Page 59 of Unmasking the Diamond
“What you ask for is impossible.”
“Why?”
Charlotte stiffened. “Why must you be so infuriating?”
His grin returned, but it was softer now, almost vulnerable. “Because when I see something I want, I go after it wholeheartedly. And what I want isyou.”
There was no hesitancy in his voice. And that was the worst part. It sounded genuine enough. She wanted to believe him. She almost did. But she caught herself.
“Luca…” she began, her throat tight. “I appreciate what you’re doing, but?—”
He cut her off. “No buts, Charlotte. You can deny the attraction we both feel all you like, but I won’t stop trying to win you over.”
Charlotte turned her face to the passing scenery, blinking hard against the sudden sting in her eyes. She would not let him see her falter.
Luca watched Charlotte out of the corner of his eye as she settled onto the seat beside him. Her posture was rigid, her chin lifted in that way that suggested she wanted him to think she was impervious to him. And yet, he caught the faintest flicker in her eyes when their shoulders nearly brushed. She would deny it until her last breath, but there was something between them. Something elusive and unspoken, like a melody he couldn’t stop humming. Every time he was near her, it felt curiously like he was home.
The carriage jolted to a stop, dragging him back to the present. Duty, not daydreams, awaited him. He stepped down to the pavement, boots clicking against the cobblestone, and extended his hand for Charlotte.
A figure strode purposefully towards him. Mr. Hillstead. Luca immediately noted the grave expression, the quickened pace. His pulse sharpened.
“We have Mr. Griffin,” Hillstead reported without preamble.
Now Hillstead had Luca’s full attention. “Where is he?”
“In his office,” Hillstead replied. “And I sent word to Lord Rupert, as you instructed. It was not without struggle, but Mr. Cloward and I managed to subdue him.”
“Good, good,” Luca muttered, relief mingling with grim anticipation.
Only then did Hillstead turn his attention to Charlotte, offering a bow. “Forgive my employer’s lack of manners. I am his most loyal, articulate, and talented reporter—Thomas Hillstead, at your service.”
Charlotte inclined her head politely. “A pleasure to meet you. I am?—”
Hillstead cut her off with eager familiarity. “I know exactly who you are, Miss Winslow. The belle of Society. I’ve seen you at countless events.”
Luca didn’t miss the quick narrowing of Charlotte’s eyes. Before she could sharpen her tongue, he offered her his arm. “Shall we?”
To his relief, she accepted without protest, sliding her hand into the crook of his arm. He was acutely aware of her nearness as he led her inside, making certain no curious eyes marked their entrance. This was no place for whispers or speculation.
At the threshold of the office, he paused. “Charlotte,” he said quietly, “are you certain you wish to be here? What comes next may not be… pleasant.”
She lifted her chin a fraction, eyes steady. “I am certain.”
Her resolve impressed him even as it unsettled him. He wanted to shield her from the uglier sides of his world, yet he already knew she wouldn’t tolerate being left behind.
“Very well,” he sighed. “But do not say I didn’t warn you.”
Hillstead opened the door, and Luca stepped inside first. The sight before him was brutal but necessary: Griffin, bound to achair, blindfolded and gagged, with the Bow Street Runner, Mr. Cloward, standing guard—pistol drawn, steady as stone.
Luca crossed the floor with deliberate steps, tore away the blindfold, and yanked the gag free. He bent slightly, letting Griffin meet his gaze. “If you scream, my associate will shoot you in the foot. Do you understand?”
Fear widened Griffin’s gaze. He nodded mutely.
“Good.” Luca’s tone softened, though his expression did not. “Answer a few questions, and you walk free. Refuse, and…” He let the silence hang like a noose. “Do you understand?”
Griffin hesitated. “What kind of questions?”
“Who owns the Ravenhurst Trading Company?” Luca demanded.
