His Wicked Embrace novel Chapter 5

Whatever he'd planned to say was cut short by the sounds of a commotion outside. He opened the door and saw several prostitutes fleeing down the hall. One of them was the blonde who had brought him here. He caught her arm as she ran past.

"What's the matter?"

"Bow Street Runners! They're raiding the house. You'd best get out right quick. They'll send your woman back on the boat if they find her here." The woman ripped free of his grasp and fled down the hall.

"About damned time!" Lawrence muttered. The Runners would find them, and he could return Zehra to her home-or at least, they would see her back onto a ship that would take her there.

"Please." Zehra's voice came from directly behind him. As he turned around, her hand caught his arm, her grip surprisingly strong. "Please, do not let them send me back. I will go home with you." Her imploring gaze was nearly impossible to deny.

"But you will be safe and-"

She shook her head. "No, I will not. I must stay here. With you."

There was more shouting from outside their door. Lawrence had only seconds to decide what he was going to do.

"You won't be safe going back?"

She shook her head, but did not explain herself.

"You truly wish to stay with me?"

"Yes. If you are a man of your word." She gave his palm another squeeze, and he returned it.

"Very well, be quick and quiet. We must get past the men. If we can reach the street, I may be able to get you out without being detected."

He held her hand, relishing her warm skin against his as they rushed down the corridor in the same direction the flock of lightskirts had gone earlier. Several rooms' doors were open, and men were rushing to clothe themselves. Some were climbing out windows.

Lawrence found a door that opened to the gardens in the back. "This way."

"Are you sure?" Zehra asked.

"Positive." At least he hoped so. He'd had to flee many a house via the gardens ever since he'd been old enough to seduce ladies. This wasn't the first time he'd scaled a hedge or battled through rosebushes and rhododendrons. He and Zehra crept through the darkened maze of bushes until they found their way into the mews between the White House and the edifice next to it.