Desire and Deception by Nicole Jordan

deal with. Jason Stuart. She had heard him deny knowing her identity, but once he realized who she was, he would surely force her to return to Burroughs.
    Shaking her head to clear away her dizziness and rising panic, Lauren winced at the pain such movement caused. More gingerly, she raised herself up on one elbow. She recalled being caught by her guardian's men and the fight afterward, only she couldn't remember what had happened then. Obviously Jason had rescued her and brought her here to his friend Lila.
    His friend? Their relationship seemed rather odd for friendship, since Jason had mentioned a fee, while Lila had spoken of servicing customers. Indeed, it reminded Lauren of one of the shocking facts of life she had been exposed to during her recent travels, one which Matthew had been extremely reluctant to explain, of how women sold themselves for money.
    But she hadn't the time to speculate about Jason's association with Lila. She was grateful to him for saving her, but she couldn't risk staying here a moment longer. She had to leave at once. . . .
    Her plan was forestalled, however, when Lila returned. Lauren's heart skipped a beat as she watched the curvaceous, ebony-haired woman enter the room.
    "Good, you're awake," Lila said with a smile, setting the wine on the table near the fireplace and crossing to the bed. "I am Lila Martel, my dear. Goodness, your chin is already showing a nasty bruise. You were unconscious for some time,"
    Lauren regarded her warily, wondering if the woman could be trusted. Sultry and dark-eyed, Lila looked inquisitive but kind. "I wasn't unconscious," Lauren admitted, her voice even huskier than normal due to weariness. "Thank you for taking me in."
    Lila seemed surprised that Lauren had been pretending to sleep, but she didn't press the point. "What is your name?" she asked gently.
    Lauren hesitated, not wanting to lie. "I think it best if you don't know," she compromised. "I can't involve you in my problems." Then she glanced uncertainly at the closed door, worrying that Jason would return any moment. "That gentleman . . . he meant what he said, didn't he? About finding my parents?"
    "Jason? Why, he only means to see you safe, my dear."
    "But I can't be safe. Not as long as—" Lauren broke off, realizing that she had said too much.
    "But whatever were you doing at the docks?" Lila said when she was silent.
    "I was trying to find passage on a ship."
    Lila's expression held sympathy as she shook her head. "Jason is a merchant captain, my dear, but he couldn't oblige you by taking you on. You see, he always manages to wind up in the middle of some battle or other. He wouldn't put you in that kind of danger."
    "I see that now. But I have to leave England. And I can't stay here."
    When she sat up slowly and swung her feet to the floor, Lila's finely arched brows knitted with concern. "I wouldn't try to leave, my dear. Jason wouldn't like it at all if he were obliged to go chasing after you." Lauren looked up then, and Lila gave her a compassionate smile. "Of course he will help you, if only you explain what the problem is. Jason Stuart is very resourceful. Are you by chance running away from home? I'm certain he wouldn't return you to your parents without first satisfying himself that all was well."
    "I must go," Lauren insisted. "Now, before he returns. Please," she pleaded when Lila remained silent. "I'm not asking for your help, only a chance to leave here."
    "You are overwrought, my dear," Lila replied gently. "Surely you realize you cannot roam the London streets without protection. I'm sorry, but the best I can do is give you something to help you sleep." She reached down to rummage through the top drawer of the bedside table, and after a moment, she pressed a vial of colorless liquid into Lauren's hand. "Here. Only two drops, mind you. No more, or you might be asleep for a very long time."
    Lauren stared at the tiny bottle without seeing it, then absently tucked the vial up her sleeve.