Never Trust a Scoundrel by Gayle Callen Read Free Book Online Page B

not necessary,” Grace said softly, still attempting a smile, while inside she felt a tightening deep in her belly.
    â€œI deserve some sort of reward for acting in your little play.”
    She looked down upon him, his hand still on her knee, and found herself feeling generous. “Very well, if it will make you feel better.”
    He arched a brow, but at last he moved back and mounted his own horse. “Should I lead you by the reins? We wouldn’t want another accident to happen.”
    â€œI’m certain your masterful horse will keep mine well cowed,” she said.
    He rolled his eyes. They walked their horses sedately.
    At last he said, “You made quite the conquest today.”
    â€œYou mean besides you?” She batted her lashes at him.
    He smiled. “Besides me. Miss Parker is quite the influential bluestocking, a spinster with strong ideals. She leads several charity organizations, and even holds the meetings in her own home.”
    â€œHow fascinating,” she said, thinking how well this might fit into her plans.
    â€œSo you’re interested in charity work?”
    â€œI never met a man who wanted to discuss it,” she said slyly.
    â€œIt takes a special man to know how to seduce a virgin,” he answered.
    She felt her face grow hot and looked about. Although there were more riders as the fog burned off and the sun rose, no one was close enough to hear his outrageous conversation. “So you think only virgins want to talk about helping others?”
    â€œSo you admit you’re a virgin?”
    Even more heat washed through her, and she forced herself not to lower her gaze. “That is none of your business, Mr. Throckmorten.”
    â€œIt was Daniel yesterday. Or was that too intimate for you?”
    â€œDaniel.”
    â€œAnd believe me, Grace, your innocent status will only help me. You’ll never know what to expect from me.”
    â€œI am not naive.”
    She broke into a canter, but not before she saw his speculative gaze.
    â€œYou seem to be intruding on all parts of my life,” she said with deliberate lightness. “I’m surprised you thought it necessary to post a man to keep an eye on me. Surely my servant Will would tell you what I was doing if you asked.”
    He shot her a sharp glance. “Post a man?”
    â€œMy groom saw a man watching the house.” Uneasily, she added, “You didn’t hire him?”
    â€œNo.”
    She sighed. “It must be someone for Edward then. I do hope he isn’t in any more trouble.”
    â€œIf I hear anything, I’ll let you know.”
    He sounded almost distracted. Edward’s problems obviously didn’t concern him, and she didn’t want to involve him. It was a private, painful matter—bad enough that he knew firsthand what her mother was capable of.
    Daniel glanced at Grace’s profile and saw faint traces of sadness. She was a woman who understood a mother’s distant preoccupation. She had had a brother to band together against their mother, and he had not, but at least his mother’s neglect had only lasted a few months.
    He found himself amused by how her mind worked. She had deliberately tried to make him look like a hero today. How was that supposed to counter his seduction? Or was it just a method to acquaint her with people he knew?
    As they reached the end of the park and neared the heavier London traffic, she looked at him and said, “I assume I’ll see you at Lady Irwin’s ball this evening.”
    He eyed her, taking his last chance to look down her trim body. “And why would you assume that? I might have a very important game of hazard at a club tonight.”
    â€œBut you’re playing a new game now, Daniel, aren’t you?”
    He met her knowing gaze. Damn, but he liked the way she thought. “Yes, I am. I’ll be there.”
    â€œShall I save you a dance? Oh wait, you don’t dance