Lord Valiant (Lords Of Night Street Book 2) Read online

  A shiver ran through her at his words. No one had ever wanted to claim Charlotte.

  “I apologize if my brief kiss upset you.”

  Brief. Dear Lord, Charlotte could only imagine what a long kiss from this man would do to her.

  “I see. Well, in that case, thank you.”

  His lips softened from their grim line, and suddenly his eyes held a wicked glint.

  “It was no hardship, Miss Radley. You have a lovely mouth to go with your lovely body.”

  Charlotte felt heat once again sweep over her. “I-I—how dare you,” she said with absolutely no conviction. In fact, it sounded more like a caress than censure.

  “Did I offend your maidenly sensibilities, Miss Radley?” He was mocking her now. “Surely that man and woman behind the glass have already done that, or perhaps you enjoyed the experience?”

  “Don’t be vulgar, Lord Needly. I am a woman of the world and it would take more than that display, a few coarse words, and a kiss from you to unsettle me, I assure you.”

  Before she could stop him, he’d placed a hand between her breasts, pressing his fingers against her body so he could feel her heart beat.

  “Your heart tells me you lie, Miss Radley, but if you wish for me to convince you further, then I am happy to oblige.”

  She slapped his hand aside and then tried to push him backward. Her efforts were futile, as he did not budge.

  “My heartbeat is elevated due to the circumstances, Lord Needly. I assure you frequenting a brothel is not something I do with regularity. Nor do I see the lewd acts I have witnessed this night on a daily basis. Furthermore, do not place your hands on my person again.”

  He looked at her for long heated seconds, and Charlotte managed to school her features to show no emotion. Then he stepped back and she was able to breathe easily once more.

  “I’m sure that tonight’s events have merely strengthened your dislike of men, Miss Radley.”

  Charlotte remained silent.

  “Someone comes. Hide in there.” He pushed her into the shadows beneath the stairs.

  “There is no sign of an injured lady or the missing girls up there, Charlotte.”

  It was Fred returning, much to Charlotte’s relief. Stepping out once again, she watched him look at Lord Needly.

  “Bringing your mistress here was folly, boy, and I hope you will show more sense in the future.”

  “Fred is not to blame, and how dare you speak to him that way.” She didn’t raise her voice, as she had no wish to draw anyone from the rooms, but Charlotte was sure he heard her anger.

  “No, he’s right, Charlotte. It was foolish, I should have come alone this evening.”

  She opened her mouth to refute those words but Lord Needly stopped her by placing his hand over her lips.

  “This is not the place for this discussion, so be quiet until we are safely outside.”

  Fuming that he’d told her to be quiet, she refrained from biting him and instead, clamped her lips together.

  “You go first, boy.” Lord Needly motioned Fred toward the stairs.

  “Fred’s my name,” he muttered.

  “Very well, Fred,” Lord Needly said, grabbing Charlotte’s arm and tugging her forward. He pulled up her hood, which had fallen off her head during their heated interlude.

  “Stay close to his back, and I shall follow.”

  Charlotte nodded and did as he asked. She wanted to get out of there quickly, now she knew it was possible they’d been lured there on false pretenses.

  They reached the lower floor once more, and she followed Fred closely through the room.

  “What’s this, are you taking one home with you?” Charlotte looked up in time to see a man lunge toward her. “I’ve tried that but wasn’t allowed.”

  Before she could draw another breath, Lord Needly had stepped in front of the man, blocking his view of Charlotte.

  “I would advise you not to touch her.” His voice wasn’t loud, but the menacing tone carried to the corners of the room.

  “Trouble?”

  She couldn’t see who that voice belonged to, but there was no doubt it was a gentleman and whoever he was now stood beside Lord Needly.

  “There doesn’t have to be,” Lord Needly said.

  The man must have decided to retreat, as seconds later, a large hand on her back was propelling her forward, and their small procession was again heading for the door. Once outside, they kept walking down the lane until they were well clear of Klipper House.

  “Thank you, my lord. Fred and I shall be on our way home now,” Charlotte said, moving away from Lord Needly.

  “I will walk with you.”

  “We do not need your company and are more than capable of reaching home safely,” Charlotte said, desperate to get away from the disturbing man.

  “Too bad, you have it, and may I suggest in future you think before you act, as tonight could have ended differently had I not found you when I did.”

  “How I live my life is of no concern to you, my lord.”

  “You made it my concern when you approached me for help, Miss Radley. Now please tell me more of this note,” he said, falling into step beside her as Fred took the lead.

  “It said the woman had been beaten and left unaided and in dire need of my help.

  “Have you had notes of this nature before?”

  “No, anyone who wants help usually arrives on my doorstep, or a friend brings them to the house. Occasionally, I call upon a brothel but it is always in daylight hours.”

  They walked in silence as he thought over her words. He held her arm now, his large fingers wrapped around her elbow. She could feel the heat from them seeping into her body.

  She was aware of him looking, watching every nook and dark shadow as they walked; the tension coiled tightly inside him until they reached her doorstep.

  “You could have chosen a house in a less notorious part of East London, Miss Radley.”

  “I could have,” Charlotte said, handing Fred her house key. “However, this was all I could afford at the time.”

  He wanted to say something further about her circumstances, but instead said, “Promise me you will not take such risks again, Miss Radley.”

  “I cannot make you that promise, my lord, as I have no idea where next my help will be needed.”

  “I shall rephrase that then, and ask that you do not enter places like Klipper House again, nor will you venture out at night.”

  She managed a small, dry laugh. “I shall make you the promise that I will not enter a place such as the one I did this evening, Lord Needly. Will that suffice?”

  He blew out a loud breath. “I would rather you said ‘Yes, my lord, I shall of course do as you ask and stay away from all danger and take no more risks. Nor will I leave the house after dark alone to venture into places that Lord Needly does not deem fit.’”

  Charlotte laughed, she couldn’t help it. His words were foolish but made her feel warm inside. Not many people in her life had cared for her safety.

  “It is no laughing matter, I assure you, Charlotte. Have you thought that perhaps you were lured to Klipper House to be abducted?”

  “Oh, well, no, I did not.” Charlotte felt the smile fall from her lips as she wondered if he was right, and on the heels of that thought came another. Was her father behind the first attempt that day in the street, and had one of his staff been waiting to intercept her tonight? If so, why did he want her now, after so many years had passed?

  “But it is a possibility, especially considering there was no sign of an injured woman, and someone has already tried to take you off the street. If, as you suggested, your father is involved, then he will have resources that far outstrip your own. Knowing what I do of the Duke, he is also not a man to give up easily on what he wants.”

  “I-I don’t know that my father is involved. I just thought the man who attempted to abduct me looked like Mr. Hollander, his steward.”

  “But he could be, and that is not
something you should take lightly.”

  Charlotte felt fear slither down her spine. She could never hope to win against her father, if indeed it was he who was behind the attempted kidnapping.

  “I don’t know why my father would show any interest in me now when he could barely stand the sight of me when I lived with him.”

  Feeling suddenly unsettled and vulnerable, Charlotte had the foolish urge to fall forward onto his chest and let his arms hold her once more. She’d never relied on anyone, never had anyone besides Fred and Dandy care about her, but right at that moment of weakness she wanted it.

  This man would protect what belonged to him; they would know without a shadow of a doubt that he would put their safety above his. Charlotte felt a flash of anger that she would never have that, and then shame because she had so much more than many. Her life was as she wanted it, and there was no place in it for silly dreams and wishes that would never come true.

  “The Lords of Night Street will look into this further. If your father is in some way involved, then we will find out.”

  “No. Your priority must be those missing women, Lord Needly. I assure you I can look after myself.”

  “The incidents may be related, Charlotte, and you cannot stop me if I chose to investigate your father’s movements.”

  “B-but he is a dangerous man, Lord Needly. I beg of you to keep your distance from him. He is a man who, if crossed, can be quite ruthless.”

  “Did you cross him?” The words were gentle, as was the hand he placed beneath her chin, lifting it until their eyes met.

  “Yes.” Charlotte remembered the punishments she had suffered at the hands of Mr. Hollander. Her father could not tolerate punishing her personally, as he then would have to acknowledge her. “Many times.”

  “Please let me commend you on your strong will then, Miss Radley.”

  He did not show her pity and Charlotte was grateful for that; she wanted no one’s sympathies.

  “Some people should have been drowned at birth, and I’ve always believed your father was one of them.”

  Her laugh was more a snort of surprise. “I'm loath to agree with such a harsh edict, yet, in that, Lord Needly, we are in total agreement.” She could not allow herself to become enamored of this man. Once he had found the missing ladies, they would never see each other again. He would live his life several steps higher on the social ladder than her lowly one, and not think of her again.

  “I shall, of course, give your words consideration, Lord Needly, and assure you that although it appears I am constantly throwing myself into danger, it is far from the truth.

  I have been living this way for many years and am still in excellent health. Furthermore, I have no wish for you to investigate my father, and reiterate that your main concern must be those women.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  He could not dispute that she was in excellent health, Marcus thought, remembering her lovely body pressed against his as he’d kissed her. He’d lost his head when her lips had opened beneath his. She was soft and sweet and so bloody alluring he couldn’t remember when a woman had aroused him with such ease, especially considering she had no intention of doing so.

  When he’d seen her walk into the room, he’d been so angry, he’d wanted to shake her. Instead, he’d grabbed her, pulling that soft body into his, kissed her to keep her quiet, and everything had changed.

  She had no arts or allurements, dressed in old worn gowns with her hair pulled back in a simple bun, and he wanted her. Wanted to undress her and kiss every inch of the lush curves he’d felt pressed to his. He wanted to hear her cries and swallow her moans. The woman was a temptation and did not even realize it.

  “You will not stay in excellent health if you do not take more care in where you walk and who you associate with, Charlotte. It would pay you to remember that in future.”

  She turned her head as she was about to enter her house. Her eyes had a way of looking at a person that held them in place. The intensity with which she often studied him was unnerving.

  “I do not frequent your world, my lord. I am not a coddled young woman.”

  Her words were softly spoken, but he heard the intent behind them. Her father had not cowed her and she would not be cowed by him, no matter how many words he threw at her.

  “Being coddled has nothing to do with displaying common sense, Charlotte. What you did tonight was foolhardy.”

  Her sigh was loud. “My choices are mine alone to make, Lord Needly. I answer to no one.”

  As far as she was concerned, the matter was now dealt with and closed. Marcus had news for her, however, he’d deliver that tomorrow.

  “Go inside now, and lock the door behind you.”

  “As I always do,” she said, having the last word and making him smile. “Come along, Fred, we shall have a cup of warmed milk to put us off to sleep.”

  He watched her nudge the boy inside. “But what of you, my lord? You are now alone out there. Surely it is not safe for you either?”

  “My colleague is close. I am in no danger.”

  “Colleague?” She leaned forward and looked up and down the street. “I see no other gentleman about.”

  “It warms me to know you care, Miss Radley. However, I assure you he is close, and that I am more than capable of looking after myself.”

  She ignored his teasing, and Marcus was sure she’d never had a man speak to her in such a way before. He knew Leo was close, but he would not make his presence known until Marcus was alone.

  “If you are sure, I shall bid you good night then.”

  “I am, thank you.” Marcus moved closer, took her hand, and then bowed deeply.

  She looked flustered by the gesture. Another thing the indomitable Miss Radley wasn’t used to was courtesy, it seemed. He wondered what kind of hell she’d lived in with her father.

  “I shall call upon you soon with any news, Charlotte. Good evening.”

  She nodded, then shut the door, and Marcus waited until he heard the sound of the key turning in the lock before he walked away.

  “I cannot work out if that woman is incredibly foolish or brave for walking into Klipper House.” Leo appeared at his side as he reached the end of Thimble Lane. He’d known he would be near. They always carried out their investigations in pairs; you never knew where danger lay.

  “It was foolish,” Marcus said. “Extremely so and I told her as much.”

  Marcus felt Leo’s eyes on him. “I bet she responded well to that.”

  “She told me she had been living this life for many years and did not like my censure.”

  “I can’t imagine you took that well either.”

  They walked toward the docks. Their informant had told them of a warehouse that someone had been seen being dragged into.

  “Are you suggesting I’m managing, Vereton?”

  “Of course you are,” Leo said calmly. “You control every aspect of your life, including your relatives. It’s what we love about you.”

  “I am not controlling!”

  “Not controlling, managing.”

  “There is no difference!”

  “You let James leave England with his friends, but only after you had spoken extensively to each of them and their families, and I’m almost certain you were tempted to accompany him.”

  Just the thought of his brother out in the world alone made Marcus feel ill. “I know what can happen when you are alone out there. I know the type of people he could meet.”

  “He is sensible and not traveling alone, Marcus. For pity’s sake, let the boy grow up.”

  “I let him go, didn’t I?”

  “You told your sister’s husband on their wedding day that if he made her cry, or hurt her in any way, he would have you to deal with. If that wasn’t enough of a threat, you then said we, your friends, would not be far behind you. The man won’t look at me now.”

  When Leo put it like that he did sound managing, but he was only looking out for his siblings. Surely tha
t was not a bad thing.

  “I raised those two from a young age, Leo. That is something I do not take lightly. I wanted to make sure that before marrying Beth her future husband understood I would still be watching over her,” he said, refusing to believe he was wrong.

  “I understand what you gave up to raise them, Marcus. All I’m saying is that now you can take your hand off the reins, as you have done an excellent job and they are more than capable of looking after themselves.”

  “I’m not managing,” Marcus muttered.

  Leo laughed softly. “I imagine you and Miss Radley are battling wills constantly, seeing as, according to your reports, she is also managing.”

  “Yes, she is not the easiest woman I have had to deal with.”

  But Marcus suspected that she was the way she appeared because she had never been able to control her life until she left her father. He suspected she also looked after other people because she never had anyone to watch over her when she needed it most.

  “Do I detect admiration in your voice, Marcus?”

  “She does not live an easy life, Leo, and never has, I suspect, but for all that she has not chosen an easy path. Danger presents itself the minute she leaves her house and often comes calling.”

  “A most unusual female, then?”

  “Very,” Marcus added. And beautiful, intriguing, and far too disturbing.

  “Do I detect interest, Marcus?”

  “She is a bastard, Leo. If I were interested, which I assure you I am not, I could do nothing with that interest.”

  “A new mistress, perhaps?”

  “Are you deliberately trying to anger me?” He looked at his friend. “She is a lady, and as such deserves our respect. Just because she does not live in our circle does not mean she is unworthy of that.”

  “Just so,” Leo said calmly, and Marcus thought he may have missed some point his friend was attempting to make.

  He would marry, it was expected of him, and Marcus knew his future wife would be of good birth because there was no other option open to him. But sometimes, when his defenses were down, he wanted more than a woman who would agree with his every dictate. Part of him longed to be challenged, to have a mate who would stand alongside him, share his burdens as Nick had in Grace. He had run his family since he was fifteen years old, and he did not want to manage his wife as well; he wanted her to have an equal share in his life.