“Why are you here with Mortimer?” Warrick asked as though they were the only ones in the chamber.
“He arrived on my doorstep, and with impeccable timing, I might add. We received the note that demanded the book in exchange for you.” Her gaze trailed over him.
“Impeccable timing, indeed.”
She strode over to him. “Envious?”
“God, yes.” A touch. “Interacting as though you’ve been friends for ages. A pat on the shoulder. A private joke. Smart smiles.”
She laughed. “But I am here for you.”
The pinch in his chest was replaced by warmth.
“Helloooo,” Saville drawled. “We are still tied to chairs!”
Warrick ignored him. “Did you really hand over the betting book to him?”
“I already passed it along to Theodosia at her birthday party,” she admitted. “He can claim it at any time to aid his investigations.”
“Theodosia has the book now?” Saville perked up.
“Yes,” Selena said. “Why are you here with my brother? Did not the two of you have a falling out?”
“Can we discuss this later?” Saville wriggled against his binding. “Untie us.”
Warrick glanced at Saville. “We probably shouldn’t untie your brother for time being.”
Saville’s head whipped to him. “Why the hell not?”
Warrick’s eyes locked with Selena’s. “He wants to throttle us both.”
Selena reached over to test Saville’s bindings. “How unfortunate that these ropes are bound so tightly. How ever can I, a simple lady, untie them?”
“Selena,” Saville said sternly. “Untie us.”
She laughed, and Warrick shut his eyes for a moment. A beautiful contrast to the last time they saw each other. He’d never been so thirsty for the sight of her as he had been today. When she had slapped that madwoman across the face, the pride that had swelled in him had rivalled any he’d ever experienced for himself.
“I shall untie you in a moment. I have some matters to settle.” She trailed a finger over Warrick’s jaw. “Lady Ridgeland seems... preoccupied by you.”
“That is no business of mine. I have done nothing to encourage her madness.”
A soft, quizzical brow rose.
“Nothing.”
“Very well, I believe you.”
“I have your trust just like that? You don’t doubt me?” God, that felt good.
She pursed her lips before replying thoughtfully. “Nothing is ever without any doubt, but I doubted her more than I doubted you.”
“How touching,” Saville said. “Now untie me.”
“Shall I have charges brought against her?” Warrick asked. He didn’t know what plans Mortimer had, but he wanted to see that woman rot in prison or rot in Bedlam. Either would do.
“Don’t worry, the duke will handle her.”
Warrick’s gaze narrowed. “You trust him that much?”
