Page 127 of Unmasking the Diamond
“Good evening, Luca,” she managed, though her pulse quickened. “I trust that you are well.”
His lips curved into that smile—the one that had the power to unmoor her entirely. “I am now that I’ve seen you.” He stepped further into the room. “Did you miss me?”
Her lips twitched despite herself. “Can anyone truly miss a rock in their boot?”
A chuckle escaped him. “I missed you, too.”
She rose quickly, smoothing her pale blue gown as though it would steady her nerves. “Is there a particular reason you are here?”
“I am here for you,” he said simply.
Her heart stuttered. “Pardon?”
Luca’s smile deepened. “Your brother has graciously agreed to allow me to take you on a brief tour of your gardens. I was hoping to speak with you in private.”
“For what purpose?”
“You shall know soon enough.”
“I do not care for surprises,” she said.
He extended his arm, the gesture both gallant and teasing. “I am hoping you will like this one.”
She pretended reluctance, though her pulse sang as she placed her hand lightly upon his sleeve. “Very well, but only because I am vaguely curious.”
Alistair’s voice interrupted from behind them. “Jane and I will be watching from the window. Do try to behave yourself, Charlotte.”
She glanced over her shoulder and arched a brow. “I always behave myself.”
Alistair smirked. “We both know that isn’t true.”
Charlotte bit back a laugh as Luca led her towards the veranda. But with each step, her nerves grew more and more taut. What did he mean that he was “here for her”? Was this merely his usual teasing—or something more?
The evening air met them with a faint chill, fragrant with the scent of roses and damp earth. Once on the veranda, Luca released her arm but stayed close enough that she could feel the warmth radiating from him.
“How are you faring?” he asked.
“I am well.”
He cocked his head. “The truth, if you please.”
She sighed. “Whenever I close my eyes, I feel as though I am back in that dreadful cell. The cold. The darkness. The sound of the women who died there.” A shiver coursed through her. “It’s difficult to forget.”
Luca’s expression softened with compassion. “I am sorry that you were forced to endure that.”
“It was awful,” she admitted. “But at least Lady Matthew was saved.”
He nodded. “I received word that she departed for their country estate the moment her husband was arrested. He, meanwhile, is rotting in Newgate—demanding to be released.”
Charlotte shook her head. “I cannot fathom that a man would try to murder his own wife.”
“He is vile,” Luca said. “And he deserved far more than a punch from you.”
Her cheeks flushed. “I had never struck anyone before. It hurt far worse than I imagined.”
“I thought it was rather brave.”
“Thank you,” she murmured. “But I should have contained myself. I must remain in control. It is the only sense of normalcy I have.”
