Scoundrel Ever After (Secrets and Scandals) Read Online Free Page A

grip.
    “Wait.” She hurried up beside him. “Tell me where we’re going. Shouldn’t you go home and take care of yourself?”
    “I can’t go home.” He started forward.
    She kept pace with him. “Why not?”
    He stopped short and faced her. “Let me clarify one thing straightaway. There will be no questions. Do you understand?” His tone was dark, clipped, almost . . . sinister. He didn’t sound anything like the charming man she’d taught to dance on two occasions.
    A bead of fear slithered along her spine. He’d known those criminals—rather, they’d known him. Jagger. What the devil was going on? What sort of adventure had she just agreed to?
    I can’t protect you if you stay .
    Though this seemed a dangerous endeavor and every schooled and rational part of her screamed to return home, she couldn’t banish the desperate words he’d uttered. The implication—that she was vital, important—sparked something deep inside of her. He made her feel like she was someone worth taking a chance for. And no one had ever made her feel that way before.
    She nodded once at him, steeling her will. He turned and continued on toward the mews. When they drew near, he moved her into the shadows cloaking the area surrounding the massive archway that led into the courtyard.
    “What are we doing here?” she whispered without thinking. No questions. She pressed her lips together in silent self-reprimand. “Sorry. Forget I asked.”
    He made a sound that reminded her of a muffled laugh. Before she could wonder what had provoked his sudden and surprising sense of humor, he said, “We’re going to steal a phaeton.”

Chapter Two

    E THAN KNEW HE was shocking her, but couldn’t seem to stop himself. And why bother? They were on the run, both from Bow Street and Gin Jimmy’s gang. There would be plenty of shocks coming her way.
    She pulled him against the corner of the archway. “You can’t steal a phaeton!”
    He put his finger to her lips. “Keep your voice down. How do you suggest we get out of town without a vehicle?”
    “We’re leaving London?” She shook her head. “Sorry, I have to ask questions. And don’t tell me I can’t. You’re not kidnapping me, after all; I came of my own accord.”
    He hadn’t meant to growl at her about asking questions, but he’d needed to think. They had to leave town. His usual havens were out of the question—every single one was known by at least one person who would claim loyalty to Gin Jimmy. There was a slim chance they’d defer their loyalty to Ethan, but it was a chance he couldn’t take. Not with Audrey.
    Christ, what was he doing with her?
    Trying to save her life.
    “Can you at least save your questions for later?” He pressed her back against the brick wall and peered around the corner into the courtyard. There’d be maybe five stable lads on hand at this hour, most of them sleeping. All of them, if they were lucky. Ethan, however, feared his luck had run out.
    He exhaled as he pressed his head back against the cool brick. His aches were many—his arm, his legs from running, his head from the entirety of this ruined night. All of his careful planning to lure Gin Jimmy from the rookery so that Bow Street could arrest him had been for naught. The criminal overlord had gotten away and in the process had learned that his right-hand man—Ethan—had worked to bring him down. Shit, Ethan’s life wasn’t worth a farthing. Especially not in London where everyone, lawman and criminal alike, would be searching for him.
    He brought his head back around and looked at Audrey. It was difficult to discern every nuance of her expression in this light. He spoke in low tones. “You must heed everything I say now. No questions, no behavior that will draw unwanted attention.” His gaze dipped over her manly costume. “You make a lousy gentleman, particularly with your hair sticking out like that.” He reached up and lightly tugged one of the curls drooping against her