“I don’t know. He moved away from me while Mr. Finch was roiling up the crowd, and I lost sight of him.”

“You will be reunited with your uncle as soon as I can manage it,” he promised. “Wait here.”

He stepped to the corner, peering around the edge of the building. Listening hard, he held his breath. Nothing. No movement in the shadows, no sound of footsteps. Though it had only been a few minutes since they had climbed the dark stairway, it appeared the area had cleared.

Quietly, he returned to her side, took her hand, and led her to the cross street. They rounded the corner of the building, which turned out to be a chandler’s shop, and she stiffened.

A man had appeared opposite them, carrying a bullseye lantern and raising it high. In his other hand, he carried a truncheon. The lamplight gleamed off the brass fitments.

Recognition hit Daniel like a punch. Ed Beck. Here. Sir Michael must have sent him with the other constables to break up the meeting. He would know Daniel hadn’t been assigned with them, for Daniel had been given the night off.

He had to do something to avoid discovery. Ed would pass by any second.

Daniel grabbed Juliette and pulled her into his embrace, ducking into the chandler’s recessed doorway. She squeaked at the sudden movement, and before she could protest, he did the first thing that came to his mind.

He kissed her.

It really was to protect their identities. In the shadows here, in a tight embrace, no one could see their faces, nor would they be interrupted.

It was the last sane thought he had for quite some time.

Even in her disguise, she smelled of roses. Somehow, his fingers were in her hair, dislodging her bonnet further, his thumbs skimming her cheekbones. So soft, everywhere. She was so soft.

Her lips were warm, and he caught the intake of her breath.

His heart thundered in his ears, and his eyes closed even tighter. The side of his nose brushed hers.

Smooth skin, feminine mystery. She seemed to come unfrozen, and to his delight she returned the pressure of his lips, only slightly, but then with a touch more ardor, which fired his blood. Without meaning to, he tilted his head and deepened the kiss, a low growl escaping his throat.

He heard Ed’s chuckle as he passed and the ring of boots on the cobbles, fading away.

Daniel slowly broke the kiss, feeling dazed. He had never kissed a woman before and had always suspected that the bragging of his university mates had highly exaggerated the experience.

He had been wrong.

Juliette’s hands rested lightly on his shoulders, and her eyes were wide, dark pools of surprise.

He swallowed and pressed his lips together, remembering the feel of hers under his.