The Duke and the Lady in Red by Lorraine Heath Read Free Book Online Page B

so you must be feeling a measure of guilt. I merely wish to relieve you of it. Have you eaten this evening?”
    â€œNothing substantial.”
    â€œI’ve yet to sample the dining room here, but I do know the cook is excellent.”
    â€œI suppose I’m feeling a bit peckish.”
    â€œSplendid.” He offered his arm, but the intensity of his gaze gave her pause. He could destroy her plans so easily. Or perhaps he would turn out to be her savior.
    She placed her hand in the crook of his elbow. Merrick had discovered that Avendale was quite well off. A lot of activity was going on at his residence, as though he were moving out a previous mistress in hopes of moving in a different one. If he was thinking of her for that role, he was going to be disappointed, as Rose had no plans to be his mistress, to visit his bed. But his interest indicated that she could taunt him, make him want her until he was willing to give her whatever she asked. Only to discover too late that he would not acquire all he desired.
    She had some standards, arbitrary and low though they might be.
    As they made their way along hallways, she caught the occasional inquisitive, speculative glance from gents and ladies, but was relieved to see—­once they entered the dining room—­that at nearly every occupied table was a man and a woman. Two gents were seated at one table. At two others were solitary gentlemen. But this seemed to be a place that catered more to ­couples.
    Avendale spoke low with a man in red livery. Then they were escorted to a distant corner that housed more shadows than light.
    She had the irritating notion that he was ashamed to be seen with her. “Would it be better to not isolate ourselves?” she asked, not bothering to hide her pique at being hidden away.
    â€œI want to get to know you better,” he said. “Being away from the others suits my purpose.”
    â€œThey may think we’re up to no good.”
    â€œThey all know me well enough to know that I’m always up to no good.”
    â€œYou say that with such pride.”
    â€œOne must excel at something and I excel at being fodder for gossip.”
    Had he no shame? How wonderful it must be to be in a position not to care what others thought. He nodded toward the footman or whatever the man was, and the servant quickly pulled out her chair.
    Hesitating, she considered the other ­couples. Surely they were not all married, surely sitting with Avendale in a darkened corner would not cause damage to her reputation, to her goal. On the other hand, sitting in the shadows with him might make everything else moot, might allow her to gain what she wanted that much more quickly.
    She sank onto the seat and proceeded to peel off a glove. Before she could blink, Avendale was kneeling beside her, taking her hand. “Allow me.”
    She fought not to appear stunned. “Get up. ­People are likely to think you’re proposing marriage.”
    â€œAs I said, they know me well enough here, and so they know I’m not engaged in any such nonsense. Although before the night is done I intend to propose something quite wicked.”
    His eyes smoldered as they met hers. With that devilish smile of his, how could she take offense? She couldn’t blame him for his forthrightness when she’d accepted his kisses the other night. In fact, she preferred it. The game he was playing was more honest than hers. “I believe, Your Grace, that you have mistaken me for a woman of questionable moral character. I assure you I am no light-­skirt.”
    â€œI’m counting on it.”
    What the devil did he mean by that? Then all thoughts fled her mind as he slowly stroked a blunt-­tipped finger along the inside of her upper arm, above the glove. Down. Up once more. Pleasure skidded along her skin, warmed her to the core.
    When he reached the glove again, he began slowly rolling it down, the edge of his fingers