The Sins of Viscount Sutherland Read Free Page A

well of whom I speak. Yes, the duke. And of course the earl and the marquess.” Her mouth compressed. “Where has the duke gone?”
    Her gaze swung wide before coming to rest again on her son. “Is he finding his entertainment for the night? Every young miss in London should be on guard. I’m well aware of his so-called ‘extraordinary’ prowess in the bedroom. He is as heartless as he is handsome!” Charlotte’s mouth turned down. “And let us not forget the earl and the marquess. I daresay the ball is too tame for their tastes?”
    She referred to Bramwell Leighton, Earl of Greystone, and Lucian Tremaine, Marquess of Blackthorne. They were not present this night—
    Indeed, they had proclaimed tonight’s ball . . . insipid.
    “Mama, I’m sure I have no idea of their whereabouts tonight. Why do you dislike them so?”
    “I’m well aware the duke is known for his so-called performance in the boudoir.” Charlotte rapped her fan sharply on his hand. “I do not deny the earl is a man of remarkable good looks, but the knave considers himself quite irresistible, doesn’t he? As for the marquess, I’m quite aware of the last affair hosted by the man—an orgy!” She sniffed her disapproval.
    “Mama! I am shocked that you know of such a thing. And here I feared your tender ears.”
    Charlotte’s lips were pinched in disapproval. “I am not ignorant of all that goes on in the ton. I know of your scandalous reputations, Gray, the four of you. The Lords of Sheffield Square—bah! You are the rogues of Sheffield Square.”
    “I shall be sure to tell them when next I see them.”
    “Are you so proud of it, then? Perhaps your efforts would be better put to good use if you sought to save your good name. You haven’t been to Brightwood in months. Why, perhaps years!”
    “Two,” he said coolly. “It’s been two years. And I have done my duty with regard to the family estates.”
    “Have you? There is dignity inherent in our name and your title, Gray. But now, all the world knows of your . . . liaisons.”
    “Mama, I do not set out to seduce and discard.”
    “Gray! I know it’s in you to love again. Why do you disdain it?”
    He stiffened.
    “Tell me, Gray. Have you had any kind of lasting relationship since Li—”
    “Pray do not speak to me of Lily.” His jaw might have been hewn in stone. What his mother said was true. He offered his heart to no one, nor would he. God knew, he had nothing left to give. And what he wouldn’t give to forget!
    But ever present was the guilt he knew would haunt him forever.
    “I do not want a lasting relationship, Mama. I will never marry again. Any woman with whom I am involved expects no more of me than I of her. If you wish me to be blunt, Mama, all we share is a mutual passion—”
    “Passion!” Charlotte snapped her fan shut. “Is that what you tell yourself, Gray? Is that how you excuse yourself? You leave her bed and you feel nothing. You sate your lust—”
    “Ah, forgive me, Mama. But you are right. I misspoke. ‘Lust’ is indeed the better word. I merely thought you might find ‘passion’ more palatable.”
    “By heaven, if we were alone, I would box your ears!”
    “Mama,” he drawled, “I assure you, my women, as you call them, are well-satisfied.”
    “Do not mock me, Grayson Sutherland.”
    “Do I distress you, Mama? It was you who began this conversation.”
    Something passed over Charlotte Sutherland’s face. “What has happened to you? How can you be so cold? You have changed so much!”
    She was right, Gray acknowledged. He had changed. He’d closed off a part of himself tight against the world. Against himself. Once, his life had been so very different. But now he was empty inside. There were too many shadows. Too many memories. Too much heartache.
    That life was gone. He could never reclaim it.
    How could he have been so blind?
    It was that which tormented him. His mouth twisted in self-deprecation. Whom did he fool? Not his