Sinful Liaisons by Samantha Holt Read Free Book Online Page A

procured us an invite.”
    “And, pray tell, how you managed that within mere hours?”
    She gave him a sly smile. “The invitation has been open for a while. I merely needed someone to take me.”
    He fought the need to close his eyes and pinch the bridge of his nose. What had he let himself in for?
    Evelyn offered her his arm. “Come then. The carriage is waiting.”
    He looped her arm through his and kept back a groan. He’d pictured an intimate dinner followed by drinks in the drawing room. Maybe a night tour around the gardens then up to her bedroom. There, he’d show her what she was paying for. But apparently he was to play escort. Not what he had in mind.
    Helping her into the carriage, he followed her in and shut the door. He tried not to grin as he recalled that his bare arse had been pressed against the same seats not so long ago and he’d had little idea he’d be a rich woman’s almost-lover a mere day after.
    “What is it?” She smoothed her skirts and tugged her curls about her shoulders. “Why do you smile?”
    “I was just considering what a drunken night can lead to.”
    “And what can it lead to?”
    “A beautiful woman, it seems.”
    She smiled but he could tell she didn’t find any flattery in his words. Evelyn wouldn’t be easily swayed by simple words.
    “I imagine many a drunken night has led you to a beautiful woman.”
    “None quite like you, however.”
    Her smile widened. “How do I differ?” She held up a finger. “I’m older, is that it?”
    “You are,” he conceded, “but that is no bad thing. Few women are lucky enough to age as gracefully as you.”
    “Oh dear me, Cynfell, if you expect me to be flattered by comparing me to some kind of fine wine or cheese, you’ll be sorely disappointed.”
    He chuckled. “Very well then. I shan’t tell you how your breasts are the most spectacular I’ve ever seen and how even now I’m imagining pressing them out of your bodice and taking them in my mouth. And, of course, I won’t even mention how hot your quim is. How no other woman could compare. How desperate I am for a taste of you.” Leaning back, he perfected an air of nonchalance. “No, I won’t tell you how the years have only done you a great favour.”
    If the confines of the carriage weren’t so dark, he knew he’d have been able to see a stain on her cheeks. Unsettling Evelyn was beginning to be far too enjoyable. Perhaps because she had the ability to do the same. He had no doubt she’d fire back at him eventually.
    Her skirts rustled as she shifted. He heard her exhale. If he hadn’t already been aroused at the mere sight of her, being in this small space with the promise of bedding her at the end of the evening would have been enough to make him as hard as stone. The air grew thick. He coughed.
    “So...your son returns soon?”
    “Yes.” He felt the thickness of the air ease at the change in topic. “He’ll be taking his place in the House of Lords when he does.”
    “What of you?”
    “I’ll continue aiding him in his duties. Samuel is a bright enough boy—man, I suppose—but it’s a lot for an man of eight and ten to take on.”
    Pierce nodded. “My brother was young when he took on the title. It wasn’t easy. Frankly, it makes me grateful to be the fourth son.”
    “No responsibility,” she agreed.
    He lifted a shoulder. “From my experience, there are few men who can cope with that much responsibility and power. Julian had some tough years but seems to be settling into it now. I’m sure Samuel won’t struggle with your assistance.”
    “Well, he is a little stubborn. No boy wants to listen to his mother.”
    “I fear you only have yourself to blame there, Evelyn. He likely takes after you.”
    “Am I stubborn?” She peered out of the window at the passing trees.
    Dusk had fallen and only grey light highlighted the scenery. They drove through a village and lamps glowed in the small square windows of the cottages.
    “You know full