Page 31 of Eight for Losing, One for Loving

“Of course, of course,” the reverend said, settling back with the port. “I’m in no hurry and I rather doubt the Hatt brothers are going anywhere tonight.”

Leo nodded and hurried back up the stairs, giving a sharp knock before entering. “It’s me, love,” he said, his breath catching as the sight before him burned itself into his eyeballs.

Vi was sitting at the dressing table, once again wearing the indecent nightgown. She was unpinning her hair, which fell down her back in a shimmering curtain of gold. Her hands were raised, searching for the last pins, and the upraised position pressed her breasts firmly against the thin cotton. The little nubs of her nipples were clearly defined, as was the gentle curve of her belly, and she turned and smiled at him, her expression eager.

“Is there news?” she asked him hopefully, and Leo opened his mouth to reply, but produced nothing but a strangled croak. He felt winded, his reasons for returning suddenly vanishing against the sudden, urgent desire to tumble her onto the bed and do the wickedest things he could think of. “Leo? What’s wrong? You’ve gone all red.”

Leo leaned back against the door and closed his eyes, giving a low groan.

“Leo! Whatever is the matter? Are you ill? Is something wrong? Is it Mau? Oh, for heaven’s sake, why don’t you—”

“Nothing is wrong,” Leo said gruffly, opening his eyes to discover Vi in front of him—far too close—clutching at his lapels. “Lord above, Vi. Give a fellow a bit of warning, eh?”

“Warning? Whatever do you mean?”

“I mean, that if you’re going to look like… that—” He gestured wildly to the indecent nightgown without actually looking at it. “—and take your hair down and smile at me in that… that provoking manner, then you’ve to expect me to… to…”

“To do what?” she asked, looking far too interested in the answer.

“To lose what’s left of my sanity,” Leo retorted, aggrieved. “Just cover yourself up, will you, or I’m never going to find the willpower to leave the room, and Mau is depending on me.”

“Oh, Leo, is there news? Whyever didn’t you say so?” she demanded crossly.

“Because you distracted me!” he shot back, irritated. “You’d try the patience and the best intentions of a saint, and I’m no saint, Vi.”

Leo shook his head as he saw her arrange her face into something grave and repentant when he could see very well that she was pleased as punch by his words, the wicked girl.

“I beg your pardon, Leo,” she said, obediently going to the bed and tugging the counterpane around herself. “Better?” she asked, but with such a glint in her eyes, Leo almost growled at her.

“No. But I suppose it will have to do. Now, Harbottle thinks he knows who has Mau. Two brothers, by the name of Hatt, apparently, though it seems a third party put them up to it. We’re going there now to get Mau back, so just sit tight and—”

“What do you mean, sit tight?” Vi objected, glaring at him. “I’m coming with you.”

“In that?” Leo asked, gesturing to the quilt she was wrapped in and relieved he could use her lack of clothing as an excuse. “I think not, love.”

He prayed Jenny did not come up with the gown any time soon or he would be in the basket. If only he hadn’t asked her to do it tonight. He hadn’t been thinking past the fact that he wanted Vi with him at that point, never considering that it might not be safe for her.

“Then ask Jenny for it back,” she said crossly. “I’ll wear it as it is.”

“No, love,” Leo said, with genuine regret, for he hated leaving her behind. “I don’t want you there. I’m sure it will be fine, but—”

“Oh my word, you think there will be a fight!” she exclaimed, getting to her feet and once more clutching at his lapels. If ever he got home again, his valet was going to have an apoplexy, and he could hardly blame the fellow. As she moved, the counterpane fell to the floor and Leo sighed. Fate was definitely laughing at him. “Leo, you don’t know these men! They are obviously criminals, they may be armed and—”

“Calm down, love. These are small-time crooks. Opportunists not hardened criminals. Harbottle says one is certainly a coward, and the other brother will go down easy. It’s only the organ grinder who might put up a fight, not the monkeys, so don’t fret.”

“Don’t fret?” she repeated, her expression one of such fury he would have taken a step back if the door hadn’t been behind him. “Leo Hunt, if you leave me here to worry whilst you get yourself involved in God knows what, I shall—”

Leo kissed her firmly to silence the words, his hand gripping the doorknob behind him. “I’m sorry, love, forgive me,” he said, and let himself out, closing the door on her indignant face as her words became muffled.

“Leo! You are the most—”

“I know, Vi, I know,” he muttered to himself as he hurried back down the stairs.

“Oh!” Vi said in fury, vibrating with anger as she stared at the door that had just been shut in her face. She was trapped, quite unable to leave the room without her clothes and Leo was off getting himself into heaven alone knew what trouble without her.

“Idiot man,” she raged, stomping up and down the bedroom. “Don’t fret, love,” she repeated, imitating his deep timbre as she stalked back and forth. “I’m a big, strong man and nothing can ever happen to me. Idiot!” she repeated, adding, “Man!” after that, for the two words seemed inextricably linked at this precise moment.

The soft knock at the door barely registered until a voice called through it.