Something Scandalous by Christie Kelley Read Free Book Online Page A

gambler was bluffing. “Very well, then. You may leave.”
    Somerton blinked and slowly his lips tilted upward in understanding. “Then I believe we are at an impasse.”
    “How so? I do not need your help—”
    “Of course you do,” he interrupted. “If not, why am I here?”
    She hated it when he remained calm. He was so much more malleable when angry. “No one else can give you what you want, Anthony.”
    A dimple slowly creased his cheek. “I’m not so certain you can give me what I need, Sophie. If you could, why make me wait over a year for it?”
    “I promised you the woman’s name after we help Elizabeth.”
    “That was six months ago.” Finally his voice rose, illustrating his true feelings.
    “I never expected it would take this long for the duke to arrive.” Sophie had started to doubt her own powers of prediction.
    “Tell me something, Sophie,” Somerton drawled. “Do you really know the woman’s name?”
    “Yes,” she answered honestly.
    “And you promise you will give me her name once we finish with Elizabeth?”
    “Yes,” she replied, looking down at the rug. He didn’t need to know that it might take a bit longer for him to figure out her true identity.
    “Before I agree, I want one answer.” Somerton stood and walked toward the window. Drawing the curtain back, he glanced out.
    “Very well,” she whispered.
    “What is the real reason you made me wait this long?”
    “Because neither of you are ready.”
    “Ready for what?”
    She stared at his hazel eyes, which appeared greener when he was angry. “For what is between you.”
    “You have no idea what is between us,” he retorted.
    Sophie continued to stare at him until he looked away. A touch of redness tinted his cheeks.
    “I know exactly what is between you.”

Chapter 5
    Elizabeth waited until after dinner to approach William. She’d been so appalled by the children’s manners during the meal, she almost left before finishing. These children needed more than just nice clothing. While Lucy and Ellie took control of the younger ones, Elizabeth followed Will to his study. She inhaled deeply before walking over to the table in the corner.
    “Would you like a brandy, William?”
    “Yes.” He never even looked up from his papers.
    How was she to use her wiles and flirt if the man ignored her? She poured a glass of brandy for him and a bit of sherry for herself. Perhaps the sherry would give her courage. Clearing her throat, she waited for him to look up and take the snifter.
    He leaned back and appeared to notice her for the first time tonight. His fiery gaze burned her, making her mouth gape. Slowly, she reached out with the glass in her hand. His fingers grazed hers when he touched the glass and a spark of excitement skipped up her arm.
    Why, after all these years, did the first man she felt an attraction to have to be this mulish man? He grabbed the snifter quickly and stood to his full height.
    “Let’s sit by the fireplace tonight,” he said, and then walked toward two velvet chairs close to the fire.
    So much for having a desk between them. She’d assumed the gap would make her feel more comfortable. Now she would be able to see all of him. From his wide shoulders to his muscular chest to his…
    Elizabeth shook her head to clear her thoughts away. After a brief moment of hesitation, she followed, and took the seat across from him.
    “I believe you wished to speak to me about something?” he asked, then sipped his brandy.
    She watched as he moved the glass to his full lips, and then her gaze moved to his throat. Never had she felt so mesmerized by a man before now. She had the oddest desire to touch his face, feel the heat of his body, and kiss his lips. Oh, dear!
    “Elizabeth?”
    “Yes,” she said abruptly. Remembering Sophie’s advice, she smiled at him in her most enticing manner. “I wished to speak with you about the children.”
    She glanced at the open door and frowned. Anyone might come upon