A Dance with Death

Chapter Sixteen

Mr King stood there, staring at me. "Your what?"

"My assistance."

"But...it's far too dangerous for you."

"No more than you, I'm sure."

"Yes, but I've had experience."

"And I have experience with Ralph Sinclair. I know how he thinks, something that you do not."

"Are you seriously agreeing to spy on your fiancé? One who hasn't given you a ring yet." He raised his brow at my left hand.

I glanced at my finger. "I simply forgot to put it on when leaving to check on Lady Wildridge."

"Seems a bit thoughtless, if you ask me."

"Well, no one is asking you, Mr King." I glared at him.

He stared hard at me. "We should go."

"Yes, I quite agree."

We both all but scrambled out the door.

"Miss Williams..."

"I'm not changing my mind."

He sighed. "Just...be careful."

"Of course."

"Not everyone is what they seem."

"Trust me, no one knows that better than me." I watched Mr King leave.

"He's a real card, isn't he?"

I found Colin leaning against the wall. "Colin, what the hell are you doing out of bed?"

He chuckled and groaned. "Don't act as if you care about me, Arinya."

"How did you escape?"

"It was pretty simple. All I had to do was scare little Crissy."

I snatched his collar. "What did you do to her?"

"Calm down, Ari. I didn't touch her."

"If I found out that you harmed her in some way-"

"But I didn't. So calm yourself."

"Why are you even walking? How are you even walking?"

"I got shot in my rib. Not my leg."

I clenched my teeth. Smartass. "Well, it's obvious that bullet didn't injure your tongue."

He smiled. "Yes, how else can I charm the ladies?"

"By not being an ass." I shoved him into the wall.

He clutched his chest and groaned. "Now that hurt."

"You're old enough to not let it bruise your ego."

"So how's her ladyship? I heard she narrowly escaped to death."

"Well, I hope. I haven't had a chance to check on her. I think Mallory suspects me behind the murder of Lord Wildridge and Lady Wildridge's attempted murder."

"And Sinclair? What's this about you two being engaged again?"

"How did you hear about that?"

"The walls have ears. Besides, I overheard you and that King fellow talking about engagement rings."

Damn Mr King and his big mouth!

"Speaking of, have you him?"

"Who, King?"

"My fiancé?"

I felt the urge to smack his arrogant smile. "No, why? I thought you hated him."

I did. I do! Damn it, Colin!