The London Deception by Addison Fox Page A

more. Wanted all.
    “We need to go.”
    “Of course.”
    Finn followed beside her, his hand resting against her lower back to ensure they kept up the show for anyone who might be watching until they reached the Great Court. “We got what we came for.”
    “And avoided a throng six deep of tourists.” Her lighthearted jest fell flat as they walked, that spark of attraction between the two of them drowning out even the simplest of remarks.
    “So we did.”
    They once again reached the entrance, and the night guard greeted them. “That was quick.”
    “Thanks again, Josh. I just wanted to show Mr. Gallagher a piece of Egyptian art.”
    “No problem, Ms. Steele. We look forward to having you both back.”
    Josh’s man-to-man grin as they walked past confirmed he hadn’t missed the little show the two of them had put on in the Egyptian Sculpture Gallery. Although his body still bore the traces, Finn couldn’t argue with the results. He and Rowan had looked to the casual observer like lovers on an evening outing. Nothing more.
    Nothing more.
    So why did the thought twist him up and make him want more. A lot more.
    “It’s a nice night. Would you like to walk?”
    Rowan’s comment pulled him from the throes of frustration and Finn focused on her upturned face and bright smile. “It’s a bit cool. You sure?”
    “Of course.”
    “Here.” He stripped off his suit jacket and handed it to her, not ready to believe the thin material that clung to her like a caress could be all that warm.
    “Finn, I’m fine.”
    “It’s still a bit of a walk. Humor me.”
    He waved his driver on, instructing the man to wait for him at the Savoy before starting the walk toward the Strand. The heft of the museum faded behind them as the London evening wrapped around them, and Finn couldn’t fault Rowan for the suggestion of a walk. The night breeze was doing wonders for his head, airing out the sudden haze of madness that had descended the moment he’d pressed his lips to Rowan Steele’s.
    Just like before, on that night so long ago.
    Like a love-struck lunatic, he briefly wondered if she remembered, even though it had been more than evident she hadn’t recognized him.
    And what’d you expect, boyo? You were wearing a mask and she probably thinks you’re dead. That’s a fairly finite combination.
    Of course, he’d moved on—both their lives had demanded nothing less—but try as he might he’d never fully forgotten her. Kissing her tonight only reinforced his first impression.
    “Real nice trick back there, Peach.”
    “Thanks. Why do you keep calling me that?”
    “Because you’re lush and ripe, like a fresh peach.”
    A first impression that was now reinforced with the passage of time and a woman who was more than worth his interest.
    The lightest sound—nothing more than a scrape of shoe, really—pulled him from his thoughts and had the hair on the back of his neck standing on edge. With deliberate movements, he pulled Rowan under his arm, shielding her body as best he could with his.
    “Finn?” Irritation spiked in her tone as she turned her narrowed gaze on him.
    “Shhh.”
    “What is it?” Her eyes widened but she lowered her voice to the barest whisper.
    “Not sure.”
    The light scrape of a shoe grew louder, even as he could see the streetlight on the next corner blinking brightly in front of them. They needed another half a block and they would be among more people.
    If they had that long.
    The footfalls grew even heavier and Finn knew he couldn’t wait until they hit the corner. With a hard turn, he spun on his heel, coming face-to-face with a thin, scrappy thug. “What do you want?”
    “Nothing, mate. It’s a nice night for a walk. Heading to the pub.”
    Finn made no move to touch him, nor did the man respond in kind, but he couldn’t stop the beat of discomfort that thudded in his veins. “Then be on your way.”
    “Easy. Easy.” Flat green eyes—the only distinct feature in the man’s