondone using illegal means ofany sortto solve a case. Is that understood?”

“Of course. Completely. I simply wished to give you some proof of my claims. In case you thought I was a charlatan.”

“Youarea charlatan. By you own admission.”

He shrugged. “A talented, useful charlatan.”

The watch was still warm from his body heat. She slipped it into her skirt pocket with an unwelcome shiver of awareness.

He gestured toward the door. “If that’s all, we should both get back to the ball. I’ll be at King and Company tomorrow morning at nine o’clock sharp, to see what decision you and your colleagues have made. Bullock is coming at ten, don’t forget.”

It was hard to look businesslike when his physical attractiveness was so distracting. The elegant severity of his coat emphasized the breadth of his shoulders, and his form-fitting breeches made it surprisingly difficult to concentrate.

“I want you to swear to me that you won’t tell anyone what we’ve discussed.”

His smile made her pulse flutter. “Trust goes both ways, Miss Law. You could have me swinging from the gallows before the week is out, with the things I’ve told you about myself.”

“Ifthey’re true,” she said cynically.

“Oh, they are. But if it puts your mind at ease, then I also give you my word. Both as a gentleman, and as a thief.”