The Runner's Enticement (Men of Circumstance Book 2) (7 page)

Chapter 12

Anna no longer knew what to make of the Runner. After their conversation at the school the day before, something had shifted. In no way had they become friends, but gone was the gleam of absolute contempt in his eyes when they fell upon her. Likewise, she no longer found him completely loathsome. If anything, they were on the precipice of becoming cordial to one another.

A development that could be her salvation or her eventual downfall.

Despite this, she wasn’t pleased with his presence. She still had no plan as to how she’d meet Mr. Rollins’ latest request with Nate blocking her every move. Ever since her last pilfering and the night of the party, he’d become increasingly diligent in his duty to apprehend the thief. To the point she hadn’t an opportunity to scout out an artifact valuable enough to appease Mr. Rollins, yet insignificant enough to keep from sending her father into an unhealthy fury if he noticed it missing.

Not about to be fooled again, Nate had taken to guarding the parlor with increased patrols, in addition to stationing more men throughout the grounds. It seemed she couldn’t take a step without rousing someone’s attention—most often Nate himself. He’d become annoyingly underfoot.

For some unfathomable reason, he appeared to have found merit in her father’s claim to her safety being at risk. Which was how she found herself cloistered in the library with Nate, when all she wanted was solitude to find a way out of her latest muddle. She’d already wasted two valuable days trying to navigate around the man. Her fortnight would be over before she knew it.

“Are you sure you wouldn’t rather be spending your time doing something else?” she asked, hoping she’d applied enough sweetness to her words to conceal her frustration. “I’m sure sitting with me while I plan lessons is far beneath your skills.”

He lowered the paper he’d been reading and she couldn’t contain her silent sigh at the sweet dimple accompanying his rakish grin. Did the man have to be so unbearably handsome? Especially when she fully intended to remain annoyed with him instead of softened by his charm. No matter how tempting it may be.

“Back to trying to escape?”

“Nothing of the sort. I’m merely feeling guilty you’ve been forced to assume the unnecessary job of keeping me safe from a non-existent threat. Unless my father thinks I’ll come to harm from a piece of paper.” She ignored the twinge of guilt at her lie. She needed to be rid of the man.

He folded the paper and set it on a small occasional table. “I want to believe you, princess, but for some reason I’m reluctant.” The glint of humor in his eyes erased any reprimand from his comment. “Our short history has taught me a thing or two. Notably your tendency to flee from my side.”

He had a valid point.
And I’ve no response to offer
. Extricating herself from his company was precisely what she desired.

Carson, the butler, appeared at the door, saving her from having to conjure yet another bend on the truth.

“Sorry to intrude, Lady Annabel. The Earl of Foxmoore is here to see Mr. Frederickson.”

Anna stood, relieved at the interruption.

“Please, show him in. I’m sure Mr. Frederickson will welcome the company.” She didn’t know what business the earl had with a Runner, but anyone who’d take Nate’s attention from her was welcomed.

Nate came to his feet and greeted the tall, handsome man who entered shortly after Carson vacated the doorway.

“Foxmoore, this is a surprise. What brings you this far from London?” Nate shook the earl’s hand.

The men were clearly on friendly terms. Surprising, based on Nate’s aversion to anything connected to the
ton
. He might keep his judgment locked behind his duties, but she’d seen it break through his exterior. He’d made enough subtle comments for her to discern his noticeable dislike.

“I’m here on business, actually. Lawson sent me.”

“Lawson? What business would you have with Lawson?”

“Before two days ago, none. I’ve been asked to assist with some matters regarding artifacts,” the earl answered with a quick look in her direction, aware Nate hadn’t introduced them. Intrigued by Nate’s baffled expression, she wasn’t about to interrupt to make herself known.

“What do you know of artifacts?” Nate questioned.

She told herself it was perfectly acceptable to enjoy Nate’s bemusement. Especially as he’d been putting her through an emotional plunge since the day they’d met.

Apparently more manner-minded than Nate, the earl ignored Nate’s fumbling and turned to her. “Pardon my friend here, but I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.”

By rule, Anna typically didn’t have the patience for overly attractive and clearly exalted men. However, the man before her had a keen intelligence in his deep green eyes. There was certainly more to the Earl of Foxmoore than simply being a man of consequence.

Nate snapped to attention before she could introduce herself. “Apologies. Lady Annabel, may I introduce the Earl of Foxmoore, brother to my sister-in-law. Foxmoore, Lady Annabel, Brodford’s daughter and my current assignment.”

She ignored the twinge brought on by Nate implying she was merely an obligation, since she essentially was.

“It is an honor, Lady Annabel. Familiar with your father and his work, I’ve heard of you in passing but never have our paths crossed.”

“You know my father?”

“I know
of
your father. Which would be more accurate. Any man who dabbles in history would be aware of Brodford’s devotion to Egyptian artifacts.”

The earl didn’t share similarities with any of the men who typically matched her father’s interest. Also, given Nate’s gaping stare, his hobby wasn’t well known.

“It is always a pleasure to meet someone with the same interest as my father. He will be thrilled to show you his collection, my lord.”

“Please call me Foxmoore. I’m certain we are about to become better acquainted before this is finished.”

Returning from wherever his mind had taken him, Nate glanced toward Foxmoore. “What exactly is it you will be doing?”

“From your confusion, I take it I’ve arrived before Lawson’s letter.”

“I haven’t received a letter, but knowing Lawson and his newfound need to disrupt my life, I wouldn’t be surprised to find there is no letter.”

The men continued to discuss the wayward letter while Anna compared the earl and the Runner. Both were exceedingly attractive, each in his own way. The earl had a refined appeal with a clean-shaven face that carried a trace of seriousness in the classical lines, lessened by the unmistakable hint of humor and intellect shining from his eyes.

Nate continued to sport a sprinkling of facial hair over his jaw. Having never seen him with a smooth shave, even in the early morning, she assumed it was by choice and not necessity due to the rate of growth. Instead of giving him a lazy or unkempt appearance, it added to his rakish allure. That, in addition to his defined jaw and sapphire eyes, set his appeal apart from Foxmoore’s.

“Lawson sent you as our
expert
?”

Nate’s skeptically laced question drew her attention. She scolded herself for losing her focus in the first place.

The earl remained calm. “Since I don’t flaunt my hobby to all of England, it is understandable you would have your doubts. Especially considering our familial connection. I prefer to keep parts of my life separate. Surely something
you
can understand.”

As Foxmoore gave Nate a pointed look, Anna sensed an undercurrent between the two men. There was clearly a second,
silent
conversation taking place. Whatever the earl’s unspoken message, given Nate’s slight nod, he had understood every nuance.

“Very well, where do we begin?”

“My expertise being exceedingly less than Lord Brodford’s, there is a limit to what I can provide. However, I’ve been acquiring long enough to know the most inner circle of collectors. I can monitor what items are being sold. Before I scope out what the thief might be offloading, I want to discuss the items with Lord Brodford. I’m not interested in wasting time tracking false objects.”

“Seems exceedingly well thought-out. My father will be pleased with your assistance,” Anna interjected, feeling the walls closing around her. Now, not only did she need to deceive Nate, she had to worry about Foxmoore tracking Mr. Rollins and discovering what the vile man had done with the artifacts. She retained no delusions as to where Mr. Rollins’ loyalty would fall. It wouldn’t be with her. He’d expose her and she’d be left with nothing.

Worse, once Foxmoore had his information from her father, he’d be gone from the estate and she’d have no way of knowing how close he would be to solving the mystery. She now had an invisible sword poised above her head.

At least with Nate she retained a semblance of control. Even if it wasn’t true and she was as close to being caught as when he’d first arrived.

“I believe our best chance lies with the last theft. It has only been two days and hopefully the thief doesn’t have a proficient enough channel to have offloaded the item already.” The lines on Nate’s face eased with his command. She could
feel
him take control of the situation with a shift in the air. As if his confidence demanded attention.

Why did she find it so incredibly tempting? Didn’t her misguided brain—which found him interesting and alluring—also understand he had the power to destroy everything she loved?

Apparently not, since she couldn’t summon the wherewithal to keep her eyes from skimming his muscular form. She had to give herself a subtle shake to focus on the conversation. If she had any hope of protecting her secret, she needed to stay one step ahead of Nate . . . and now Foxmoore.

Nate’s training kicked in and he managed to make final plans with Foxmoore, all the while trying to merge the man he knew Foxmoore to be with the man now standing before him.

When the earl entered the room, Nate’s stomach had dropped, assuming something had happened to his brother and Foxmoore had been sent to deliver the news. Even though they’d captured Gabe’s blackmailer—Mr. Johnstone, their villainous father’s disgruntled solicitor—Nate feared there might be more to uncover.

Not satisfied they held the final answer, Nate had continued to investigate after Johnstone’s capture. With Lawson’s agreement, he’d assigned a couple of his men to quietly keep guard of his brother and family. After two months of no activity, he’d pulled the men. But the tingle in the back of his mind hadn’t died.

Foxmoore’s revelation of being a closet collector wasn’t entirely unbelievable. The man was far from the debauched rake Gabe had been before finding his way with the help of his wife; Foxmoore’s sister, Elizabeth. In fact, Foxmoore was a well-respected and influential member of parliament. Most surprising was the earl’s consent for time away from his duties to pursue a self-interested pastime.

“I’ll give word I’m looking to acquire some Egyptian artifacts,” the earl suggested. “That should be enough to turn up a few leads. From there I’ll watch for items matching Brodford’s pieces.”

The idea of shirking his duties usually turned Nate’s gut sour. But knowing Foxmoore, the job would be in good hands. Nate slid a quick glance to Lady Annabel, noting how she silently watched their exchange.

He had more pressing matters to keep his attention. He turned back to Foxmoore. There was one more detail he needed to impose upon the man. Something an earl probably wouldn’t understand. Though Nate suspected Foxmoore would respect his reasoning. Either way, it was definitely information Nate didn’t want Lady Annabel privy to.

“Lady Annabel, we will leave you to your school business while we converse with your father.” Nate had no qualms about using the case to remove himself from her presence in order to have a private word with Foxmoore.

She gaped at him, clearly not ready to be ousted from the proceedings. Aware of her stubbornness, he didn’t allow an opportunity for her to invite herself along as he nudged Foxmoore from the parlor. To further hinder her from following, he closed the door behind them.

At the click of the latch, Foxmoore eyed him with a raised brow. “Seems you’ve lost your charm with the ladies if you’ve resorted to scrambling from their sight.”

Clearly Nate’s evasive maneuver hadn’t been lost on Foxmoore. With the string of friendship and family between them, Nate decided to be candid. “Lady Annabel isn’t your typical lady. I’d liken her to a hound with a bone once she becomes set on something . . . if not for the insult to the hound.”

Foxmoore didn’t move or even respond to Nate’s comment. Instead he scrutinized Nate.

Waves of discomfort crashed into him. Maybe he’d been too blunt. Surely Foxmoore understood he’d been jesting.
Mostly.

He was about to retract his words when Foxmoore let out a quick laugh. “Finally. Your brother often wondered when you’d meet your match. I’m going to take extreme pleasure in informing him it has finally come to pass.”

Foxmoore continued to chuckle at Nate’s expense. Exactly why, remained a mystery.

“Care to explain what is so humorous?”

“You. Her. The fact you’ve finally found the one woman you can’t seem to charm into seeing everything your way. Hell, even my sister fell for your appeal the moment she met you. Despite being in love with your brother.”

Foxmoore had it only half right. Elizabeth had been and always would be in love with Gabe, but she’d never fallen under any captivating spell Foxmoore mistakenly thought Nate possessed. Knowing the value of pleasing a woman—and how that happiness often transferred back to him—Nate wasn't ashamed to admit he'd used it to his advantage through the years.

It wasn’t his fault charming woman had developed into a pastime for to him.

With Elizabeth it was different. He’d known even before their meeting she’d been marked for his brother. As much as he adored and admired her, mostly for what she’d been willing to sacrifice for Gabe, he’d only felt a brotherly affection for her.