Chapter 1
PROLOGUE
New Orleans, 1943
Theodore “Theo” Landry did not have time for this. It was supposed to be a simple in-and-out job: slip into the library, find something to pass the lonely nights, and absolutely not get caught by anyone he knew. A man of his age and reputation shouldn’t be seen reaching for a dime-store romance novel, but what else was he supposed to do when all the good books were about war and politics?
Unfortunately, the universe had other plans.
A man of his reputation wasn’t supposed to be caught dead reaching for a dime-store romance novel. He knew better. And yet, what else was there? Another book on war? Politics? He had enough of both in real life.
Footsteps echoed from the next row. Too close.
Shit.
The moment Theo reached for A Daring Gentleman’s Guide to Wooing, another hand landed on the book at the same time.
It was attached to the most insufferable-looking man Theo had ever seen.
Not insufferable in the usual way—no smugness, no arrogance—just a quiet, unreadable look that made Theo want to cause problems. The guy had the sleeves of his white button-up rolled up like he actually worked for a living (imagine that), his dark suspenders neat and practical. There was an air of sharp focus about him, like he was always thinking three steps ahead of everyone else.
He looked like a man who did not ever get into trouble. Which made it so much worse that Theo was about to make him.
“Let go,” the man said, not even looking at Theo.
Theo scoffed. “I grabbed it first.”
The stranger finally looked at him. Big mistake.
His eyes were dangerous—not in a criminal way, but in a— this man is too smart and sees through all of your nonsense ways. Theo suddenly felt deeply judged.
“I need this for research,” the man said, voice even.
Theo raised a brow. “You’re researching how to court a lady?”
Something flickered in the man’s face—mild horror, maybe, or murderous intent. “That’s not—” He exhaled sharply, then clenched his jaw. “It’s encoded.”
Theo blinked. “Come again?”
The man yanked the book a little, and Theo yanked back. “It’s a front,” the man muttered. “The book is filled with encrypted messages. I need it.”
Theo narrowed his eyes. “And I need it to keep my mind occupied so I don’t lose it listening to the radio every damn night.”
“Read something else.”
“You first.”
The stranger scowled, then suddenly pulled hard, nearly sending Theo stumbling forward. He caught himself, just barely, and hissed, “Who even are you?”
“Asher Mercier.”
Theo blinked. Oh. Oh.
People in New Orleans never quite knew what to make of the Merciers. They weren’t rich, but they didn’t need to be. Too sharp, too relentless—self-made in a way that unsettled those born into comfort.
Theo’s father had plenty to say about them, mostly because men like him didn’t like being reminded that money wasn’t the only kind of power.
And now one of them was actively fighting him for a romance novel.
“You don’t even look like a guy who reads romance,” Theo muttered, yanking the book again.
“And you do?” Asher shot back.
Before Theo could argue, a sharp voice interrupted.
“Both of you—OUT.”
The librarian stood there with her arms crossed, looking like she’d rather be dealing with a group of unruly teenagers than two grown men fighting over a book. “You are disrupting the library.”
Theo was mortified. Asher, to his annoyance, looked completely unaffected.
“But ma’am—” Theo tried.
“OUT.”
And that was how Theo and Asher ended up standing outside the library like two idiots who had just been kicked out of a schoolyard.
Theo ran a hand through his hair, exhaling. “I hope you’re happy.”
“Not particularly,” Asher said, looking mildly irritated. “You ruined my research.”
“Well, you ruined my plans for the evening, so I’d say we’re even.”
Asher let out a very put-upon sigh, rubbing his temple like Theo was single-handedly responsible for all his problems.
They were about to go their separate ways when a voice called out—
“Boys.”
They both turned to see an older man standing outside a nearby bookshop, smirking. “If you’re done bickering, I might have what you’re looking for.”
Theo raised a brow. “You have a copy of A Daring Gentleman’s Guide to Wooing?”
The man chuckled. “Only one left.” He tilted his head. “You boys willing to share?”
Theo glanced at Asher. Asher glanced at Theo.
It was absolutely a bad idea.
…So why the hell was Theo already saying yes?