Never Trust a Scoundrel Read Free

without the restriction of corset and heavy fabrics. He wanted to see more.
    She lifted her chin. “You are making poor sport of me, Mr. Throckmorten.”
    â€œI’m not. This particular player had apparently been unable to court you. He wanted to marry you.”
    â€œWho is he?” she demanded.
    He spread his hands. “I do not know. We all need privacy in our vices.”
    â€œBut if he wanted to marry—”
    â€œYour mother offered the exclusive right to court and marry you.”
    â€œAnd he accepted that?” she said in obvious outrage.
    â€œHe did. And that’s when I began to wish that I had not entered the game. But I did want that violin.” It had been of the same class as one his father used to own. He’d sold it to support them when Daniel’s grandfather, the duke of Madingley, had not given enough spending money to his daughter.
    Her mouth opened, but she said nothing at first, as if she didn’t know where to begin. “But you won that dreadful game.”
    â€œI did.”
    She came down another step, temptingly close, leaning above him to point a finger in his face. “I refuse to marry you. Surely there is no way to enforce such a thing.”
    She smelled of lavender, of moonlit nights in a summer garden.
    What kind of foolish romantic was he turning into? He’d known from the moment she’dappeared out of the darkness above him that he desired her, but he never allowed lust to cloud his judgment.
    But it was difficult not to think such thoughts when, in a deserted house, a beautiful woman in her nightclothes was showing such spirit and passion.
    He almost wanted to tease her, to insist they would marry immediately, just to see her reaction. But even he wasn’t that much of a cad.
    â€œDo not worry, Miss Banbury. I have no intention of marrying you.”
    â€œI will go to Scotland Yard and—” Her mouth shut and she blinked. “Oh. Thank goodness you see the ridiculousness of—”
    â€œBut I am in the market for a mistress.”
    A blush of warmth colored cheeks that had been too pale. Her lips curled, and she covered her mouth. At last he realized that merriment twinkled in her eyes.
    And then she giggled. “Oh, dear,” she said, sitting down on the stair behind her and wiping a tear from her eye. “As if I would ever be your mistress, no matter what you say you’ve won.”
    Daniel loomed over her, watching his shadow slide up and cover her. She leaned back on her elbows to look up at him, which left her lovely breasts on shadowy display through her thin nightclothes. She seemed innocent enough not to realize it.
    â€œMiss Banbury, I think you underestimate my charms,” he said softly. He rested one foot on thestair beside her legs, and then his forearm upon his knee, his hand dangling very near her.
    Her smile faded, but she didn’t move away.
    â€œThere have been only a few women before you who thought they could resist me,” he continued, “but they were mistaken. If I wanted you as my mistress, it would not be difficult to persuade you.”
    And then she laughed, but with more bitterness than amusement.
    He narrowed his eyes, letting his gaze wander down her garments, where he could see the press of her nipples beneath the linen. The fabric was caught between her thighs, and fell in folds that revealed her bare feet. Her small toes seemed so very intimate in the dark entrance hall.
    Since no one had come to investigate upon hearing his entrance or their loud voices, he’d already guessed they were alone. She must know it, yet she so brazenly resisted him. He admired her bravery and determination, and the thought of her as his mistress was appealing.
    It occurred to him that she was a gentleman’s daughter, most likely a virgin. But, that had not stopped him with other women…. And the challenge was so much more exciting.
    â€œYou can step back