The Scandalously Bad Mr. Milroy
Page 31
“It is only a problem if you are the man with the unfaithful wife.” Ravens casually nodded toward the chattering females below. “And which lady has caught your eye this evening? Or is it all three?”
The question was not meant to unsettle Frost. Lord Ravens was wholly indiscriminate when it came to women or men. Married, virgins, old, and young, he welcomed them all into his bed.
“Why? Do you wish to join me?”
Over the years, there had been evenings when drink, boredom, and lust had turned into a potent combination, and he had indulged in the mindless orgies Ravens had hosted. Frost had rejoiced in the abandonment, but it did not take long for it to pall as well. It was one of the reasons why he had not visited the gentleman’s residence in two months.
“Are you willing to share?”
Frost glanced at Emily Cavell. Share her? He did not like that idea at all. Once he was finished with her, perhaps. For now, he was feeling a little selfish. He wanted to take his time in discovering the lady’s secrets, and he was in no mood to turn this into a competition with Ravens. “The decision isn’t mine to make. Besides, I’ve promised Lady Fiddick that I would behave myself. Club business has brought me here.”
“Ah, I see. A shame, really,” Ravens said, clearly disappointed. “The redhead might prove challenging. Can’t see much from our perch, but I’m more interested in what she has hidden underneath her skirt. What do you think? Should I join her downstairs and introduce myself?”
“Why bother?” Frost said, feigning disinterest. “All that pale ivory flesh will bruise too easily, and she likely comes with a disgruntled mother who will sever your cock from your balls if you manage to get it out of your trousers.”
Ravens gave him a sharp assessing look, but Frost kept his face carefully blank. His companion must have been satisfied with what he saw, because he slowly nodded in agreement. “Too right. Delicate playthings hold little amusement for me. My preferences lean toward the exotic.”
“Naturally,” Frost said drily.
“Then I will leave you to your business,” Lord Ravens said, bowing formally. “If I encounter some agreeable companions in the ballroom, should I seek you out before I take my leave?”
Frost shook his head with regret. “Why share the spoils when you can keep them all for yourself?”
“You’re a selfish bastard, Frost. It’s one of the reasons why I like you.” Ravens cast a parting glance at Miss Cavell. “Good hunting.”
Am I so obvious?
And he was not hunting the lady. Not in the manner the earl was implying anyway. Aye, he had every intention of introducing himself to her. He would charm and tease the lady until she lowered her defenses, and then he would find out why she had focused her ire on Nox. The club had nothing to do with young Katie’s plight, so she should have no quarrel with the gambling hell. And if he could not soften her opinion on Nox, then he would think of something else. He could offer her a friendly warning that his club was off limits to her crusade.
Or he could seduce her.
Kissing Miss Emily Cavell would be more entertaining than issuing threats. More satisfying, too. He was confident in his skills as a lover. Even an innocent like her would find pleasure in his arms.
Frost grinned at the notion of bedding the lady. He had already made the decision to end his affair with Maryann, and there was no reason why Emily could not take her place in his bed. He could spend the next few months teaching her how to please—
“Fresh hell,” he muttered as his gaze narrowed on the four young gentlemen who had surrounded Miss Cavell. There was no doubt in his mind, the seventeen-year-olds were up to mischief and had handpicked their next quarry. Where was Lady Fiddick? She was supposed to be looking after her guest.
I saw her first, gents. She’s mine!
The sound of tinkling glass momentarily distracted him, and he noted that a footman carrying a tray of sparkling wine had stepped onto the landing and was heading in his direction.
“May I offer you a glass of wine, milord?” the servant politely inquired.
Frost pressed his lips together as he considered his next move. “I’ll take two.”
TITLES BY ALEXANDRA HAWKINS
THE SCANDALOUSLY BAD MR. MILROY
THE NO GOOD, IRRESISTIBLE VISCOUNT TIPTON
Available in eBook from St. Martin’s Press
AND
TWILIGHT WITH THE INFAMOUS EARL
DUSK WITH A DANGEROUS DUKE
ALL AFTERNOON WITH A SCANDALOUS MARQUESS
SUNRISE WITH A NOTORIOUS LORD
AFTER DARK WITH A SCOUNDREL
TILL DAWN WITH THE DEVIL
ALL NIGHT WITH A ROGUE
Available from St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Alexandra Hawkins is an unrepentant Anglophile who discovered romance novels as a teenager and knew that one day she would be writing her own. Her books combine her love of English history, mythology, and romance to create sensual character-driven stories that, she hopes, will touch readers’ hearts. Alexandra lives in Georgia with her husband and three children. Visit her at: www.alexandrahawkins.com.
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
Previously published as A Gentleman at Heart under the name Barbara Pierce.
THE SCANDALOUSLY BAD MR. MILROY copyright © 2002 by Alexandra Hawkins.
Excerpt from Twilight with the Infamous Earl copyright © 2013 by Alexandra Hawkins.
All rights reserved. For information, address St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010.
www.stmartins.com
Cover illustration © Chris Cocozza
Author photo © Damon Kappell/Studio 16
eISBN 9781466820968
First eBook Edition: November 2013