Court of Flowers (Sutherland Book 1)

XXXVI | Three Lords and a Belle

The first time she met Tanner Macmier and Rider Fairborne, Sasha had been in a state of panic. She was found in a very embarrassing scene with West by his friends and it had taken all her pride to escape them.

But that was in Humbrick. She had many places to hide that week she was there. She never had to see them again. Until now, of course.

The two men arrived with the intention of discussing something important but were surprised to find Sasha in the drawing room with West.

And to her complete chagrin, West announced to his friends, in a manner so nonchalant, that he decided to work with her.

And that he told her about Reginald and his plans.

The two men, if ever they still remember Humbrick, must have forgotten about it by then. The initial response was silence, and whatever they may be thinking were kept to themselves.

Sasha wondered if the two men were simply waiting for her to disappear before they boxed the ghost out of West as they took their seats and received West's offer of brandy.

Tanner Macmier had a natural mischievous face. His lips curled into an invisible smile that was reflected in his curious light brown eyes that were fixed on Sasha.

The Earl of Keene, however, was entirely different. His square jaw seemed to be locked in place. He made no attempts to hide the cold, arrogant look in his eyes. While she could say that Rider Fairborne was the friend who had the closest demeanor to West, Sasha could not help but note that West looked a little less domineering. The earl seemed distant... indifferent, she thought.

Not that she was aiming to please him. The man was free to judge her as he obviously already did.

"I do not understand," Tanner said, giving Sasha an amused look. "You are saying that you are helping West find his sister because you wish to find out who is betraying Belcourt?"

Sasha and West nodded.

Tanner blinked, looked at Rider before he stared back at them in confusion. "But is that not you? The one betraying Belcourt, I mean. By being here with us, you are betraying the mission you were given."

Her jaw went tight. "No, I am not."

"In a way, you are," West murmured beside her.

"And if the person you suspect is not betraying Belcourt, then you are the only one betraying Belcourt." Tanner pointed out.

Sasha narrowed her eyes. "Belcourt never told me how I should carry out my mission, gentlemen. I am to find proof of treachery. It simply happens that the treachery is not where Belcourt expected it to be."

As Tanner opened his mouth, Rider said, "Pardon my blunt statement, my lady, but I do not like this new arrangement at all." He glared at West. "We are welcoming a spy in our midst, Eaton."

"Then what do you suggest be done to me?" Sasha challenged. "Deliver me to an officer who is paid by the kingdom, the very same one you are trying to keep secrets from? Or do you intend to present me to Belcourt and expose me so they could ultimately report it back to the prince who will report it to the king, the same man who represents the kingdom, the very same one you are trying to keep secrets from?"

Rider glowered, his mouth curling in contempt.

"I do not trust you as much either, gentlemen, but I have to make a choice." She motioned her hand at West. "He is a player in this game and his role is more advantageous for me than any others."

West turned to frown at her. "How so?"

"You are rich," she replied without sparing him a glance, eliciting a laugh from Tanner and a scoff from Rider. "It will not do us any good if we continue to discuss whether or not I should be a part of your little group, gentlemen. We do not have the luxury of time, so please, if you would go on..." she said, motioning her hand to Rider. "You can discuss Reginald and his son in front of me because that is what you wanted to discuss, yes?" At the look Rider threw West, she added, "He merely told me about the letters from London and the current one you received about the son. You must understand that I know very little concerning this... small secret of yours."