Scandal of the Season by Christie Kelley Read Free Book Online Page A

her eyes. “What is your problem?”
    “I need a mistress,” he admitted quietly.
    She smirked. “Oh? And you think I will just fall into bed with you because you are a viscount and you made me an offer?”
    A part of him wanted to throttle her while another part wanted to reach over and kiss her smart mouth. He did his best to ignore both urges. “In order for me to attend a party in the country, I need a mistress.”
    “Well, I have to admit, I have never heard this excuse before.”
    “I would like you to assist me.”
    “And what do I get out of this?” she asked, staring over at him.
    He arched a brow at her.
    “Do not even think I will be your mistress in truth. What do I get out of this?”
    “If you perform this job with me and return my necklace, I will give you my word not to speak of your criminal activity. Nor will I tell your friends your true identity.” As she started to object, he added, “And I shall give you five thousand pounds.”
    Victoria’s mouth dropped. His offer was more than generous, it bordered on madness. She would have done this job for one hundred pounds. After being raised on the streets of London, she knew there was more to this than he presented. Five thousand pounds was a bloody fortune!
    “Why so much money?” she demanded. “What else do you expect of me?”
    “Think of it as an apology for my previous actions toward you,” he muttered.
    Guilt. She might be able to use that if needed. “Very well. I would still like to know what you expect of me.”
    He sat on the end of the bed. “All right, as I said, you would need to attend a week long party with me.”
    “As your mistress?”
    “Yes, but you may use an assumed name. I doubt very many people amongst the ton know you.”
    “A few but not many,” she admitted. “Still, I do not like the idea of people assuming I am your mistress. If word of this gets out to my friends…”
    “You mean the ladies Selby, Blackburn, and Kendal?”
    After all her words discouraging them from taking a man to their bed, they would be horrified. “They must not discover what I am doing.”
    “There is no other way.” He glanced away from her. “None of your friends would associate with anyone attending this party.”
    “Are you certain?”
    “Yes.”
    “I see. If you think I will allow you any advances, you are mistaken.”
    His face tinged slightly. “I would not expect that of you. This would be strictly a business arrangement. But realize that we will share a room and likely a bed.”
    Victoria closed her eyes. Sharing a bed with him would be a difficult task. Just being in the same room with him had her heart beating erratically. But five thousand pounds would keep the children clothed, fed, and warm for a very long time.
    “I will do it.”
    “We will need to leave on Thursday.” He perused her from head to toe. “I shall pick you up tomorrow for a day of shopping.”
    Victoria looked down at the rug. Until she had that money, she could not afford to spend a farthing. “I cannot—”
    “I will pay for the dresses.”
    She nodded slowly. “I will need to hire someone to help out with the children while I’m gone.”
    “Whatever expenses you incur because of this, I will pay for them.”
    “Very well, then.” Victoria needed to leave this room. The overpowering essence of him was driving her mad. Seeing him again after all these years served to remind her of her initial feelings for him. She would have done anything for him then. And had.
    Even today, she could have rejected his proposal. He had no proof that she stole the necklace. While most people didn’t know her personally, her works of charity stood out in this sordid town. No one would believe the rake. But instead of standing her ground, she gave into him like a weak coward.
    She had to remember that her true reason for doing this had nothing to do with him. Only the children mattered. She would be able to give them a true Christmas with a few gifts