Alec had been with his share of confident women over the years, but the sight of Lottie standing in nothing but her chemise boldly declaring her intention to find a willing partner had still managed to shock him. Somehow the girl he had once known so well had grown into one of the most surprising women he had ever met.

It was incredibly arousing.

Alec shifted in place, though it offered little relief. What he truly needed was a moment alone. But even more irksome than his unsated desire was Lottie’s revelation about Sir Alfred. It extended far beyond the bounds of common decency regarding what an uncle should discuss with his niece, but it was the timing that set Alec particularly on edge.

For five bloody years Lottie had been under the impression that not only did Alec enthusiastically use sex as a weapon but that he was damned good at it. He gritted his teeth once again against the outrage that had threatened to consume him all morning. Plenty of men considered bedding unsuspecting targets a perk of the job, but Alec did have some morals.

There were times, especially when he was younger, where he slept with women during missions, but they were either agents like him or seasoned informants used to the game. The distraction had usually been more trouble than it was worth.

And Alec hadn’t done that in a very long time.

However, it seemed rather self-serving to point out this discrepancy to Lottie merely to make himself feel better. Besides, he still used his charm to manipulate people when necessary. And he had not once felt anything like remorse.

She was right. He was a hypocrite.

But that still didn’t explain Sir Alfred’s actions. Alec had done exactly what the man demanded—he left immediately and never contacted Lottie again. Why bother maligning him further?

As the train pulled away from the station, Alec cleared his throat. Neither his body nor his mind could sit across from her for the next four hours. “Would you like anything from the dining car?”

Lottie shook her head and continued to stare out the window. “I’m fine, thank you.”

Alec rose. “Remember. If anyone asks, we’re married.”

“Mr. and Mrs. Gresham,” she responded automatically. “I know.”

Alec hesitated. He should say something comforting. Something to reassure her. So she would know she could trust him, at least in this.

Not likely now, chap.

At his silence, Lottie finally tore her gaze away from the window and raised her eyebrow. “Are you doubting my ability to remember a simple name?”

The corner of his mouth lifted at her sardonic tone. “Not at all. I was just thinking how nice it is to work with such a competent partner for once,” he added, savoring the look of pleasant surprise that crossed her face. It was doubtful he would ever see it again.