He tilted his head to the side as he regarded her. “Foolish, I would think.”
Belle managed a shrug. “If you wanted me dead, I would be. So why am I not?”
His smile was a crooked cruel line. “Oh,ma belle, you have changed since I last saw you, transformed from a duckling to a swan, a surprising challenge. I could not just kill you and be done with it. I will enjoy every moment of your torture.”
Her mask slipped. “I’m still in possession of you stolen documents.”
His laugh was aharsh cackle. “They are no good to me. I want you.”
Panic rose. It should not have come as a surprise, but it did. She had only entertained this idea in her deepest nightmares. Now the truth stared at her. He was here for her and her, alone.
But why?
“How did you learn of my survival?”
“You forget, my dear, I knew you quite well once upon a time. You shared with me your deepest dreams. So when a particular brand of gowns started to emerge across Europe, I recognized your hand in it.”
Belle was speechless. “But that’s impossible.”
“Hardly, if you recall the pathetic chatterbox you were back then. I do prefer this new version of you much better,ma belle.”
Ignoring the insult, she snapped, “Not that. I’m only surprised my gowns are so widely spread. I only cater to clients in England.”
He blinked, as though he could not phantom her line of thought. “Did you believe no one would copy your designs?”
“I never gave it much thought, honestly.”
Edgar blinked and then shook his head. “This is not a fucking tea party where we exchange pleasantries. You ruined me and I have come for my revenge.”
To Belle’s horror, laughter echoed through the night.Herlaughter. But truly—I have come for my revenge?Surely an almighty spy could do better.
“What is so damn funny?”
“My apologies,” Belle shook her head, “Nothing, only you have not changed one bit. You’re still the deplorable, wretched and cruel bastard you were back then. Pitiful, I must admit.”
“Careful,ma belle,” he snarled. “I do not suffer insults gladly.”
She started to retreat, one small step at a time. A signal to the others she wanted out. Edgar advanced on her, noting her retreat.
James! Take him out, drat it!
They had the perfect shot. Why weren’t any of them shooting?
His lips turned upward in a snarl. “Did you believe I would not know this was a trap? That I am not one step ahead of you?”
Her heart accelerated.
Satisfaction glittered in his eyes.
What had he done to the others? Evelyn was out there too, defiant as always. If any harm befell her…
He seemed to read her mind. “I must commend you, Lady Belle. You have quite the friends, but they still won’t be able to save you, my men are keeping them occupied. Oh, and I would cover my ears if I were you.”
His warning came too late. Blasts sounded all around them as deafening explosions filled the air. A scream tore from her throat as Edgar tackled her to the ground, rolling with her off the side of the dock, slamming her into a hard surface.
A boat?
No.
