'Twas the Night After Christmas by Sabrina Jeffries Read Free Book Online Page B

beautiful, blond actresses and opera singers awaiting you in London,” she said coolly.
    Crossing his arms over his chest, he dragged his gaze down her again, then circled her in a slow, careful assessment that made her nervous. A pity he wasn’t a perfumed dandy; she could have handled one of those easily enough. But this sharp-witted, secretive rakehell was unpredictable.
    Camilla had never liked the unpredictable.
    “And what if I say that I really am that indiscriminate? Would you then share my bed in exchange for my dining with my mother tonight?”
    She swallowed. Why did he persist in bamming her when he knew she’d caught on to him?
    Well, two could play his game. “Why not? You are rumored to be quite good at that sort of thing, and I have been married.” She couldn’t keep the edge from her voice. “Besides, the likelihood of my ever again having the chance to be seduced by such a notorious fellow as yourself is slim.”
    Her frank statement made him halt, then shake his head. “Great God, Mrs. Stuart, remind me never to play cards with you. I daresay you’re a terror at the gaming tables.”
    She bit back a smile. “I’ve won a hand or two at piquet in my life.”
    “More than a hand or two, I’d wager.” He let out a long breath. “All right, then, let me propose a bargain that we could both actually adhere to. I’ll do as you wish—I’ll dine with you and Mother. Afterward, you will come here to join me in one of your more innocuous entertainments.”
    She let out a breath. She’d won! “I am happy to attempt to entertain you, my lord, if you will just give your mother a little time with you. That’s all I ask.”
    “I’m not finished.” He gazed steadily at her. “In exchange for my doing so, you must agree never again to try forcing my hand in the matter of my mother.”
    When she drew a breath as if to speak, he added more firmly, “One night of watching me and Mother together should demonstrate to you why you have no business involving yourself in our relationship. But even if it doesn’t, tomorrow must mark the end of your meddling on that point. Or I will dismiss you, without a qualm. Am I understood?”
    She hesitated, but really, what choice did she have? “Yes, my lord.” The dratted devil was tying her hands. She’d have only one night to attempt some repair to his relationship with his mother. But it was better than she’d had before.
    A heavy sigh escaped him. “I must be out of my mind to be letting you off so easily, after what you did.”
    “Easily?” she said tartly. “Did you forget that I will have to entertain you this evening?”
    “Ah, yes, such a trial,” he said with heavy sarcasm. “And I’ll expect rousing entertainment, too. At the very least, you must show me your reputed ability at piquet, so I can trounce you.” He stared her down. “Now that you’ve brought me here to endure this house, it’s only fair that you join me in my suffering.”
    The bitter remark gave her pause. Hadn’t Lady Devonmont said that this was the original manor house on the estate? The one where he’d grown up?
    As if realizing he’d revealed more than he’d meant to, he flashed her a bland smile. “It won’t be that difficult. I can be charming when I want to.”
    “No doubt,” she said dryly.
    “Then we’re agreed. I’ll see you here this evening after Mother has retired.”
    And after Camilla had put Jasper to bed, though she couldn’t say that.
    “But you will come down to dinner first, sir?”
    His face turned rigid. “That’s the bargain, isn’t it?”
    She let out a breath. “I was just making sure.”
    “Whatever else you may think of me,” he said sharply, “I do honor my promises.”
    “Of course, my lord.”
    She turned for the door, relief overwhelming her. She’d braved the lion’s den and survived. She’d even won a small concession. It wasn’t much, but it might be enough to soothe the countess’s hurtfeelings. Spending a night