A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan Page B

Lord Moreland at the breakfast table. In fact, he didn’t think she’d once met his eyes since they had all run into each other in the foyer and she had strolled off with the viscount in such a blithe fashion.
    At the reminder of the haughty young lord, Peter felt his cheeks heat with temper once more and his hands tightened on the reins, causing his mount to do an impatient dance beneath him.
    He drew in a deep, calming breath. He had to stop doing this. But no matter how often he tried to tell himself that Emily was no longer any of his business, it didn’t seem to diminish his need to know just exactly what was going on between her and the viscount.
    The question was out before he could call it back. “Have you known Lord Moreland long?”
    Emily started as if she had forgotten his presence and looked up, blinking at him in an almost owlish manner. Then, reaching up to tuck a stray curl back behind her ear, she fixed her eyes on the road ahead when she replied, as if she couldn’t bear to hold his gaze for too long. “I’ve known of him since I was a child. My father knew his father, Lord Brimley, very well, and our mothers were good friends. But Adam and I have only been personally acquainted for a couple of years now.”
    Adam . She had known the man for only two years and she called him Adam, while Peter was “Mr. Quick.” Despite himself, that fact troubled him far more than it should.
    â€œThe two of you seem close.”
    â€œI suppose we are. He has been a good friend to me.” She glanced down at her hands on the reins. “So many people can be kind to your face and then whisper about you behind your back. But Adam isn’t like that.”
    Though her visage remained dispassionate, Peter could sense the hurt that lurked just beneath that impassive façade. Her family’s unconventional past, as well as their connection to Willow Park, had always been prime fodder for gossip, and obviously it bothered Emily more than she would ever admit.
    A part of him didn’t want to know the answer, but something beyond his own volition seemed to be driving him. “And do you and Moreland have an…understanding?”
    Emily paused for a second, appearing to be considering her answer as she nibbled on her lower lip, then shook her head. “I’m not certain.”
    Not certain? What the bloody hell did that mean?
    Emily noticed the bemused expression that crossed Peter’s face and couldn’t blame him. She was feeling a bit bemused herself. What manner of devil had tempted her to flirt so shamelessly with Adam? For some reason, watching the two men size each other up like potential foes had set off a spark of mischief inside her and she had acted before she’d thought.
    But she had forgotten that for every action there was a consequence, and now the viscount was certain to have all sorts of false expectations regarding their relationship, expectations she had no intention of fulfilling. She felt her cheeks flush. Somehow she would have to think of a way to explain her behavior to Adam and hope he would understand.
    But that would come later. Right now she had to concentrate on dealing with Peter.
    And it was time to change the subject. “You know, you haven’t said much about your life in London.”
    Peter seemed surprised at the abrupt shift in the conversation, but he didn’t bother to call her on it. He merely lifted one shoulder in a slight shrug. “That’s because there’s nothing much to say.”
    â€œNothing much to say?” Emily gaped at him. “Comenow. Surely your life must be very exciting. Catching thieves and murderers and the like. Why, the boys at Willow Park think you’re practically a hero.”
    When he said nothing in response, she pressed on, studying his profile intently. “Why a Bow Street Runner?”
    â€œWhy not?” Another shrug. “I just happened to be in the