“What if I don’t have the book?”
“It would be best not to lie us, Lady Selena.”
“How would you know if I am lying?” Well these people didn’t know everything then. She honestly didn’t have the book anymore.
“I assure you, we have our ways. You have two days to decide.”
Her brows furrowed. “Only two?”
“Yes, and before you question our timeline, all members received two days to make their decision to join or not.”
“Very well, but what happens if I don’t hand over the book?”
The woman laughed, causing Selena to frown. Where had she heard this laughter before? It sounded somewhat familiar. “Then the next time we meet, it shall not be in a warehouse.”
Shivers broke out all over her skin. She would not consider herself the best judge of character, but she was no simpleton. That one sentence was filled with unspoken meaning, and lined with a sly undertone an infant would recognize.
She should have alerted Warrick. But she hadn’t. She’d thought a bit of space would help clear her mind, especially after the debacle with her brother earlier today. Yet another regret to dwell on.
“What is that supposed to mean?” Selena’s gaze flicked to the shadows beyond the woman. Earlier she’d had her reservations, now uneasiness clamped down on her chest. What did they want with the betting book? Didusmean the club? Why not sayclubthen? What if they were actually a cult rather than your run of the mill secret female club? Andhowdid they know—or think they know—she had the book?
“Oh, nothing much,” the woman said. “Merely that we have shown you a courtesy by allowing to hand the book over with your two hands and as a result, join us. We could use a lady such as yourself on our side.”
“Then tell me this, what is your club about?”
“Liberation.”
“Of whom?”
“Can you not guess?
She stared that the woman’s faceless form, her mind conflicted. Men? Society? The possibilities were too endless for a mere guess, but she didn’t want to prolong this conversation further. “I shall consider your proposal.”
“There is, of course, another condition.”
Of course, there was.
Why was nothing ever simple with secret clubs? “What is it?” Selena asked. And why wait until now to reveal it?
“Cut all ties with the Earl of Warrick.”
Selena blinked. Did she hear that wrong? “Excuseme?”
“Cut all ties with the Earl of Warrick. That is the last condition.”
“Why on earth do you want me to do that?” What was it about this man? Everyone either wanted her to accept all ties or cut all ties. How tiring.
And... Selena narrowed her eyes on the figure. How did they know there were ties that could be cut?
“You are not willing? It’s a simple enough request.”
Not true. There was nothing, not one single dratted thing, that was simple about it! Unless you call giving the man you fancy your innocence “simple.” And besides, she did not want to cut ties with him. “That might be a bit difficult. He is my brother’s best friend.” And mine.
“That is neither here nor there. He’s been following you around like a dog who has misplaced his owner. I want it to stop.”
Unease spread through Selena. A dog who misplaced its owner? Then who would the owner be? “I daresay whether he follows me about or not has nothing to do with the club.”
“Not the club, no. Me.”
