On A Cold Christmas Eve Read Free Page A

proven correct when the woman, whose own darker looks complimented his own he noted with surprise, took two more steps towards him before collapsing into his arms.
    "Bloody hell," he swore under his breath as he scooped up the prone form, which, he was disturbed to note, was far lighter than he had anticipated.  If she wasn't already ill, she would be soon.  She needed proper care, something he could not give her here with only minimal staff.  "Simmonds," he bellowed, already striding back towards the manor house, "get the coach ready!  We ride for Overlook Hill tonight!  I do not wish to delay!"
    Then he turned to see Harry looking at him, no sign of alarm or fear in his eyes, but merely a steady resolve.  Patient and waiting, there was no question that he was awaiting his orders as well, knowing that a task awaited him.  That was one of the reasons Adam liked Harry so well.  He was always ready, ever discreet, and never questioning.
    "Ride for London," Adam nearly growled, hoisting the woman higher into his arms as he saw the butler scurry for the stables where a coach and driver waited at the ready.  "Find out all you can about this chit, about my bloody imbecile of a brother, and what the hell he's done this time."  A dark rage threatened to overcome him, but he forced it back.  Now was not the time.
    When Harry just raised an eyebrow, Adam bit back a snarl.  This man didn't deserve his anger.  Another did.  Harry, of course, knew that, and was bold enough to ask a question, the very thought of which might leave a weaker man shaking in his boots.  "And if I find the wastrel?  Any of them?"
    "Turn them over to the authorities," Adam growled, before thinking better of it.  "No, better yet, bring them to me at Overlook.  I wish to have a word or two with them."  Then he flashed a smile, a dark, wicked thing that had sent more than one man racing from a card room.  "There is much, it seems, that I need to say."
    After a quick bow, Harry closed his coat tightly around him and turned up his collar to protect himself from the wind and snow.  "Of course, my lord.  I will see to it personally."  Then he was gone into the night, the darkness swallowing him up as if he had never been.
    That was another reason Adam liked Harry so much.  Like Adam himself, Harry was a man of mixed parentage.  Unlike Adam, however, Harry hadn't been born wealthy, and that limited him in many ways.  However, he'd overcome many harsh circumstances to rise to the top of the ranks of the Runners, with a case record that many envied.  It was an early case in Harry's career that had brought him into contact with Adam, and it had been Harry who had saved Adam's life when a distant relative had tried to take the dukedom by force.  Ever since, there was no one that Adam trusted more.
    That was also why he knew that when he issued the order for Archibald to be brought to Overlook, he would be.  No questions asked.
    Just then, the woman in Adam's arms stirred, and her eyes fluttered open.  A rich aquamarine color, they reminded him of the sea on a calm day.  She opened her mouth to speak but was racked by a cough, which was followed by a sigh, as if it hurt to breathe.  Damnation.  It would not do for her to die while under his care.
    When she tried to speak again, Adam held a finger to his lips as he crossed the front lawn with her still in his arms.  "Shh.  Don't try to speak.  Just know that you're safe.  I'm Adam St. Vincent, Duke of Enwright.  No harm will come to you, I swear."  Then he looked down at her and swore again.  "Bloody hell!"
    The woman had fainted again and this time, given the blue tinge to her lips, he didn't think she would wake up any time soon.

Chapter Two

    She was warm.  And dry.  Those were Lucy's first two thoughts as she awoke.  The second was that there had to be a massive bear sitting on her chest since drawing a breath was somewhat of an issue.  Upon opening one eye, she found that it