Wicked Again (The Wickeds #7) - Kathleen Ayers Page 0,55

taking up with a man like Nighter? “Goodness, Adelia. He’s younger than both my sons.” And so very broken.

“He’s twenty-six.” Adelia shrugged, fanning herself. “And he’s an old soul. Trust me.” She took Marissa’s hand. “Don’t pout, Marissa. You’ll get little lines around your mouth. Besides, I’m enjoying myself.”

“I know . . . just be careful with him. At any rate, I only stopped by to say hello and ask you to join me for luncheon tomorrow.” She hadn’t intended on inviting Adelia over, but the excuse seemed as good as any. “Haddon’s daughter will be coming as well. I would love for you to meet her.”

“Haddon’s daughter? She’s probably blessed with the same divine bone structure. I shall be there.” She kissed Marissa’s cheek. “But not too early, darling. Nighter is a demanding lover.”

“You really are quite horrid, Adelia,” Marissa said, smiling at her.

With a wave at Adelia, Marissa made her way out of the box, and toward the stairs. Spencer and Elizabeth would be wondering where she had gotten off to. The hallway was dim, the lights having been turned down in anticipation of the play resuming. Haddon was here, somewhere in this theater, with Lady Christina clawing at him with her perfect gloved hands.

The thought did not improve her mood.

“My lady.”

A dark rasp came from the shadows at the very top of the stairs. The darkness moved, taking the shape of Captain Nighter.

Lying in wait for me. Marissa’s pulse jumped at his sudden appearance.

Bunched muscles tightened beneath the fabric of his evening clothes as he bowed to her. Nighter was a big man, much like Nick and Brendan, sucking up all the available air in the hall with his presence. There was a hint of well-bred snobbery in his manner—the sort a person possessed when they’d been born into wealth. Nighter, according to Tomkin, was the disgraced nephew of a wealthy marquess, though she’d neglected to ask which one. His familial ties were of no importance to Marissa. Only the fact that he was at loose ends and needed money mattered, though it had reassured her somewhat to know he’d been born a gentleman.

“Captain Nighter.” The hall was empty save for her and Nighter, something which gave her pause. The play had started. She could already hear the screeching of the lead actress. Marissa lowered her voice to ensure anyone who might chance upon them couldn’t eavesdrop.

“I assume you will be attending Lady Ralston’s ball,” she murmured.

“If that is your pleasure, my lady.” The icy gaze traveled over her breasts.

Marissa didn’t care for his chilly perusal of her bosom. Nighter was undoubtedly well-versed in the seduction of women, though it was unlikely he had to work very hard at the task. Any young lady would be grateful for his attention if one didn’t notice the absolute desolation in his eyes.

“I will arrange for the two of you to be caught in an indiscretion at Lady Ralston’s. But you must seek her out prior to attending the event. Flirt with her. Garner her trust so that she will meet you without question in some darkened room at the ball. There will be no seduction of her person, only the appearance of one. The young lady in question is not to be physically harmed in any way,” she stressed.

An odd look flitted through his ice-blue eyes, surprising Marissa before Nighter caught himself and placed his chilly mask firmly in place. But not quick enough.

Sorrow. Grief.

In that moment, Marissa caught a glimpse of the man Nighter must once have been. Before becoming this crueler, darker version of himself.

“I would never harm a woman physically. You have my assurance.” The words hovered in the air like bits of snow and ice. “I won’t betray Mr. Tomkin’s trust in me nor would I ever be stupid enough to incur the interest of your family, my lady.”

“Very good.”

What happened to you, Captain Nighter?

There had been no mistaking the absolute heartache shadowing his striking features, if only for a moment. She’d seen it in her own face often enough after Reggie’s death.

“The lady in question,” he was careful not to mention Miss Higgins by name, “will have her reputation damaged only enough to break a betrothal and nothing more. I will seek her out in the park tomorrow. She always takes the path furthest from the river but closer to the woods.”

Marissa nodded. Nighter had done his research on Miss Higgins. “I will find you at Lady Ralston’s.” She felt marginally better, assured Nighter