Page 125 of The Duke's Indecent Match

Christian had no older relatives living with him nor had he had any siblings.

“If it comes down to it, let me take the fall,” Christian murmured, as if agreeing with Matthew’s thoughts.“I would rather die than have to explain myself why I letyoudie to your grandmother.No one will miss me if I am gone.”

Shooting him a look, Matthew frowned as they reached close to the area where Drake had turned.He was not sure which of the narrow streets the other man had taken.The area was not well lit, and the fog on the ground was thickening, giving the Warrens an extra eerie feel.

“All of our friends would miss you just as much as they would miss me.”

“Yes, I meant… well, you know what I meant.”

Matthew was not sure that he did, but there was no use pressing Christian to talk about it, that he knew.The other man did not enjoy talking about serious matters.Which Matthew did not blame him for, it was hardly his favorite thing either.

Which street, the first or the second?

Should I take the first street?

He flipped the coin over onto his wrist.

No.

“Why are you flipping your coin over streets?”Christian asked.

“This way,” Matthew said, nodding at the second street.“I want to know what Drake is up to.”

“He’s going to his carriage…” Christian’s voice trailed off, and he frowned as he realized that the direction they were going in, the direction Drake had headed in, was taking them deeper into the Warrens.Matthew knew that’s what Christian was thinking because he was thinking it, too.“What the bloody hell is he up to?”

They’d lost sight of him, but it did not matter.

There were times that Matthew did not need his coin, times that he could feel his path as if fate was guiding him down it.

This was one of those times.

He turned again.

And again.

Christian followed him silently, without complaint.

Suddenly, Matthew stopped, holding out his arm and barring Christian from moving forward as well.

Light suddenly illuminated through the fog, revealing a shadow standing in a doorway.No, two shadows.

One of a large man, a guard at the door.

The other was Drake.

“You have the Devil’s own luck, I swear,” Christian murmured.

Not only had they not been coshed and robbed, but they’d also caught up to Drake, even though they had not been able to see him until this moment.

Drake and the man exchanged words, then the guard stepped back, letting him in.That feeling of impetus, of forward motion, pushed at Matthew, and he stepped out as the door closed.

Christian’s hand caught his arm.

“Wait… how are you going to get in there?”he hissed.

“I am going to use Drake’s name.”

“What if that doesn’t work?”