Nicole Jordan by Master of Temptation Page B

to tell Max much of what Caro had told him, including their suspicions that Isabella had been sold into slavery.
    Thorne’s divulgences surprised Caro. She saw no reason to share any of the details with Max, since Isabella’s disappearance was none of his concern.
    She couldn’t understand, either, why Max was still here in her bedchamber. Any gentleman would have acknowledged her requests and politely taken his leave. But Max Leighton was obviously not any typical gentleman. Rather, he was accustomed to command and to being obeyed. And unlike her, his consequence was exalted enough that he could choose to ignore the rules of polite society without causing a scandal and being shunned in disgrace.
    “So you intend to search for Lady Isabella?” Max asked Thorne at the conclusion.
    “Yes. I leave first thing tomorrow for Algiers. Meanwhile, several other of Isabella’s friends have been summoned to Cyrene to be available in the event we must plot her rescue. It may take a few weeks for them all to gather there, but by then I hope to have some tangible information as to her whereabouts.”
    “Perhaps I could be of help,” Max said slowly.
    “You are volunteering to aid us?” Thorne asked.
    Max nodded. “At least a half-dozen times during my military career, I orchestrated the liberation of captured British soldiers. I would be happy to offer you the benefit of my experience.”
    “You shouldn’t have to make such a sacrifice, Mr. Leighton,” Caro replied swiftly. “You only recently returned from years of war, and it would be asking too much of you to embroil yourself in further conflict.”
    Max’s glance focused on her. “You saved my lieutenant. I could begin to repay that debt if I could help you save your friend.”
    “He has a point, love,” Thorne said. “And Max is said to be a brilliant military tactician. He could be of significant value in any rescue attempt.”
    She gave Thorne a puzzled frown, surprised by his obtuseness. To maintain their effectiveness, the Guardians needed anonymity. If Max became involved in a rescue attempt, it would be difficult to keep the order a secret from him. And only Sir Gawain made the decisions about whom to invite into their confidence.
    “I think you are forgetting Sir Gawain’s dislike of involving outsiders,” Caro said pointedly.
    Thorne grinned. “In this instance I’m certain Sir Gawain will forgive me. Max isn’t considered a war hero for no reason. In countless battles he succeeded against overwhelming odds when he was outmanned and outgunned. His efforts made the war come to an end that much sooner. We could use someone with his skills and keen intelligence.”
    Caro raised an eyebrow at Thorne, silently trying to convey her concern. “Might I have a word with you in private?”
    “There is no need for privacy, love. We can speak freely in front of Max. He doesn’t need to be employed by the Foreign Office to participate. I have no doubt Sir Gawain will eventually want to recruit him, but for now he can simply join us as a civilian.”
    Perhaps it was true, Caro admitted reluctantly. Max wouldn’t need to be told about the Guardians, just that Isabella had a group of protectors who were determined to rescue her. And any newcomer would have to prove himself before being extended an invitation to join the order. Clearly Thorne saw this as an opportunity for Max to prove himself as a future Guardian.
    She highly doubted that Max Leighton would want to commit his life to their endeavors, but she could hardly debate the matter when he was standing right here, attending their interchange with avid curiosity.
    “It is quite simple,” Thorne said. “Max can accompany you back to Cyrene tomorrow, and he can billet at my house there until we recover Isabella.”
    Caro hesitated, all her instincts urging her to resist. No doubt Max
would
be a highly valuable asset. And she shouldn’t let her own personal reservations interfere with far more important