Best of Both Rogues by Samantha Grace Read Free Book Online Page B

cause, I thought I would accompany you today to see how I may be of service now.”
    Amelia’s elegant blond brows veered toward each other, but before she could respond, Lana linked arms with him. “And what an excellent idea. I’m certain the board appreciates your interest in the children’s welfare.”
    Amelia’s sea-blue gaze flickered back and forth between Eve and Ben. Unable to bear her friend’s discomfort, Eve gave a slight nod of agreement. Amelia exhaled loudly, as if she’d been holding her breath. “Yes, the board will be very pleased by your interest, I am sure.”
    Splendid . The board could have his interest all they liked, but the way his blue eyes darkened when he looked at Eve, she suspected they would have a difficult time capturing his notice. She made a point of ignoring him as she resumed her seat, but her skipping heart wouldn’t allow her to fool herself. Every nerve ending in her body tingled with awareness of him. Too aware.
    If she managed to survive the afternoon, she might just hide until her wedding day.

Five
    Ben attempted to maneuver his way into the same carriage with Eve for the ride to the foundling hospital, but Lady Bianca Norwick and her sister-in-law cut him off. Linking arms with Eve, they directed her toward the Norwick carriage. Eve didn’t spare him a backward glance while she chatted with the ladies and climbed inside. Other than the one time he’d caught her ogling him in the drawing room, she had done a convincing job of pretending she was oblivious to him.
    He ground his teeth in frustration. He hadn’t expected a tête-à-tête with Eve would come easily, but he hadn’t anticipated interference either. Although Ben’s brother had mentioned Lady Norwick enjoyed a friendship with Sir Jonathan Hackberry, so it should come as no surprise the lady was guarding Hackberry’s interests.
    Ben needed a moment alone with Eve. The charge when they’d locked gazes earlier had all but knocked him on his arse. Attraction did not equal love—Ben was wise enough to know the difference—but Eve had desired and loved him at one time. His drive to learn if that love still existed was as powerful as anything he had ever experienced.
    After assisting the three remaining ladies into his carriage, he settled on the seat beside his sister. Lana could always be counted on to be an accomplice, but he was uncertain where his sister-in-law’s loyalties lay. Amelia’s assistance might be needed today, but he didn’t wish to make her uncomfortable by asking her to go against her best friend, Lady Norwick, who had clearly declared herself on Hackberry’s side.
    He studied Amelia across the carriage seated next to Lady Phoebe. His sister-in-law regarded him with a pleasant smile in return. She was a strikingly beautiful woman with high cheekbones and dainty features. He understood his brother’s fascination with her. She was also a master at hiding her thoughts. If she was flustered by his unexpected arrival this afternoon, she gave no indication.
    Lana remained silent. It figured the moment he desired his sister’s interference she would choose to hold her tongue.
    “I hope my presence today hasn’t shocked you, Mrs. Hillary,” he said, mindful to address her formally with Lady Phoebe present.
    Amelia shrugged slightly. “There is nothing shocking about the Hillarys’ generosity, sir. Your family has been a foundling hospital benefactor for some time. I must admit I am pleased with your interest in the children themselves. They are dear to my heart.”
    The carriage wheel dropped into a hole, knocking Lana against him. His sister’s eyebrows lifted as if to remind him of her warnings earlier that morning. Amelia was not to be trifled with when it came to the orphans, and it felt as if he was treading on unstable ground. Even though his actions were a ploy to secure time alone with Eve, he had to admit he admired Amelia’s devotion to her charity work. Another lady might have