Bargaining With a Rake (A Whisper of Scandal Novel)

by Johnstone, Julie

  Her heart beat a painful rhythm and every muscle in her body quivered. She pinched herself. Still alive. No thanks to the fool who almost got her killed. She struggled to gain her feet as heavy boots stomped toward her.

  “Well, well, well, look who we have here,” a baritone voice said above her.

  She knew that voice. Surely, it could not be. She glanced up and bit her lip on a cry of outrage.

  The sun outlined Lord Lionhurst’s tall frame in a golden glow. Against her better judgment, she glanced at his broad chest, where his white shirt hung casually unbuttoned just enough to show the ripple of tan skin underneath. Her stomach flipped at his show of flesh. Blast the man. She disliked him, but he was gorgeous.

  He gazed down at her and jolts of unwanted, but undeniable, desire sparked through her. “What are you doing here?” she demanded, irritated with her reaction to the fiend and at him for being here.

  That slow, seductive grin of several nights before spread across his face. “Looking for you.”

  Alex had a million ways to woo a woman, but as he stared at the voluptuous creature before him, he could not remember a single one he had mastered in all his twenty-two years. Penetrating green eyes met his and a jolt of lust shot through his body. He had to keep his wits about him. He was on a mission of revenge, not pleasure. But if the mission should end up being pleasurable, he didn’t mind that.

  He smiled at her, and she glared in return. Sally’s prediction that Lady Gillian would not be easily seduced rang in his ears. “Are you hurt?”

  “You almost killed me.”

  “Actually, you almost ran me over.” He leaned over and grasped her under the arms, lifting her onto her feet. “We need to talk.”

  She gazed up at him, lifting one perfect black eyebrow. “Are you ready to apologize?”

  “For what?”

  “Misjudging my character.”

  Between the smell of freesia surrounding her and her soft body within his hands, he had the distracting wish to cover her full, pink mouth in a deep kiss that had nothing to do with a purposeful seduction and everything to do with learning what she tasted like. Instead, he gently set her away from him. “You are the woman who was planning on seducing my partner into marriage, weren’t you?”

  “Yes, but you don’t understand.”

  “Then make me.”

  Her mouth parted, closed and then opened again. “I’m afraid I can’t.”

  “Then I’m afraid I can’t apologize.”

  She turned on her heel so fast that the weight of her hair swung behind her and whipped across his chest. Stunned, he watched her march to her horse. Surely the little vixen did not plan to rudely dismiss him. She grabbed the reins and placed her foot in the stirrup. Women did not walk away from him ever, let alone hurry to get away.

  A perfect, slender calf peeked from beneath her skirt as she swung her right leg over the horse and mounted it as a man would. By all the saints, this woman intended to leave him standing in her dust. She reached around her and shook the folds of her skirt over her exposed legs before turning to fix him with a severe glare.

  So much for his legendary charm. Obviously it only applied to women he had no interest in whatsoever. Now that he actually wanted a woman to fall under his spell, she disliked him. So bloody typical of those of the female persuasion. He stalked toward her and pulled her off the horse.

  She struggled, attempting to move from his grasp, making it painfully obvious she did not wish to hear what he had to say. This was not going well at all.

  “Let go,” she demanded, squirming in his arms before twisting around to gaze up at him with blazing eyes. “You aren’t even supposed to be here.”

  “Just who are you hoping is here?” he demanded, though he had a fairly, if rather astonishingly, good idea.

  “Mr. Sutherland, of course.”

  “Have you considered that your betrothal should have put a halt to your plans to seduce my friend?” The lady had audacity. He’d give her that.

  Her eyes formed dangerous slits, and her lips pressed together in a hard white line. “I’ve considered nothing of the sort. My father betrothed me to Lord Westonburt despite my wishes.”

  “There’s hardly anything abnormal in that. You are under your father’s control.” Blood rushed to her cheeks, giving them a most pleasing pinkness, except Alex knew by the way her arms folded across her chest and her eyes shot daggers at him that she was livid.

  “You would think that, Lord Lionhurst. You are a typical Englishman.”

  “I think I’m beginning to understand you.” He had the perfect opportunity to present the problem and his case.

  “Pray tell me what you think you understand.”

  “You’re pursuing my partner because you don’t wish to marry a controlling Englishman. You want to get out of England and go to America, where you think you will have more freedom.”

  Her eyes rounded to twin saucers. “You are partially correct. Are you going to tell your partner?”

  “I’ve already warned him.”

  “You’re a horrid man.”

  “Why? Because I didn’t stand idly by and let you seduce my unsuspecting friend?”

  “I will make him an excellent wife.”

  Her surety that she was still going to be Sutherland’s wife irritated the hell out of Alex. “He won’t fall for your tricks.” Yet as Alex stared at her perfectly sculpted face and her worried eyes, he had doubts. Sutherland wanted a beautiful wife with backbone, and Lady Gillian definitely fit both of those requirements perfectly.

  “Is he here?” She glanced around him.

  “He is,” Alex snapped. “Don’t you think people will question you chasing after one man when you are betrothed to another?”

  “I’ll be very discreet.”

  “Aren’t you worried I won’t be?” He couldn’t resist. Her unwavering focus on Sutherland was annoying him.

  Small, slender fingers gripped his arm. “You mustn’t say anything to anyone.”

  “Why?”

  “If my father knew what I was up to…” She shook her head.

  One glance into her wide, pleading eyes melted his resolve to use whatever means necessary to seduce her. He’d simply seduce her before she could accomplish her goal. And he’d better do it quickly. One bat of those pretty eyes and Sutherland would probably drop to one knee and ask for her hand. “Don’t worry. I’ll not tell your father or anyone else, for that matter. Your impending marriage is why I’m here.”

  “It is?”

  He nodded. “I agree you should not marry Westonburt.”

  Her brow creased as she gazed at him. “You do? Well, thank you, I suppose. But I must say, I’m confused.”

  “For the sake of time, may I be blunt?”

  “I hadn’t realized you could be otherwise,” she replied with a smile. “By all means.” She waved a hand at him. “Try and shock me.”

  “Westonburt has wronged me in a way that can only be righted by revenge.”

  “I can’t say as I’m shocked, since I know the man. He’s vile. But do continue.”

  Alex chuckled. If she wasn’t a woman in want of a husband he might like to truly get to know her. “He wants to climb the social ladder, and you are his rung.”

  “That’s funny, since my family is practically outcasts from the ton.”

  The trembling of her lips jerked on his heart. Fragile women would be his undoing. He raked a hand though his hair. He would not embarrass her by remarking on the unfairness of it all. She was right, her family was whispered about, but Westonburt was hated by many in the ton. Marriage to her would help him. She was beautiful and an object of extreme curiosity. That alone would open doors previously closed to him. “Outcasts or not, you can still get him what he wants.”

  “What do you propose to do to Lord Westonburt?”

  “Take away his rung.”

  For a moment, she stared at him, her lovely mouth parting. “You wish to marry me?”

 
; “No. I wish to seduce you.”

  Lady Gillian burst out laughing, but after a moment, likely because he didn’t join in, her laughter died. “You’re serious.”

  “Completely.”

  “You think you can just stare at any woman with those blue eyes, and we will all fall at your feet? Reputations be damned?”

  “Considering that you’re intending to still try and seduce my partner, I doubt your reputation is of much concern to you.”

  “I can’t afford to be concerned, Lord Lionhurst. But my problems do not concern you. And I fail to see how seducing me will help you get your revenge.”

  “You’ll break your betrothal once you’re ruined. And Westonburt will know I’m the one that took the one thing he wanted most. His public humiliation is just the first step. I plan to destroy the man.”

  “And what of me? I’ll be ruined and stuck here. Not a very good bargain.”

  “I’ll supply you with enough money to live comfortably in America for the rest of your life. And I’ll supply the passage for you to get there.”

  Something flashed in her eyes that he could not read. Her lips pursed together and she took in a long breath. “My favors are not for sale, Lord Lionhurst.”

  “You misunderstand me.” But damned if she did, he realized. He was proposing to buy her. The thought sickened him. In his grief and anger, he hadn’t considered the ramifications completely.

  She cocked an eyebrow at him. “I don’t think I’ve misunderstood. Let me propose a different solution.”

  “Such as?” Was there a way to get what he wanted without being so vile?

  “You could just help me win your partner’s hand. You would’ve helped to take me from Westonburt, which will give you what you want, and I will secure a marriage to a good man who does not live in England, which will give me what I want.”

  Could he do that? He had considered it. Why had he dismissed it?

  “I’m afraid our time alone is ending, Lord Lionhurst.” She stuck out her hand. “Are we partners or enemies? My sister is coming up the drive, so you must decide quickly.”

  Gillian tried to control the trembling of her outstretched hand. She couldn’t believe she was striking a deal with the devil, but what choice did she have? He would no doubt make it impossible to capture Mr. Sutherland if she did not get Lord Lionhurst to help her. And there was no way she would ever allow the man to seduce her and send her packing to America without a husband. The main point was to flee England with a man who had the means to protect her sister from any harm that may follow them across the waters, and Mr. Sutherland’s good name would do that.

  He took her hand. “Deal. But seducing you would have been more pleasurable I think.”

  An amused grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. Heat spread up her neck and over her face. Blast him. She wished he did not ruffle her so.

  “Have you forgotten how to speak?” He flashed a dazzling white smile that caused her heart to flutter. He cocked his head to the side, waiting, she knew, for her to speak.

  “No,” she managed to get out before clearing her throat at the sound of her husky voice. Good heavens, she was a simpleton. He reached out and ran a finger down her cheek, lingering for a moment on her lips. She jerked away, but self-consciously brought her fingers to her lips. They tingled as if swollen from too much sun or tart fruit.

  Every time she encountered this man, he had the ability to make her forget herself. First things first, she had to get control of this situation. It would not do for Mr. Sutherland to think she wanted Lord Lionhurst or encouraged any special attention from him. From this moment forward, she would not be alone with this man. She took a step away from him and squared her shoulders, hoping to appear unshakeable in her resolve.

  Gillian glanced around Lord Lionhurst, relieved to see Whitney’s slow horse finally approaching. Trying not to appear as desperate as she felt, she casually waved for Whitney to come closer. Instead, Whitney shook her head and pulled up on May’s reins, causing the mare to come to an abrupt stop. Of all the times to be obstinate! Surely Whit could see Gillian’s need. Gillian narrowed her eyes at her sister.

  “Poor May is terribly hungry,” Whitney called out. “I’ll just take a minute and let her eat some grass.”

  Gillian would blister Whitney’s ears when she got her alone. For now she settled on giving Lord Lionhurst a tight smile, which she prayed conveyed annoyance and not befuddlement. “Good day to you, my lord. I’ll just go help my sister.”

  His hand whipped forward and gripped her arm. “Don’t you think we should discuss details and strategy? By the way, if we are to be partners, you should call me Alex.”

  “Absolutely not. That’s much too informal.”

  “I insist.”

  The man was too stubborn by half. “No,” she snapped.

  “Yes. And I’ll call you Gillian.”

  He was too sure of himself, but the loopy grin on his face made her smile in return. “You will not call me by my given name as I’ve not given you permission.”

  “But you will.”

  He sounded so sure that she almost believed it.

  Voices sounded in the distance from the area of the stables. The last thing she needed was to be seen standing so close to Lord Lionhurst. They probably appeared to be engaged in intimate conversation. “Lord Lionhurst, simply sing my praises to your partner. I’ll do the rest. Now please go. This conversation looks too…”

  “Cozy?”

  A breath of air rushed out of her lungs. He understood her at last. Of course he would. Why had she doubted it? “Yes, it would seem quite improper.”

  He stepped toward her and leaned in so his lips almost touched her ear. “Jealousy is a sure way to attract another man.” Lord Lionhurst’s breath caressed her neck, making her want to lean toward his warmth. Instead, she forced herself to lean away. “Really?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “You’re quite sure?”

  “Trust me.”

  She snorted. “How many times have you told a woman that?”

  He pulled back from her, a dark scowl marring his face. “Never.”

  Her stomach fluttered at his serious expression. “Are you sure it will work on Mr. Sutherland? Surely all men are not exactly the same?”

  “Of course we’re not. But it will work.”

  “All right. I’ll trust you. To an extent.”

  Lord Lionhurst’s finger came under her chin. The scent of grass, pine and earth surrounded her. His hands cupped her face, and she could scarcely breathe. She swallowed, sure he could hear the sudden rapid beating of her heart. “I think a public kiss is too indiscreet.”

  His hands twined into her hair, tilting her head back. “I completely agree. Good thing we’re still alone.”

  A protest sprung to her lips just as his mouth came down upon hers.

  His lips melded with hers instantly, deliciously massaging her good senses away. His tongue swirled inside her mouth, sending her pulse into a rapid beat. Ordering her thoughts was impossible. He wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her against the length of his hard body. He thrilled and frightened her. She wanted nothing more than to explore him and the desire he displayed for her. Yet the intensity of her feelings frightened her and cut through the haze in her mind.

  She tried to push away from him, but her body shook, and instead of putting distance between them, she now clung. His mouth softened, signaling a new, eminent attack. The kiss gentled, like the swirling lap of the tide, beckoning to her and showing her a different side of this man, one that pulled at tender emotions. She feared she could not battle them in her present condition.

  This realization, alongside the fact that a throat cleared beside her, finally propelled Gillian into action. Bracing her palms against Lord Lionhurst, she shoved away, nearly losing her balance in the process.

  “You must be quite the kisser,” Whitney chirped, clasping Gillian’s arm before leveling Lord Lionhurst with a look Gillian could on
ly describe as admiring.

  Heat flamed from Gillian’s neck to her cheeks. How mortifying! If he had an ounce of courtesy, he would ignore Whitney’s statement.

  “What would make you say that?” Lord Lionhurst questioned with a chuckle.

  Gillian groaned. She should have known the man didn’t possess even a speck of gallantry.

  Whitney nodded toward Gillian. “Look at her.”

  Self-conscious, Gillian touched her hair and grimaced at the wild disorder.

  “Ah, I do see your point,” Lord Lionhurst said with such a salacious undertone that Gillian looked at him despite her resolve not to. He winked, and she hastily glanced away.

  “It’s not just the flush and the swollen lips,” Whitney crooned, clearly enjoying herself. “Last I spoke with Gillie, she was coming here today to make Mr. Sutherland fall in love with her, but by the looks of your embrace, I’d say she’s quite forgotten him.”

  Gillian flung Whitney’s hand off her arm and whirled on her sister. “I have done no such thing. Mr. Sutherland is at the forefront of my every thought. Now, do be quiet before I remove my stocking and stuff it in your mouth.” The widening of Whitney’s eyes and the slight paling of her formerly rosy cheeks gratified Gillian.

  “Does she mean it?” Lord Lionhurst posed the question directly to Whitney as if Gillian were not even present. She ground her teeth at the man’s continued audacity.

  “She means it,” Whitney replied. “She’s little patience and no sense of humor.”

  That was unfair and untrue. With a gentle shove, Gillian moved Whitney out of her way. “Go on ahead or I’ll show you just how ill-tempered I can be.”

  “Are you sure you don’t want me to stay and chaperone?”