In Pursuit of a Scandalous Lady by Gayle Callen Read Free Book Online Page A

dramatic sigh. “Hardly an appropriate response, Parkhurst. I was giving you a chance to compliment a young lady.”
    Rebecca hid a smile, although she knew her eyes must be alight with it.
    â€œI believe I am old enough to know how to do so,” he answered dryly.
    To Rebecca she said, “Forgive him. He has decided his brothers need his careful tending, and is not tending to himself.”
    â€œIt sounds like he’s a caring brother,” Rebecca said.
    â€œBut he has a duty to the earldom, as well.”
    Lord Parkhurst let out a breath. “Enough,” he said mildly. “Miss Leland well understands a peer’s duty. Madingley is her cousin.”
    â€œWhat a fine family you have,” Lady Parkhurst said.
    She spoke a little too loudly, as if emphasizing that fact for her son. Rebecca had to bite her lip to keep from laughing at him. But she’d drawn his attention to her mouth, and now it felt decidedly strange to continue talking to his mother.
    â€œLady Parkhurst, allow me to boldly offer my assistance. I assume you’d like your son to dance?”
    The earl narrowed his eyes, but his mother looked delighted.
    â€œMiss Leland, you are a smart girl. Do take good care of him.”
    She left them alone as the orchestra struck up a waltz.
    Lord Parkhurst stared down at her, heavy brows lowered.
    She stared back, smiling, so immensely pleased with herself. “I chased your mother away. Surely that makes you happy.”
    â€œNo, you made her happy, by encouraging her interest in my relationships with marriageable women.”
    â€œYou’re an earl; that won’t go away, not with any mama in Society. And we both know you are not interested in marrying someone like me,” she challenged. “I have too few morals—or so you’ve implied.”
    Then he surprised her by taking her hand, and sliding his other around her ribs. “Let’s see how a scandalous woman dances.”
    And he swept her off.
    Her breath left her; her very will was overpowered. He was so big, so powerful, that he guided her about like a doll, dipping and swaying, steering her between other, slower couples. She knew too many people were watching, including all of her family, and his. She should have been angry at not being in control—
    But she wasn’t. She felt giddy and breathless, yetcould hardly let him see how he affected her. Teasing him was her only defense.
    â€œLord Parkhurst, you’d best be careful. You may not be interested in marrying me, but we’ve both been seen talking to each other’s mother. To the ton, we’re practically engaged.”
    He only gave another grunt, and took her through a particularly tight turn. To her surprise, his thigh dipped between hers, so gracefully she thought she’d imagined it. Her face was flushed, and she found herself looking into his chest rather than up at his face. Then he did it again, deliberately, provocatively.
    Her gaze flew to his. His smile was slow in forming, his eyes hooded, full of amusement and awareness. He knew what he did to her. It was unfair that gentlemen were allowed so much more experience than ladies. It put her at a distinct disadvantage. All she had to counter him were her wits.

Chapter 4
    J ulian knew that everything he did to Rebecca, every touch, would rebound back on himself. He accepted the risk since it would help him toward the eventual goal. She simply made it so easy to taunt her, to tease a response. She had a tart tongue and a witty, intelligent mind.
    Not to mention the lovely body he held so near to his. She was wearing blue silk, and it seemed to shimmer over her skin like sunlit water. He enjoyed watching her face when he crossed the proper boundaries, allowing his legs to glide between hers, everything hidden within the flowing fabric of her skirts.
    He’d had to do something to counter her affect on him, or find himself gaping down her bodice mindlessly,