Never Trust a Scoundrel Read Free Page A

now,” she said coolly. “Your intimidation and boasts will not work.”
    He remained where he was, leaning over her. “Miss Banbury, I don’t need intimidation or boasts. I am confident of my skills and my appeal.”
    â€œSo you send the women swooning, do you?” she asked, tilting her head.
    â€œAnd more,” he said softly. “If I wanted you as my mistress, and set about to persuade you of the reasons you’d want to succumb, you would eventually do so.”
    To his surprise, she looked at his mouth. The arousal that had been toying with him now became an aching erection. What was it about this woman that so drew him? Surely it was only her scanty clothing and her pretty face and body.
    â€œYou think I would so easily forget my virtue—not to mention what your gambling has cost my family—and take you into my bed?”
    â€œI didn’t say it would be easy. I thrive on challenges.”
    She started to stand up, and when he didn’t move, she gave his shoulder a push. He almost felt the warmth of her hand through his layers of clothing, so attuned to her was he. But he slowly straightened and allowed her to stand. She was several steps above him, but they faced each other straight on.
    â€œSo this is a challenge?” she said.
    He raised an eyebrow. “Do you want it to be?” He hadn’t thought she would be the kind to join the game so willingly. The warmth of her breath caressed his face. He could feel his blood thrumming through his body, his every sense aware of this woman, from her creamy skin to her delicious pink lips to her hair, in which he longed to press his face and inhale.
    â€œAnd what do I get as you prove your inability to sway my morals?” she continued speculatively. “The house?”
    â€œOf course not.” He played a hunch. “The violin.”
    She took a deep breath.
    Yes, he had guessed correctly. “And of course, if I win, I get you in my bed, willingly.”
    â€œYou won’t win.”
    She seemed far too sure of herself.
    â€œYou cannot cheat by avoiding me,” he said. “You must allow me to try to seduce you.”
    She colored. “Very well. And you cannot cheat by claiming possession of the house right now. I have to live somewhere. And you cannot allow it to be known that you own the house.”
    He gave a faint smile. “Or you really will look like my mistress?”
    â€œNo one can know about this.”
    â€œWhatever you think of me, I do not go around ruining women’s reputations—unless they want me to. There is no need to unveil to Society what I wish to enjoy in private.”
    She nodded. “Will you shake on it?”
    He looked at her slender hand, then slowly took it, letting her know who held the power as he swallowed her fragileness within his big hand.
    â€œWhy are you doing this?” he asked.
    She inhaled, not lowering her eyes, standing up to him in a way that was maddening. It suddenly seemed like a long time to wait to claim her.
    â€œBecause someone has to bring you down, Mr. Throckmorten.”
    â€œAnd because you enjoy the challenge, just like the rest of us gamblers?”
    When she gasped, he thought he’d gone too far, equating her with her mother, with him. He sensed she did not see herself as the weak creature she thought they were.
    She pulled her hand away. “I’ve stated my reasons. We’ve shaken on it. You can attempt to seduce me, and I will resist. But if I surrender and become your mistress, you win. If you break your word on any rule we’ve agreed to, I win the violin by default.”
    â€œVery well.”
    â€œAnd we cannot wait forever for you to prove that you cannot seduce me.”
    â€œForever is a long time.”
    â€œExactly. And you’d be waiting that long.”
    â€œCocky, aren’t you?” he said, reaching to capture her hand again before she knew what he was about.