Pure Sin by Susan Johnson Read Free Book Online Page A

inappropriate to ask, but you seem very comfortable with your heritage."
    "It always helps to have money in this world," Adam replied without any evidence of discomfort at her query. "And a title's not to be discounted for its value in fashionable society, which," he noted with a grin, "we have in Montana, too, as you witnessed in the elite assemblage of notable people at Judge Parkman's." He was smiling broadly now. "So the color of my skin and the length of my hair count for much less than my wealth and the quarterings on my family crest."
    "How unusual," Flora sardonically noted. Having a broad cultural understanding, she viewed the pretensions of society with well-founded cynicism and privately considered that Adam's reputation with a gun may have been added reason for the tolerant viewpoint of Virginia City's fashionable that night at Judge Parkman's.
    "Are you an advocate of the simple life, then?" he insolently inquired, taking in her couturier gown and jewels, her languid pose, the glass of champagne in her hand.
    "Often I am," she softly replied, responding to his tone

and his jaundiced gaze. "I expect you knew how to use a fish fork from a young age and didn't refuse your inheritance, either. It doesn't make me like all the rest."
    "Are we going to have a discussion on democracy?" the earl inquired, amusement in his eyes. "At least you both had American mothers, which should better qualify you to argue the topic."
    "Really, Papa," Flora remonstrated cordially. "No one's arguing. It's too fine a night to disagree. Would you like another cognac?"
    "No, I still have my journal entries to write." The earl set his empty glass down. "So if you'll excuse me, I'll find my way upstairs. I'll see you in the morning," he said to Adam. "And don't stay up too late, Flora," he reminded her, his admonition a fatherly platitude of long standing.
    "I won't, Papa."
    As her father walked from the room, Adam said, "Do you tend to stay up late?"
    "Occasionally."
    "And sleep late too, no doubt." Like his wife, he thought, and every other aristocratic lady.
    "No, I don't Do you?"
    "No. There's too much to do each day, and Lucie gets up early."
    "I noticed. We went riding this morning. She's an accomplished rider."
    "Her cousin's a good teacher."
    "She said that."
    "We're fortunate to have so many of my relatives near."
    "Lucie took me to the lodges down by the river."
    "Yes, she told me."
    An awkward silence fell as both struggled to converse casually when both were remembering their last passionate encounter.
    "I'm—"
    "You first," Adam said, his voice very quiet.
    Flora swallowed before speaking, thinking she'd not felt

so awkward since adolescence. "I'm sorry if I make you uncomfortable."
    "I didn't expect you."
    "Obviously."
    "Forgive me."
    "Is there someone else? I don't wish to intrude."
    "Someone else?"
    "A woman you're involved with."
    He debated for a moment—a facile lie would solve his dilemma. "No," he said.
    "It's just I, then, who makes you uncomfortable."
    "No," he softly murmured, "it's not that simple, and you know it."
    Flora gazed briefly at the golden liquid in her glass before her eyes met his again. "You're tired," she sympathetically noted, "and I'm being bothersome."
    "No I'm not and"—he sighed—"you're not."
    "You're very candid."
    "I don't think so."
    She leaned back against the cushions and looked at him for a contemplative moment. "Wary, then."
    His brows raised fractionally. "Probably."
    "Should I wait for you to ask? I don't know if I can."
    "Lord, Flora…" He shut his eyes for a moment. "Don't say that."
    "I'm sorry, I should be more circumspect."
    He grinned suddenly as flagrant impulse flashed into his mind. "Circumspect sex?" His gaze was roguishly appraising. "That should be interesting."
    She grinned bade "We could try, though I'm not sure you're capable of it."
    "Nor you. Lord, I need some help here."
    "Perhaps—"
    "No. Don't move. I'm trying to deal with this rationally. Do you know I've