Page 6 of Redemption

With a furtive glance in his direction, she saw him speaking with an older woman, and a sigh of relief escaped her. She’d been allowing her imagination to run amok. Rhea retreated slightly into a corner where it was possible to watch the guests without being noticed. Although her foot continued to tap in time with the music, she was content to watch Lord Foxworth spin her aunt around the dance floor for a second dance.

The couple would argue then dance in silence before having words again. She could tell from her aunt’s expression that Lord Foxworth was winning whatever argument they were having. Voices nearby caught her ear and she turned her head to see Lady Melton moving toward her. The woman’s mischievous smile made Rhea respond in kind, but a second later it died as she saw the man behind her. Unable to move, she tried to maintain her composure and quell the urge to run.

“Miss Bennett, my brother-in-law has asked me for an introduction.” The countess glanced over her shoulder with a smile before looking at Rhea again. “He noticed you weren’t dancing and insisted on rectifying that problem. Percy Rockwood, Miss Rhea Bennett.”

“A pleasure, Miss Bennett.”

Amusement made Percy Rockwood arch his eyebrow upward in a manner reminiscent of his brother as he bowed slightly in her direction. No longer shadowed by the darkness of the British Museum, Percy Rockwood was even more handsome than she remembered. Perhaps devastatingly so if she were any other woman.

Rhea tried to swallow the knot swelling her throat shut until it was difficult to breathe. Determined to regain her composure, she reminded herself that he couldn’t possibly connect her to the British Museum robbery. She forced a smile to her lips and nodded her head in a polite greeting.

“Mr. Rockwood,” she murmured coolly. The countess’s curious gaze flitted from her brother-in-law to Rhea then back to Percy.

“I promised my husband this next dance, Miss Bennett. I leave you in good hands. Percy is an excellent dancer.”

With an affectionate peck on her brother-in-law’s cheek and a smile at Rhea, the countess walked away. Silence filled the air in Lady Melton’s wake, and when Percy didn’t say anything, Rhea’s mind screamed at her to flee.

“Shall we?” He stretched out his hand to her, and she jumped. With a shake of her head, she dismissed his offer.

“I think it best you find another partner, Mr. Rockwood. I’ll only step on your toes.” For all that she loved to dance, she knew it was dangerous to remain in this man’s company.

“I insist,” he said in a voice that made her heart skitter out of control.

In the space of seconds, he’d gone from charming rogue to a man unwilling to accept her refusal. His hand wrapped around her wrist, and he led her toward the dance floor. Caught off guard, Rhea gasped at his autocratic action, but it was the electric charge streaking up her arm that prevented her from freeing herself. When they reached the dance floor, Percy pulled her into his arms. A waltz was playing, and with a skillful move, he swung her into the crowd of dancers.

Despite her trepidation, it was impossible to ignore the way her body reacted to being so close to him. It was as if every inch of her was on fire. The sensation sent tension streaking through her body. A subtle woodsy aroma mixed with frankincense and another spice created an exotic, almost hedonistic, scent in her nose. It was a warm smell that coaxed her to breathe him into her senses more deeply.

Everything about him was raw, potent male. It was a sharp, tactile sensation. The large hand braced against her back emphasized the sinewy strength of the arm that pressed into her as they circled the floor. Chiseled features further accentuated the hard strength of him. Even his beautiful mouth emphasized a resolve that declared him a man of purpose. He was a man capable of bending a woman to his will in the manner that said she wouldn’t know what was happening until it was too late.

Suddenly, she realized her response to him was blinding her as to who he was. The knowledge sent a tremor through her. Percy executed a polish move that carried them past another couple. Chestnut-colored eyes met hers with a look that sent another shiver sliding through her. The minute she was free she intended to seek out her aunt and plead a headache. If she was lucky, Lord Foxworth would see her aunt home, and Rhea would have the carriage to herself.

“I wonder what nefarious plot is being hatched in that pretty head of yours, Miss Bennett.”

Startled, she met his narrowed gaze. Something unreadable glinted in his eyes, and her heart skipped a beat while an icy layer of fear coated her skin. Refusing to show she was afraid, she called upon the steely calm she’d learned on the streets of the East End.

“I’m not in the habit of plotting anything nefarious or otherwise, Mr. Rockwood.” With deliberate precision, she schooled her features into a look of bewildered surprise. Anger flashed in his brown gaze as he pulled her deeper into his embrace. Heat immediately engulfed her skin. Rhea wasn’t sure whether it was from his fierce gaze or the way she was pressed into him. She concluded it was both.

“Your eyes are quite lovely, Miss Bennett,” he said softly. “In fact, they are quite unforgettable.”

Rhea’s heart sank as a wave of nausea rolled through her. He knew. Somehow he’d recognized her from across the room. She didn’t know how, but he knew she’d been in the British Museum a year ago. She stumbled slightly only to have a steely arm lift her off her feet for a brief moment before setting her down once more to continue their dance.

“Have I said something to upset you, Miss Bennett?”

“Not at all. As I warned you I have a tendency to step on toes,” she said breathlessly as she struggled to maintain her composure.

“Yes, you did,” he murmured wryly. His skeptical tone said he knew she was lying. “Tell me, Miss Bennett, have you ever been to the British Museum?”

Panic sliced through her with all the force of a sword cutting its way through her flesh. Her throat closed as she stared up at him. Percy’s face darkened when she remained silent.

“It would appear the cat has got your tongue, Rhea.”

There was a dark, sensual vibration to the way her name rolled off his lips. The sound made her mouth go dry as she averted her gaze from his. The music rose on a final crescendo bringing the waltz to an end. The moment the last note was played, Percy whirled her across the floor to stop in front of the doors leading out to the terrace. As she freed herself from his arms, he caught her by the elbow and ushered her out into the warm summer night.

It happened so fast, Rhea didn’t have time to protest. There were several couples already on the patio, and Percy guided her past them without a break in his stride. In silence, they walked quickly down a small stairway onto a gravel path. Torches lined the walkway, but Percy didn’t stay on the well-lit foot path. Instead, he made a sharp right turn, half dragging Rhea after him. Although something inside her said he wouldn’t harm her, she’d learned years ago never to trust a man when it came to her safety.

“Would you care to explain what you’re doing, Mr. Rockwood?” she demanded in an imperious tone as he dragged her to a halt inside a small gazebo. The moon illuminated one side of the structure, but Rhea deliberately remained in the shadows.

“I’m attempting to solve a mystery, and I believe you can help me.”