There Comes a Midnight Hour (Constantine Capers Book 3) by Natalie Brianne

Author:Natalie Brianne [Brianne, Natalie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Searose Press
Published: 2024-08-20T00:00:00+00:00

December 10, 1888:

Midnight

“Do you like my costume?” Alexander Durant smirked down at her.

“What did you do to Fred?” she asked, pulling back.

He tightened his grip and forced her closer as they continued to waltz.

“Your constable friend is safe. Probably will have a headache tomorrow morning, but otherwise, perfectly fine. Although I must say I’m a bit put out that you didn’t recognize me sooner.”

Yes, now that she was paying closer attention, it was difficult to see any resemblance between Frederick Wensley and Alexander Durant. His costume didn’t fit quite right and his mustache was ginger, not brown. And even if she could put that down to her own distraction, he was at least three inches taller. She was so focused on finding him on the dance floor, she didn’t consider he was standing beside her. How could she have been so foolish?

She tried to pull away again, but he kept her in place, leaning forward to whisper in her ear.

“Now, you wouldn’t want to cause a scene, would you?” Alexander tutted, breath hot on her cheek.

“What do you want?” she asked, glancing around for any signs of Byron or Professor Burke. They would have to come to this room sooner or later. Unfortunately, all they would see was her dancing with Fred. There had to be some way to alert them to the situation.

“You.”

She scowled, but he interrupted before she could protest. “I know, I know. That’s the one thing I can’t have, so I’ve settled for seeing you one last time. One last dance. I am, if not anything, a romantic after all.”

Her jaw tightened. “You’re a murderer.”

“A murderous romantic then.” His teeth gleamed in a dangerous smile, even as his eyes softened as he took her in. “I am glad you came, though.”

An icy chill fell over her. “How could you have known I would be here?”

“I didn’t, truth be told. I was here, ensuring some connections, and stepped out to have some refreshments. In a moment of pure, idiotic luck, I happened to glance over as your friend, Wensley, pushed his mask up to relieve some of the dreaded heat.”

He led her into a spin then pulled her back into his grip. “I don’t blame him. This costume is frightfully hot, and I came from wearing the equivalent of a lion’s pelt across my shoulders for the entire evening.”

“So, you were the lion.”

“Good girl. Glad to see Constantine’s observational skills are rubbing off on you in some ways.”

She glared at him.

“I have my own detective skills, you know,” Alexander continued. “After Wensley’s little masquerade faux pas, it was simple enough to deduce that if he was here, the forgetful detective was as well. And if he was here, why then you mustn’t be far behind. And considering that you were the only lady in their company, I knew exactly who you were the moment I saw you.”

He leaned closer, gaze flicking over her features, one by one, lingering on her lips. “Although, I think I would have recognized your exquisite beauty anywhere, even without help from Wensley.

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