Conduct Unbecoming of a Gentleman by Wareeze Woodson Read Free Book Online Page A

genuine interest in her child.
    Jamie seemed to love the attention and bounded up to toddle away, all the while giggling with delight. Lord Gladrey gave chase and tossed the child into the air before catching him to his chest.
    The raw strength in his body contrasted with his tender expression and the smile in his eyes. Her pulse quickened with feminine appreciation and against her will, she was enchanted with the way he treated Jamie. Anyone with this sort of tenderness for her child couldn’t be as unfeeling as he appeared and suddenly her strong stance against Lord Gladrey softened. His actions touched her down deep where her defenses were weakest. He’d managed to slip under her guard, leaving her helpless to protect herself from his appeal.
    Laurel cautioned herself not to fall for this gentle side of him. So far, no such consideration had been shown to her. If he ever showered her with even a little tenderness and a small amount of the care he showed Jamie, she would be helpless to resist. Rolling her lips inward, she tightened her jaw and mentally chastised herself for falling victim to such a powerful physical attraction. She blinked and turned away.
    Although Jamie loved the attention, Laurel was anxious for Lord Gladrey to leave. Much to her consternation, he stayed for a good twenty minutes playing and talking to Jamie. Each kindness, even his kiss on Jamie’s cheek before he sat him back on the floor, flooded her with warmth. His gaze occasionally collided with hers sparking tension that engulfed her. When she realized she was falling a little beneath his spell, she tried to block his warm appeal from her mind. All the charm he could muster wouldn’t make up for the harsh treatment she’d received. He’d said all was done with the best of intentions with Jamie in mind. Laurel could appreciate that sentiment, however, softening even more toward him would be a mistake. Beware!
    Adron needed his own backside kicked. Visiting the nursery to become acquainted with his ward had been an act of folly. Indeed, he owed Robert’s memory every sacrifice, but the price that might be required had him gritting his teeth.
    Watching her play with Jamie with such enjoyment was something new in his experience. No lady of his acquaintance ever lifted a hand in the day-to-day care of children and here she was calmly doing so as if it were a normal part of her day. Instead of diminishing her appeal as he’d hoped, her charm had grown. He ran his fingers through his hair. Seeking her out in the nursery with his ward must be curtailed else he might stumble into her web.
    He headed down the hall wishing Ingrid and her children would arrive today. Laurel’s burdens would triple, but he was determined not to allow visions of her, worn down and over-burdened to sway him from his purpose. She would finally be forced to admit defeat and lay aside her play-acting. Any fair-minded person would have a few qualms about his contemplated actions but he brushed the thought aside. She deserved whatever he dished out in punishment for her act of betrayal that drove Robert to his death. “I won’t back down.”
    Laurel considered the added burden the new day would bring. She loved children but three extra to feed, bath and entertain would certainly be a challenge. No matter, she would prevail.
    The next day Lord Gladrey ushered Ingrid and her children, two daughters, seven-year-old Laine, four-year-old Nichol and her son, three-year-old Freddy into the nursery.
    “Ingrid, this is Lady Laurel Laningham, Robert’s widow. She’s acting as nanny to the children.” His expression of doubt mocked her. “Until she tires of the game and decides to marry again.”
    Ingrid nudged her brother. “What a one you are,” she scolded, grinning at Laurel. “Most ladies wouldn’t dream of such a thing. I’m grateful that you are willing to care for the children. Our nanny is gravely ill and the children miss her dreadfully. I simply cannot be expected