Confessions of a Scoundrel by Karen Hawkins Read Free Book Online

She leaned forward, her dress pulling across her full breasts, her gaze direct and challenging. “But thank you for inquiring. Now, was there something else? Or did you just come to raise my hackles?”
    Brandon found that his anger had heated into something more insidious. She was an interesting bundle of pride, sparkle, and self-possession. Added to that, she had a sharp wit and a lush figure. Rounded and plump, she would keep a man warm in bed for hours.
    He shifted in his chair and realized that far from being offended, he wanted to taunt her all the more. It was fascinating the way her eyes sparked with heat when she was angered.
    Damn it , he admonished himself, make the offer and be done. “Lady Westforth, let me be plain. Whatever your designs for my brother Chase, they are at an end. I’ve come to make you an offer—my brother’s freedom in exchange for a certain amount of funds. Avery, very generous amount of funds, if I say so myself.”
    She stood so quickly that he didn’t have time to pull back, her legs brushing against his knees. “It is time you left.”
    He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. “I suggest you resume your seat and listen to what I have to say.”
    Her hands fisted at her sides. “You’ve said enough as it is. I will ring for Herberts. He will see you to the door.”
    Brandon’s irritation faded as hers grew. She was no fool. She knew what he thought of her and she was ready to retaliate without hesitation. “I’ll leave as soon as we’ve come to an understanding. How much will it take to get you to leave my brother alone?”
    â€œOf all the—” She clamped her lips over the words. “You are attempting to purchase my cooperation.”
    â€œYes. And I am willing to offer a considerable sum.”
    â€œOffer all you want; I won’t take your money.”
    â€œNo?” He did smile then…of course she wouldn’t take the money. And tomorrow, the sun wouldn’t rise. He pulled the bank draft from his pocket then reached out and captured her hand where she held it fisted against her thigh. He pried her fingers loose, noting that her skin was warm and soft, and placed the draft in her hand. “Here. Take this. It should make it worth your while.” He pressed her fingers closed and looked up into her eyes. “ Very worth your while.”
    He knew what she was going to do…she’d protest, of course. They all did, or pretended to. But soon enough they’d capitulate and take the money. All too soon, he’d be on his way, secure that Chase was once again out of harm’s way.
    For some reason, the thought bothered him.There’d been a moment when he’d been certain she was different from all the others. Just a moment. But now…he noted how her fingers gripped the bank draft. He met her gaze with a superior smirk. “Afraid you’ll lose it?”
    Her gaze narrowed, became scathing. She jerked her gaze from his and glanced down at the draft crumpled between her fingers. “You have erred, Mr. St. John. Money does not make anything worth my while.”
    Then she did the most astonishing thing. She lifted the bank draft and held it in front of his face and ripped it into tiny pieces.
    â€œI don’t need your money, nor do I need you.” To his startled chagrin, she held her hand over his head and showered him with tiny pieces of paper.

Chapter 4
    Do you know what Hunterston says of Miss Grenville? That she is lucky enough to fancy she is beautiful and unlucky enough not to be. Took me a week to puzzle that one out, but by Jove, he’s right!
    Edmund Valmont to his friend, the Duke of Wexford, as they played a game of billiards at Wexford House
    I t had been many minutes since Verena had thought that Brandon St. John quite possibly the handsomest man she’d ever seen. He was tall, powerfully built, with blue eyes