Warrick’s gaze dropped to her trousers for what seemed the hundredth time, his fingers tightening when her hand would have slipped from his. “One more condition.”
Her hand flexed in his grip. “Negotiations are over.”
“One more.”
“If it’s about the club—”
“The trousers.”
Her eyes widened. “What about them?”
“Never wear them again.”
She froze, and Warrick stilled along with her. Were these words not reminiscent of the two traits he loathed the most? Demanding. Possessive.
“Not even in private?”
He cleared this throat, releasing her hand as though it had caught fire. “You can do what you please in private, of course.”
“No need to sound so fierce. I was not planning to wear them again. In any event, we have an agreement, so do not follow me around anymore.”
“I cannot agree to that.”
“Such a good watchdog.” She poked his chest with a finger, leaving a burning sensation in the wake of her stab. Warrick caught her hand. “Is it necessary to be so thorough in yourduty?” she demanded.
“I am a very thorough man.”Especially when it comes to you.
“But we are we partners now.”
“That doesn’t mean there are no longer fortune hunters lurking in the shadows.” He released her hand and took a sensible step back. “I’m sure they shall retreat once the season is over.”
“I suppose I shall have to put up with it until then.”
“I would appreciate your effort. On another note, do you have any clues of his club of yours to aid in my search?”
“Only these trousers. They ought to have been manufactured in London. That should give you a good lead. Oh, and someone must have seen who placed the trousers before all the doors of Mayfair.”
“Is that all?”
She nodded.
“Very well, I’ll have my men inquire about the trousers.”
“You’re not doing it yourself?”
“I don’t have that much time on my hands. You are an occupation that fills all my time.” Warrick grimaced. “Not that I mean you are an occupation.”
“Oh?” Small daggers appeared in her eyes. “Then what am I?”
“Saville’s sister.”
Her smile took on a forced quality. “Of course I am.”
His back straightened—that was careless. He knew she was already prickly about her brother. Warrick quickly diverted the subject. “How did you come to learn of this secret club?”
She pursed her lips, but thankfully answered without a fuss. “I overheard two women speak of the club at the Everton ball, but before I could confirm their identities, they disappeared into one of the cardrooms.”
“I see.” Thank God for small mercies.
