Page 38 of Surrender

“None of me regulars are here tonight, but if it’s evidence ye want…”

Genevieve’s voice trailed off as she stepped forward to slide her hands through his hair, tugging his head down to kiss him. The instant her teeth sank into his lower lip a bit harder than necessary, Theo’s lips parted in a muted sound of pain. The instant he murmured a protest, her tongue swept into his mouth to swirl and dance with his as her delectable, sweet curves pressed into him.

The warmth of her barreled its way through every part of his body, and his cock hardened in response to her hips pressing into his. But the moment she wiggled against him, desire plunged him into a fiery furnace of hungry need. Arms wrapping around her, he pulled her tight against him to take control of their kiss. She didn’t give him a chance to do so before she broke free and nimbly slipped out of his embrace.

Green eyes glittering with anger, she tipped her chin at a defiant angle as she met his gaze. Even in the roughshod clothing of a strumpet, she was beautiful. The only thing that would make her even more exquisite was if that magnificent mane of auburn hair weren’t buried beneath that wig of black hair. Theo reached out to catch her chin in his fingers. Smiling, he shifted his gaze from her fiery glare to the men watching their exchange with amused interest.

“With evidence like that, how can I refuse?” Glancing over his shoulder, Theo met the barkeep’s surprised, but amused look. “I believe the lady said you had a room for rent?”

“Aye, it’ll be two shillings.”

Theo reached into his pocket for the rent and laid it on the bar just as the door of the pub opened. Everyone looked toward the new arrival, and Genevieve released a small cry of welcome.

“Freddie! Where have ye been, me gorgeous brute?”

Before Theo could stop her, she flew toward the tall, lanky man as the door closed behind him. Throwing her arms around the man’s neck, she gave him a kiss on the cheek. Genevieve’s enthusiastic greeting shot a bolt of fury through Theo. Who the hell was this Freddie, and how well did Genevieve know him? Entwining her arm with the man’s, Genevieve drew him toward the bar.

“I’m so happy to see ye, duckie. Ye are the only one who knows ‘ow to treat a lady right.” Genevieve threw a baleful glance in Theo’s direction before looking up at the man she guided toward the bar.

“Freddie, this is…” She frowned and tipped her head to one side, staring at Theo in a silent demand he speak his name.

“Saltkill. Jonathan Saltkill.”

“Freddie Simpson.”

Theo’s jaw clenched the moment he heard the man’s name. Simpson. This was the man Ellerbie had introduced Val to before the earl had taken on a supervisory position in the foreign section’s home office. Almost as if he sensed Theo’s sudden uneasiness, a slow smile curved Simpson’s lips.

It was a feral smile that raised the hairs on the back of Theo’s neck as they shook hands. There was something insidious about this man. Theo hadn’t questioned Val’s opinion that Simpson was dangerous. But until now, he’d not understood just how serious a threat the man was. This man would have no problem killing when he wanted, and from the looks of him, he’d enjoy it. Theo’s mouth went dry with fear as he shifted his gaze from Simpson to Genevieve and then back to Simpson.

“What do you do for a living, Saltkill?”

“I work down on the docks,” Theo replied quietly.

“Your hands aren’t those of a dock worker.” Simpson arched a skeptical eyebrow.

“I’m the office manager for a merchant, verifying cargo that comes into port and out.”

“Interesting, “Simpson drawled. “What merchant?”

“Melton Imports. I’m sure you’ve heard of them.”

In the back of his mind, he shouted his gratitude to the almighty that his father had listened to him and invested in a shipping import business two years ago. Not only had the business started to show nice profits, but something told Theo the business had just saved his life tonight.

“Hmm, no, but then I don’t know all the merchants along the dock. I don’t suppose they’re hiring?”

“Not that I know of. The owner treats his employees well, so it’s rare anyone leaves.” Theo’s casual shrug made it clear the man wasn’t going to find any position available. “But you can always swing by and ask.”

“I’ll do that.” Simpson studied Theo for a moment, then turned his head to look down at Genevieve. “Well, love, what will be your poison tonight?”

“Actually, the lady and I were about to have a drink.” Theo’s firm statement made Simpson narrow his gaze at him.

“Were you now?” There was a note of amused contempt in the man’s smooth voice as he arched an eyebrow at Theo.

“We were.”

Despite his irritation, he managed to keep his tone even, but forceful. The last thing he wanted to do was let Genevieve spend any length of time with this snake. Beside the tall, lanky man, she straightened her shoulders, directing an icy look in Theo’s direction.

“I’ve changed my mind,” she said with antipathy, then turned to Simpson. “Come, Freddie. I want to hear all about your visit to the Continent.”