Page 16 of The Devil's Deceit

“Good. That’ll save me from having a long list of previous lovers to murder.”

Eyes splayed wide, her jaw slackens. “You’re not serious?”

I keep my expression schooled. Teasing Grace may become my latest hobby. “Deadly.”

A spark of fear ignites in her eyes—not the look I’d hoped for. I throw out a beaming smile. “I’m messing with you. They’re all safe.” I lower my voice. “Unless any of them hurt you, then all bets are off.”

“That’s a possessive thing to say to someone you only met four days ago.”

“And what a four days they’ve been. There hasn’t been a waking hour I haven’t thought of you.”

She angles her head to one side, and it’s fucking adorable. “You’re teasing me again.”

“Not this time. I mean it. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since you walked past me at the ball. I knew then that I wanted you. That hasn’t changed. I’m a determined man, Grace, and when I want something, I go after it with every fiber of mybeing. I’m relentless.”

“Looks like I may need that restraining order after all.”

God, I’m infatuated with her. I can’t get enough of her wit, her company, her beauty. Her fucking scent that’s driving me wild.

“You should know I’m good friends with the head of the Metropolitan Police.”

“Of course you are.”

The lights begin to dim, casting the auditorium in darkness. Grace shifts her attention from me to the stage, but she doesn’t pull her hand from mine as I thought she might. I smile, and it stays in place for the next ninety minutes as I listen to Destiny play while watching Grace the entire time. She’s entranced by the talent on show, and I’m entranced by her.

When the lights come up and the curtain falls, Grace turns to me, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “That was incredible.”

I couldn’t have put it better myself. And I’m not talking about the concert, even if Grace is.

“Would you like to meet her?”

Her mouth forms a perfect ‘O’. “You can arrange that?”

“Of course. Like I said, her husband is a family friend. I know Destiny very well.”

“Then I’d love to. She’s my absolute idol.”

“Great. Let’s go.” I lead her from the box and, with Marshall in tow, we make our way backstage. I nod in greeting at a couple of people, sidling through the stagehands to the dressing room area before I knock on the door. A few seconds later, it opens.

“Christian.” Loris, Destiny’s husband, smiles, thrusting out his hand. “Did you catch the show? You should have told us you were coming.”

“I did. Amazing as always.” I pull Grace forward. “This is Lady Grace Ambrose, my date for the evening. She’s a huge fan of Destiny’s, so I wondered?—”

“Enough said. Come on in. She’s just getting changed. Drink?” He closes the door, leaving my bodyguard outside. Not that I’d need protection with Loris around. He owns a security firm that deals in close personal protection and he’s a former Major in the Royal Marines.

“Not for me. Grace?”

“I’m okay. Thank you.” Her voice is small, but her eyes are on stalks as she scopes out the dressing room.

I’m racking up major brownie points here. All good for me.

“I’ll just let her know you’re here.” Loris disappears through another door.

Grace nudges me with her elbow. “I’m positively shaking.” She holds out her hand, and sure enough, it trembles.

I grin. “She’s just a person. Goes to the toilet like everyone else.”

“Shh. Don’t spoil the image I have in my mind.”