The Runner's Enticement (Men of Circumstance Book 2) by Addie Jo Ryleigh Page A

he’d been putting her through an emotional plunge since the day they’d met.
    Apparently more manner-minded than Nate, the earl ignored Nate’s fumbling and turned to her. “Pardon my friend here, but I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.”
    By rule, Anna typically didn’t have the patience for overly attractive and clearly exalted men. However, the man before her had a keen intelligence in his deep green eyes. There was certainly more to the Earl of Foxmoore than simply being a man of consequence.
    Nate snapped to attention before she could introduce herself. “Apologies. Lady Annabel, may I introduce the Earl of Foxmoore, brother to my sister-in-law. Foxmoore, Lady Annabel, Brodford’s daughter and my current assignment.”
    She ignored the twinge brought on by Nate implying she was merely an obligation, since she essentially was.
    “It is an honor, Lady Annabel. Familiar with your father and his work, I’ve heard of you in passing but never have our paths crossed.”
    “You know my father?”
    “I know of your father. Which would be more accurate. Any man who dabbles in history would be aware of Brodford’s devotion to Egyptian artifacts.”
    The earl didn’t share similarities with any of the men who typically matched her father’s interest. Also, given Nate’s gaping stare, his hobby wasn’t well known.
    “It is always a pleasure to meet someone with the same interest as my father. He will be thrilled to show you his collection, my lord.”
    “Please call me Foxmoore. I’m certain we are about to become better acquainted before this is finished.”
    Returning from wherever his mind had taken him, Nate glanced toward Foxmoore. “What exactly is it you will be doing?”
    “From your confusion, I take it I’ve arrived before Lawson’s letter.”
    “I haven’t received a letter, but knowing Lawson and his newfound need to disrupt my life, I wouldn’t be surprised to find there is no letter.”
    The men continued to discuss the wayward letter while Anna compared the earl and the Runner. Both were exceedingly attractive, each in his own way. The earl had a refined appeal with a clean-shaven face that carried a trace of seriousness in the classical lines, lessened by the unmistakable hint of humor and intellect shining from his eyes.
    Nate continued to sport a sprinkling of facial hair over his jaw. Having never seen him with a smooth shave, even in the early morning, she assumed it was by choice and not necessity due to the rate of growth. Instead of giving him a lazy or unkempt appearance, it added to his rakish allure. That, in addition to his defined jaw and sapphire eyes, set his appeal apart from Foxmoore’s.
    “Lawson sent you as our expert ?”
    Nate’s skeptically laced question drew her attention. She scolded herself for losing her focus in the first place.
    The earl remained calm. “Since I don’t flaunt my hobby to all of England, it is understandable you would have your doubts. Especially considering our familial connection. I prefer to keep parts of my life separate. Surely something you can understand.”
    As Foxmoore gave Nate a pointed look, Anna sensed an undercurrent between the two men. There was clearly a second, silent conversation taking place. Whatever the earl’s unspoken message, given Nate’s slight nod, he had understood every nuance.
    “Very well, where do we begin?”
    “My expertise being exceedingly less than Lord Brodford’s, there is a limit to what I can provide. However, I’ve been acquiring long enough to know the most inner circle of collectors. I can monitor what items are being sold. Before I scope out what the thief might be offloading, I want to discuss the items with Lord Brodford. I’m not interested in wasting time tracking false objects.”
    “Seems exceedingly well thought-out. My father will be pleased with your assistance,” Anna interjected, feeling the walls closing around her. Now, not only did she need to deceive Nate, she had to