Relentless Lord by Amy Sandas Read Free Book Online Page B

brows. Just as she parted her beautiful lips to speak, her cousin piped up with a hard smile.
    “Of course. She would be delighted. Wouldn’t you, dear?” she insisted with an obvious elbow jab to Hannah’s ribs.
    To her credit, Hannah did not flinch, though Miss Tremaine’s elbow looked sharp indeed. Instead, she paused to glance at the other ladies present and, as though realizing she was quite cornered, gave a weighted sigh.
    “I would be honored, my lord.”
    Miles grinned at her flat tone.
    The gaggle parted to allow her to step through their midst. Miss Tremaine gave a parting jab, though this one was with her tongue. “I must admit I am rather curious as to what my cousin could have knowledge of that anyone, least of all a gentleman of your caliber, Lord Whitely, would find fascinating.”
    Hannah had just reached him as her cousin spoke. He gallantly offered his arm. She slid her hand into the crook of his elbow and he looked into her blue eyes. He couldn’t resist the answer that flew from his mouth.
    “Oh, I would have thought it obvious,” he said with a grin, never looking away from the lady at his side. “It is Miss Walpole I find fascinating.”
    And with that he led her away. The sound of gasps and twitters following in their wake.
    “Was that really necessary?” she asked coolly.
    “Definitely.” He slid her a sideways glance and noted the slight tinge of pink in her cheeks and the tension around her mouth, a dead giveaway that she held back a smile. “Admit it,” he challenged, “you enjoy that I shocked them just a bit.”
    She lowered her gaze for a second before she replied. “I do appreciate anything that manages to leave Beatrice speechless, if even for a moment.”
    “Too bad it could not be longer.”
    She stifled a laugh behind her glove.
    “That is uncharitable. My cousin has been nothing but gracious since her father took me in.”
    “You are a terrible liar.”
    “I know.”
    “Then why don’t you stop lying to yourself and admit you want me in your bed.”
    “I do not,” she snapped in quick reply.
    “My bed then. It makes no difference to me.”
    She stumbled and he took advantage by drawing her more closely to his side. That she did not step away from him once she had her feet again pleased him in no small manner. In fact, it made him quite warm inside.
    No. Hot was a better word for it.
    Acknowledging his rising lust, Miles directed them toward the windows lining the far side of the drawing room. They had all been thrown wide open in an attempt to draw in a cooling breeze. Unfortunately, even the nights were exceptionally warm, and whatever breeze could be had was more balmy than cooling.
    It did nothing to ease the steady fire building beneath the surface of his skin.
    “You will keep lying to yourself then?” he asked in earnest.
    “I never lie to myself.”
    The tone of her voice struck a chord deep within him, forcing him to stop. He took her hand in his and drew her around to face him. Her lovely features were firm and resistant, but her gaze met his unflinchingly.
    “So you acknowledge you want me.” It was stated as fact.
    She did not deny it. Just lifted her chin a notch higher. She was so beautiful. Her gaze held such strength and confidence. He truly admired that about her. She knew herself and trusted herself. All others be damned.
    “Yet you continue to deny us both,” he stated in a private tone.
    “I must.”
    “Why?”
    “I will not be seduced.”
    “Why?” he prodded again.
    She turned her head to look out through the window. “I think too much of myself to become another one of Lord Whitely’s ruined castoffs.”
    Miles kept his focus on her profile. “I told you I am not the reprobate everyone claims.”
    She rolled her gaze back to him. “No doubt you swore the same to each of the ladies you ruined. I am not so gullible.”
    For the first time, Miles realized the downside to years of false rumors and implied indiscretions. He felt