The Wolf’s Pursuit (London Fairy Tales #3)(39)
Author: Rachel Van Dyken

Montmouth sighed and led the way. Hunter followed. Rosalind linked her arm within Gwen’s as they trailed behind the men.

Montmouth turned, starting to close the doors in front of the women’s faces, but Gwen held her foot out, blocking it. "I think not. After all, I do not trust you alone with him. Who knows? You may slip and accidently shoot your pistol."

Curses exploded out of Montmouth’s mouth. He looked to Rosalind as if to say, "Help!" but she merely tilted her head as if to say, "Give me a reason to slap you."

He held the door open wide for them to enter.

"You have ten minutes before I accidentally—" Monmouth glared at Gwen. "What did you say before? Oh, yes, before my finger accidentally slips on the trigger of my pistol."

Hunter looked at Gwen and winked. "I only need five."

Montmouth cursed. "I was discussing your story, not your speed at seduction."

"Apologies." Hunter nodded and gave Gwen another grin. Heavens, she felt heated all over. She fanned her face, much to Hunter’s amusement.

He cleared his throat. "I came here to tell you Gwen had died."

"Clearly she lives," Montmouth spat.

"Are you planning on interrupting me the entire time?"

"Sorry."

Hunter took a seat. "An hour ago, I was not at your residence, but speaking with my grandfather. He has been helping me with a current assignment. As I said, I am not truly retired, at least not yet." Hunter sighed. "I went directly from our meeting to the park to save Gwen. I had reason to believe she was in danger. It seems Redding may have gotten himself into a bit of trouble, and she was to be with him on her walk. The minute I arrived, I tried to locate him, but was too late. For the minute his carriage began to drive away, it exploded."

Gwen gasped. "Is he alright?"

Hunter shook his head slowly from left to right. "I highly doubt there are any survivors. There was debris everywhere. Whoever placed the explosives did a deuced good job. I admit to being so…" his voice cracked, "upset, that I came here straightaway to deliver the news."

"Then explain the so-called twin who was here earlier. By the saints, he even acted exactly like you!" Montmouth shook his head in confusion and cursed again.

Gwen smiled to herself and whispered, "He did not smell the same."

"What was that?" Montmouth asked.

"Nothing." She looked to Hunter, and his eyes brightened. She wanted to touch him, to feel his lips on hers again. Was that why he’d kissed her? He’d thought she was some sort of ghost? Or were his true feelings finally showing through, since he’d thought he had lost her?

"I have a twin." Hunter cleared his throat and folded his arms across his chest. "But up until a few minutes ago, I thought him dead. I don’t suppose he left a way to contact him?" Mask slipping, Hunter appeared eager to see his brother. It pained her heart to be of no help.

Gwen shook her head. "I am sorry, Hunter. I truly thought it was you. I did not think to ask, and I believe if I would have, he would have merely given me your information."

"Right." Hunter cursed. "Why would he appear here? Now? What did he say to you?"

Gwen felt herself turn red with both embarrassment and anger. "He accused me of trying to seduce him."

Hunter laughed.

Of course he laughed. The cad. "Apologies, Gwen. It is just that, well, you would not know how to seduce a man if he begged you."

"Care to give it a try?" she countered, stepping toward him, ready to rip his tight jacket straight from his body to prove a point. And to feel his lips on hers again, but first she would strangle him, of course.

"Easy." Montmouth placed a hand on her shoulder. "If you do not care to witness his death, you will cease from taking another step."

She took another step.

Hunter grinned wolfishly then beckoned her with his finger.

Montmouth turned his head just in time to see Hunter make the gesture and cursed. "It is like herding children! Must I separate you two?"

"If you must." Hunter relaxed into the chair. "But know that it only makes finding her that much more… rewarding."

Gwen scowled and began searching for a weapon. If she could not prove her point, she would simply force him to admit she was just as skilled as he. Besides, she knew how attached he was to that handsome face of his. All she needed was a knife, a dagger, a rusty nail…

"Am I to understand that my dead brother resurrected himself, somehow read the code that was safely in my grandfather’s possession, pretended to be me, and then accused our dear innocent Gwen of taking advantage?"

"Yes, that sounds right," Gwen said through clenched teeth. "Though it pains me to admit there are two of you in this world."

"Clearly our masculinity offends you."

"Your entire being offends me, Wolf."

"Have a care what you say… Red."

"Pet names?" Montmouth sputtered. "You have pet names for one another?"

Hunter shrugged.

Gwen refused to take her eyes away from his. If he was going to be difficult, then she was going to be the thorn in his side. He winked and licked his lips as if he were staring at a tasty morsel.

"…After all, it pains me to admit there is just nothing more that can be done," Montmouth said. Had he been talking? Blast. Why did Hunter have to have such plump lips? And beautiful eyes, truly beautiful. Not the type that looked feminine in any way, but dangerous — mystical even. His grin set his eyes off, adding a spark of mischief and wickedness.

"…I believe the end of the week will suffice. Do you agree, Gwen?"

What was Montmouth asking?

Hunter raised his eyebrow, no doubt waiting for her to ask her brother-in-law to repeat his statement. Not wanting to look stupid, she merely nodded. "I could not agree more."

"Really?" Montmouth and Rosalind said in unison.

She looked to Hunter for help. But it was as if he had suddenly discovered he had hands, for all the intensity with which he was staring at them.

"Yes," she answered.

Montmouth was silent for a while and then scratched his head. "Well, in that case, I should see to making the proper arrangements. Come along, Rosalind. They should probably have a moment alone to speak. Though I will place your maid at the door. You have at least earned a few minutes for being so amiable after everything, my dear."

He walked over and kissed her forehead before leading Rosalind out of the room and closing the door behind him.