Through the years, she’d ventured to Egypt on several occasions. He’d gotten wind of her presence in Cairo at times, but she’d taken pains to avoid him. Or so it seemed. Not that he’d attempted to meet with her. Still enveloped in his self-disgust at the way he’d treated her, he’d acted the coward. He’d been a fool to cast her aside as though she’d meant little to him. Nothing could have been further from the truth.
He’d adored her.
Blasted shame he was unworthy of her.
Even now, he had not told her the reasons that had compelled him to leave. With little more to offer her than passion and a blasted title that did not even impress her, carving out a future with Alexandra by his side was well out of reach. She deserved better than the likes of him, better than the life he could offer her. The sooner he left, the more promising her prospects for finding a suitable match would be.
Within days of bidding her farewell, he’d set off for Egypt. And now, his work there was nearly finished. He’d made his fortune. He’d done what he’d set out to do.
Just one more tomb—one more cache of antiquities, and he would be done.
Lightning crackled overhead, a fitting punctuation for his mood. It wouldn’t be long before rain would drench the city. The threatening charcoal sky fit his somber state of mind. By all rights, he should be elated by the news Alex had conveyed with one simple word. If the map did indeed lead to the tomb of the lost princess, the treasure would provide ample funds to complete the restoration of his estate. He would never have to pillage another tomb. At that point, he could join the ranks of Stanwyck and Alexandra’s father, Sir Peter Quinn, exploring tombs for the satisfaction of the hunt, ensuring the artifacts were preserved for the sake of history and culture, rather than trading them to fill his coffers.
As he approached Alex’s red-enameled door, her housekeeper peeped out and let him in without fanfare. “Lord Marlsbrook, please, do come in.”
Was it his imagination, or had Mrs. Thomas managed to infuse his name with a faint undercurrent of contempt? The matron eyed him with a look that could best be deemed suspicious. She had not warmed to him, not in the least. Not that he blamed her. Anyone close to Alex would not find it in their heart to approve of a rogue like him.
God only knew he did not want to hurt Alexandra. Hadn’t he already scarred her tender soul? She was not like him, hardened to the core. How unfortunate that he would inflict the pain of a broken heart on her not once, but twice.
By hellfire, he hadn’t wanted it to go this way. If only the professor had not viewed Alexandra as a suitable guardian for the map. The man should’ve trusted him. After all, he’d relied on him to save Alex from the danger that Stockwell had somehow triggered.
But he’d known better than to provide Benedict with the means to getting his hands on an ancient treasure.
Some temptations were simply too inviting to resist.
Few would turn away from a fortune in gold and relics.
If only he’d been stronger…he shouldn’t have kissed Alexandra’s sweet mouth.
He shouldn’t have touched her.
And God help him, he shouldn’t have taken her to bed.
He should not have fallen in love with her.
If only his desire for her had been simple lust. To his very core, he craved her scent and her kiss and her touch. He would never willingly hurt her.
If he were a man of greater integrity, he would take the map and turn it over to Stanwyck.
Or better yet, toss it into the fire.
But he was weak.
Too weak to deserve a woman like Alexandra.
He needed to locate that treasure.
Only a fool would forgo such a rare opportunity. He would be a wealthy man. He’d never have to worry about money again.
What a damnable shame he couldn’t go through with it.
He would reclaim the map. After doing so, he would honor Stockwell’s legacy. He would search out the tomb. He would unveil its riches. And then, he would see to it that the artifacts were entrusted to the Cairo Museum.
For once, he would not betray Alexandra’s faith in him.
He had to be the better man. Even though he could only have her for a few stolen nights—sweet, tender rendezvous that could not lead to a life together.
It isn’t meant to be. She deserves far, far better than the likes of me.
