Page 128 of Outrageous

Godric snorted. “Andrew.”

“No! Really? Why, they are—”

“Works of art?” he suggested, not bothering to keep the irony out of his voice.

“Yes, actually. Move over, I’ll need to sit behind you. This might take a while.”

Godric scooted to the far edge of the seat and she lowered herself behind him, her clothing allowing her to move swiftly and easily in the confines of the coach.

Oh yes, he’d noticed her clothing—first thing, actually. He was tired and hungry and sore, but he wasn’t blind. Or dead.

“Who would have guessed Andrew possessed such a skill?” she said.

“Certainly not I—at least not until I woke to find myself tied this way.”

“Oh. He took you in your sleep?”

“Not sleep,” he said shortly.

“Ah.” Her fingers tugged and pushed and nudged and he felt perhaps the slightest loosening. “So, Andrew and James.”

“Yes.”

“Do you think they are the masterminds of the plot, or is there a ringleader?”

“Lord,” Godric said, “I hadn’t considered that. Who the devil would come up with the idea if not them?”

“I can think of one or two people,” she said grimly.

“Please, enlighten me.”

“How long have you been in this carriage?” she asked, ignoring his question.

“Since they took me from Cross Hall—three days by my count.”

“Hmm, they made good time.”

“Ha! It certainly didn’t feel like it from where I sit.”

She snickered.

“How did they get you in here?”

“What? You mean other than James manhandling me?” she sighed. “He told me there was a man in the carriage in desperate need of money who was looking for a buyer for his stud.”

Godric laughed.

“I’m glad you think that is amusing.”

“It’s like luring a baby with sweets.”

“Perhaps you would prefer to spend the duration of your time in this carriage with your hands bound?”

“Oh, God, Eva—have mercy. My arms feel about ready to fall off.”

“Hmph.” But her fingers resumed their labor.

“What do you think is the aim of this abduction?” she asked after a few moments of silent work.