To Tempt A Rogue by Adrienne Basso Read Free Book Online Page A

dark tones and the walls were covered with bookshelves packed with books, the furnishings were large, overstuffed, and decidedly decadent. A fire in the hearth crackled loudly, casting both light and warmth.
    â€œ ’Tis probably cold as a witch’s tit outside,” McTate said. “I think we could do with a bit of warming up, first. Do you fancy a drink before we brave the chill?”
    Nathaniel nodded in agreement. A dose of strong spirits might relax him. McTate flagged down a footman. “Bring us two glasses and a bottle of your best port.”
    The door remained open as the servant fetched the requested refreshment. Duncan moved to the center of the room, seeking the warmth of the fire, but a shadow looming in the doorway attracted Nathaniel’s attention.
    For an instant he thought it might be Kenyon seeking revenge for his earlier humiliation, but it was a woman. Tall, lush, and blond. Her gold silk gown, with its tiny cap sleeves and plunging neckline, flattered her coloring and figure. Though hardly in the first blush of youth, she was nevertheless most handsome.
    She shot him an assessing glance and he watched the flow of interest cross her features. Lord Avery’s jaw hardened. The mysterious female was clearly looking for some excitement. Deciding he had had more than enough womanly companionship for the evening, Nathaniel met her jaded eyes squarely and shook his head.
    The blonde shrugged her shoulders and entered the room anyway, sashaying toward McTate. With cat-like grace, she slid her arms around his waist. The Scotsman’s head turned. His gaze traveled up and down her revealing gown, lingering for several seconds at her impressive bosom.
    The blonde pressed herself against the Scotsman, parting her lips in sensual invitation. Her lashes lowered to half-mast as she tilted her head back, exposing the elegant column of her neck. McTate’s blue eyes twinkled at her, then he gave an exaggerated sigh.
    â€œOh, lass, I only wish I had the time to properly indulge you,” he said with obvious regret. “But I have important business to discuss with my friend. Perhaps we will meet at another time.”
    With a playful slap to her rump, McTate sent the lovely woman on her way. She passed the footman carrying in a tray on her way out. McTate insisted on using some of his winnings to pay for the refreshments and tipped the servant handsomely. Drinks in hand, the two men found a quiet corner near the fireplace, away from the gamblers and prowling females.
    As they settled into two comfortable chairs, Nathaniel could feel McTate’s wily eyes assessing him.
    â€œSo, have these few hours of immoral pleasures lifted your mood at all, my friend?” McTate asked.
    â€œNot really.” The ghost of a smile flitted across Nathaniel’s face. “Despite all my best efforts, I find I am rather poor spirited these days.”
    â€œPoor spirited!” McTate scoffed. “I fully expected to find you grieving, for I knew how close you were to your brother and how much you admired his kind wife. Yet I never thought to see you so downhearted.”
    â€œIt’s all this damn court nonsense.” Just voicing his concerns out loud made Lord Avery feel edgy. He stood, and began pacing. “This morning I suffered a major setback at the hands of a magistrate who is clearly lining his pockets with bribes from both sides in this case. I had been hoping to be appointed temporary guardian for my nieces and nephew, but my petition was denied flat-out.”
    Nathaniel drained his wine goblet, welcoming the spreading warmth that relaxed the tight knots in his muscles, then held out his glass to be replenished. Wordlessly, McTate complied.
    â€œI’ve hired the best solicitor and barrister in London, paid them a small fortune, plus a bit more to cover the bribes needed to win my case and still I am denied custody of Robert’s children,” Nathaniel continued.