Confessions of a Scoundrel by Karen Hawkins Read Free Book Online Page A

that contrasted devastatingly with his black hair.
    Fortunately for her, that first positive impression had been far overshadowed by her realization that he was also, in addition to being incredibly handsome, a pompous jackass badly in need of a set down.
    And she was just the woman to deliver it. She smiled as she watched him dust bits of paper from his shoulder. Several stubborn pieces remained lodged in his hair, giving him a much deserved horned appearance. Verena decided she couldn’t be bothered to point that out. Let him go about in public with tattered bits of paper in his hair. It wasjust a pity she wouldn’t be there when people pointed and laughed.
    â€œWhat are you looking at?” he snapped, his brow lowered.
    â€œOh, nothing. Mr. St. John, thank you for visiting. I’ll ring for Herberts to bring your coat. I daresay he’s wearing it even now.” She watched with satisfaction as Brandon St. John’s expression went from irritation to blazing anger.
    She turned toward the bell pull when St. John, still in his chair, caught her by the wrist. She glanced down at him, too amused to be vexed. “Yes?”
    St. John’s mouth thinned, his eyes burning even more brightly. “I am well aware of the usual machinations of your type of woman.”
    â€œType? Just what is my type of woman?”
    His gaze raked her up and down, insolently lingering on her breasts. It was almost as if he could see through her clothing. A faint tingle of heat sliced to her stomach, surprising her.
    Finally, his gaze traveled back to her face. “Shall I speak plainly?”
    â€œI’m not sure I can take much more plain speaking. Not without retaliating in some fashion. If you proceed much further, you might want to gather a pillow from the settee for protection.”
    His lips twitched, surprise softening his blue gaze for a moment. “I don’t wish to insult you, but we both know what has occurred.”
    Her tongue curled around a hot rejoinder and it took every bit of the masterful control she’d learned over the last four years to keep from uttering the comment aloud. “Yes, you offered memoney to stay away from your brother. I have never been more insulted.”
    His hold loosened the tiniest fraction and she became aware of the warmth of his hand against her skin, of the way his long fingers completely encircled her wrist.
    â€œWhat will it take to get you to leave my brother be? Two thousand pounds?”
    Verena wished he’d release her so she’d at least have the satisfaction of slapping him soundly.
    His gaze narrowed. “Three thousand pounds.”
    Three. Thousand. Pounds. She didn’t know what amount James would need, but three thousand pounds would certainly be useful. Verena wet her lips. It would be nice to have the money for her brother. Wonderful, in fact. Especially since she wouldn’t have to actually do anything to earn it.
    The truth was that she’d sent Chase St. John on his way two entire days ago. What would Brandon St. John do if she told him the truth—that she’d already refused his brother’s offer of marriage?
    She’d hated refusing Chase, for she could see that although he was sadly tipsy at the time, he’d meant every word. In reality, he’d taken it in good part and she thought that perhaps his feelings were not as deeply engaged as he thought.
    Verena looked at Brandon from beneath her lashes and hid a smile. Apparently Chase had not confided in his brothers about what had occurred. They obviously thought he was still under her influence.
    She smiled sweetly at her captor. “Please release my hand. You have a very heavy grasp.”
    His grip loosened a bit more, though not enough for her to win her freedom.
    Her smile slipped. “You are being rude.”
    â€œI don’t want you to toss anything else over my head. The next item might hurt.”
    If Verena had any say in the matter,