Page 28 of Lyon’s Obsession (The Lyon’s Den Connected World #91)

He carefully shifted his weight away from the tip of the weapon she held. “You misunderstand,” he said cautiously. “I would never harm even a hair upon your head. I mean to offer you my protection. As Marksman, I can warrant you will never want for anything.”

“I have no need of your protection, my lord,” she declared, but he noted the first hints of uncertainty in her eyes. “My uncle means to return for me.”

Alexander attempted to have her see reason. “Honfleur has left you in a house with no servants, little food, and an angry landlord demanding his rents.”

Her eyes widened as the realization of the truth settled in for the briefest of moments before she countered, “How are you so knowledgeable of my uncle’s business?”

“Is it not apparent I have made inquiries into Lord Honfleur’s affairs?

” Although he wished to convince her of his true identity, Alexander would not jeopardize the government’s investigation into her uncle’s association with Booth by sharing too many of Lord Duncan’s assumptions.

Alexander was still not confident regarding how much Annalise knew of what appeared to be some sort of plan for an insurrection.

“Then the dance we shared was for you to learn more of Lord Honfleur’s presence in England?” she accused.

Alexander smiled sweetly upon her. “Although I do not regret our dance, for it brought you into my life, at that time, it was not my intention to make myself known to you. However, when I noted Lord Bacggart’s advances, I intervened.

I would not have you suffer Bacggart’s attentions.

More importantly, even with my first look upon your person, I recognized a connection between us. Can you deny it?”

“I do,” she said with a lift of her chin.

Alexander chuckled. “The manner in which your eyes opened wider says you offer me an untruth, my dear.”

“It does not matter what I supposedly felt or did not feel. I know only regret for participating in your ploy. Under the circumstances, I had considered your actions providential, but I have been proven a fool.” She gave the blade a slight flick to indicate she wished him to move in the direction of the door.

“I shall repeat my instructions, sir. Turn around slowly and cross to the stairs. I shall escort you from my uncle’s house and release you from any obligation you believe you owe me.

” Her stance grew more aggressive. “I insist you lead, my lord.” She nodded again to the still open door. “After you, Lord Marksman.”

“I fear I cannot acquiesce,” he said with emphasis. “I came to this house this evening with a specific purpose in mind. I refuse to leave until I am satisfied you have a better understanding of our relationship.”

She skillfully flicked the lapel of his jacket with the tip of the rapier before bringing it to rest under his chin.

“You provide me no choice, my lord.” She gently tapped his chin with the rapier’s tip.

“Turn and walk away. I have no desire to bring you harm; yet, such will not keep me from slitting your throat, my lord.”

“As you wish,” he said before taking a large step back. Then another. And another. “You have convinced me; you will not permit me to explain why I risked so much to enter this house to speak to you.”

She edged forward, trailing him.

Alexander glanced over his shoulder to know assurance he would not trip over the various boxes and weapons scattered about the space.

“What if I challenged you to a fight? Not to the death,” he was quick to say. “If you win, I will leave and never bother you again,” he declared, knowing full well he had no intention of leaving this house without her.

“And if you win?” she asked with a lift of her brows in challenge.

Alexander enjoyed her daring. “You will listen to my tale—a quarter hour is all I ask. Then, if you still wish me to leave, I will comply and without a protest.”

She was too innocent and unaffected not to want to believe him, though he had watched the house often enough to know something of her skill with a sword. In that manner, Annalise reminded him of Theodora.

“You will leave me and mine as you found them?” she questioned.

“My intention was to do nothing less.”

She evidently did not approve of his two-meaning remark, for she only heard one side of it. She again motioned to the door with a slight flick of her wrist and the sword’s tip. “I believe I will continue to insist you depart, my lord. Turn slowly and walk towards the door.”

“I have made you uncomfortable. Such was never my purpose,” he continued to stall.

They were near the door, and so he paused.

He noted Lady Caroline’s sword, and he meant to make his stand now.

Before Miss Moreau realized his intentions, Alexander dove to the right to come up with the sword.

He preferred a heavier one, but this one would subdue his sister just as well as another, for Alexander wished her no harm.

“I will have you hear me out, my lady,” he declared.

“I am no lady, Lord Marksman,” she declared, as she backed into the room’s center to defend her half of the attic.

“I beg to differ,” Alexander stated firmly, while standing casually with the sword he held pointed at the floor. He had no intention of using the weapon more than necessary to convince his sister to listen to his tale.

He expertly assumed a fighting stance and she followed suit. Each took a position in preparation for what he hoped would be a quick coming together of like minds.

“You shall learn that a ‘true’ lady does not prefer a battle of swords over a battle of wills.” She extended her arm in preparation for a fight. “Shall we dance again, my lord? As before, we both know the required steps.”

Alexander smiled easily. “I imagine you and I will often share the dance floor together, my dear, only minus the swords.” He gently tapped her sword with his. “I await your first move, my lady.”

He had truly been surprised when her sword circled his and knocked his momentarily to the side. She possessed more skill than he had anticipated.

“Nicely done,” he said as he made to attack. They moved together as if they were truly dancing. Her sword struck his blade harder than Alexander expected, and he had to scramble to keep her from running him through.

Taking a closer measure of her style, they circled slowly, recovering their breath. “Formidable,” he remarked. “You are truly quite formidable. Whoever taught you, taught you well.”

“I could say the same of you, but I shall not,” she retorted.

Alexander laughed. “I adore your spirit, my lady.”

She boldly declared, “Shall we begin again, my lord, or do you require more time to reclaim your breath?”

“As you wish, my dear,” he said as he extended his sword again in an on garde stance.

Rapiers clicked.

Balance teetered forward and back.

Whole pace and a half.

Each attempting to claim the advantage.

Alexander used his height and weight to overshadow all the skill she obviously held. He did not wish to harm her, only to have her listen to his tale of her family.

Though he already knew it was there, it was then she noticed it: A trickle of blood marked his cuff. “You are injured, my lord,” she declared in concern.

He glanced at the nick marking his broken skin. “It is nothing. It is not important if I do not win your trust.”

Before she could respond, they heard someone calling her name and rushing the stairs.

Alexander turned again in preparation to fight whoever meant to “save” her.

He wondered if he had erred, and Honfleur had found another means to sneak in and out of the house.

Was that the reason the kitchen door was not locked?

“Audrey!” a familiar voice called, and Alexander knew he frowned.

“Here!” she responded.

Within a matter of seconds, Navan Beaufort stood in the open doorway. “You fair, girl?” he asked Audrey.

However, before his sister could respond, Alexander demanded, “What in Hades are you doing here?”