It Takes a Spy...: A Secrets and Seduction book Read Online Free Page B

know all about their comings and goings and their activities.
    She had been curious about him at their first meeting and had started observing him closely. She quickly discovered that there was more to him than he let people see. As she watched him at the various events they’d both attended, she’d come to understand that he wasn’t the shallow man he appeared to be. He was much more complicated than that, but her inner sense told her that he was essentially good, and she’d learned to trust that sense. It had never steered her wrong.
    “ Bon soir, M LeCompte ,” Cecilia said.
    M LeCompte’s cool gray eyes were focused intently upon Cecilia, and judging by his raised eyebrows, she’d managed to pique his curiosity. “ Mademoiselle Paring,” he said, with a slight tip of his head. “ Quelle surprise . You left with Mr. Kenning yet you return with Mr. Montlake.”
    Startled, Cecilia could only stare at him blankly. It had never occurred to her that anyone would note that she’d acquired a different escort, let alone comment on the fact. It was unnerving to find that he was watching her so closely, but she did her best to shrug off her disquiet. “It isn’t surprising at all. Mr. Montlake is my partner for the next dance.”
    “And so he stole you away from Mr. Kenning?” M LeCompte shot Devin a conspiratorial grin. “You must be a very eager fiancé.”
    A muscle tightened in Devin’s jaw as he moved a little closer to her in a protective gesture. “You’re very observant,” Devin commented in a relaxed tone. It was so perfectly calm that Cecilia could imagine him using it in a courtroom.
    “It is a skill I have cultivated,” LeCompte replied, with a one-shouldered shrug.
    “And you’ve chosen to practice that skill by observing me with my dance partners?” Cecilia asked in a chilly tone.
    “Do you believe that others haven't noticed as well? That would be most foolish. It isn’t every day that London hosts an auction such as the one your father has planned. It’s only natural for everyone to be curious about your family.”
    Curious about Father turning his title over to his nephew and moving to France was more like it. Cecilia considered LeCompte’s words and then surreptitiously peered around the room. A number of people suddenly glanced away, avoiding her gaze. LeCompte was right. People were watching.
    M LeCompte lifted his hands, splaying his fingers. “It’s nothing untoward, I assure you. I simply like to observe people—to understand them better.”
    To observe people, or to spy on them? There was a fine line between the two.
    “I believe we understand each other,” Devin said. Something in his tone made Cecilia believe that he’d read the undercurrent in LeCompte’s comments as well…
    Be circumspect. Be watchful.
    “Perfectly,” LeCompte said with a slight tip of his head. “This has been most illuminating.”
    The strains of the waltz began. “If you’ll excuse us,” Devin said, “I believe this is our dance.” He moved forward, guiding her toward the dance floor.
    When Cecilia glanced back, she saw LeCompte disappearing through the doors leading into the gardens.

 
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER TWO
     
    Devin pulled Cecilia into his arms, and they glided onto the dance floor. As they spun around in a waltz, he was able to scan the room. Many people were watching them.
    Cecilia pressed her body against his. Was she cold? Nervous? He adjusted his hand on her waist and created enough space between them to satisfy propriety’s strictures. Sometimes Cecilia didn’t think about the consequences of her actions, but with so many eyes upon them, it was essential for them to remain circumspect.
    Her hands were chilled from her walk outside, and he wondered if it was a consequence of the odd mesh-style gloves she’d chosen to wear. Her hair was slightly disordered, and the tendril he’d tucked behind her ear now curled against her temple again.
    As always, Cecilia had a