Seducing the Spy Read Free Page A

did—knitted her brow. "I may have heard some gossip… but I really didn't pay attention." She poured tea, then smiled up at him, her green eyes gleaming. "Why? Has someone finally caught your eye, Wyndham?"
    He blew out a breath. "A world of no." He took the offered tea absently and settled back into the wide wing chair Jane had offered him. Taking a breath, he allowed his shoulders to relax slightly.
    Jane's presence was rather soothing, at least when she was alone. She had never said as much, but he knew she completely disregarded his reputation. Stanton had the thought—which he'd had many times before—that he wished he'd had more exposure to young ladies like Jane in his youth, sensible ones with good minds and steady nerves.
    Well, perhaps not as much nerve as the creature who had called on him today. "She came to my house this morning to berate me and men in general," he told Jane. "And to give me some disturbing… political news."
    Jane's gaze brightened further. "A new case for me?"
    "No."
    The flat refusal came from both Stanton and from the doorway behind him.
    Jane's eyes went from bright to shining as she looked up at the newcomer. "Hello, darling."
    Stanton didn't stand, or even turn. "Damont."
    Ethan "the Diamond" Damont, former useless card cheat and now rather annoyingly useful spy, came around to sit upon the arm of Jane's chair. Seeing as Ethan was a big lout, the chair gave a creak of protest. Damont dropped a kiss on the top of his wife's head and let his fingers toy with a wayward strand of strawberry-blond hair.
    To Stanton, the gesture didn't seem so much a territorial gambit as it did a "so mad about his wife he couldn't keep his hands to himself " motion.
    Stanton was himself rather fond of his brilliant cousin. He was somewhat less fond of her choice of husband, although he reminded himself—often, daily even—that Ethan had been an exemplary spouse… so far. Perhaps it was fair, then, that Damont was none too fond of Stanton either.
    Now, Ethan watched him through slitted eyes. "Jane, I can't do a thing with Cook," he said. "Everything I tell him goes in one ear and out the other. He'll only listen to you." He sighed. "I miss my old cook."
    Stanton grunted. "Your last cook was a Liar's Club operative sent to keep an eye on you." Something that in Stanton's mind could have been continued indefinitely. "She has better things to do now than bake your crumpets."
    Ethan sighed. "Oh, but the crumpets…"
    Jane patted his hand and rose. "I'll fix Boxer for you, pet. Were you still after those little lemon biscuits?"
    Ethan nodded eagerly. "Yes, please."
    Jane smiled at Stanton. "I'll be back in a moment, after Ethan has his little talk with you." She slid a knowing glance at her husband. "Not subtle, my love. Not one little bit."
    Ethan shrugged, then took the opportunity to slide down into the vacated chair across from Stanton.
    Stanton never quite knew what to make of the irreverent gambler who had captured, and been most thoroughly netted by in return, the indomitable Jane.
    Ethan had no respect for authority—after all, here was a man who called the Prince Regent himself "Old Codger" to his face. He was entirely without restraint or social compunction, but there was no denying his effectiveness. After all, who would ever expect a layabout gold digger who'd married above himself to be a dangerous counterespionage operative?
    Stanton had not been wrong about Ethan, exactly. The fellow was without scruples or honor. Yet those same shady tendencies had made Ethan a valuable member of the Liar's Club, the ring of spies and criminals that was the hand of the Royal Four.
    Still, Stanton had no illusions that the dog had changed his spots. It was only Ethan's consuming adoration of Jane that kept that particular hound on the leash.
    Stanton felt a moment of envy for Damont's insouciance now, for he couldn't remember the last time he'd slid into a chair with such fluid relaxation.
    With Ethan,