“My father is dead.”
“Your brother, then.”
“I have no brother.”
“You must have a guardian.”
Kate stiffened.“That I do, but he does not bother himself with what I wear.”For all her uncle cared, they could be languishing in rags, but Kate had already said too much.
She saw the spark of interest that flared in Grayson’s eyes and purposefully relaxed her stance, unwilling to reveal any more of their situation.“Eat your dinner,” she said.
“Only if you join me.”
“I already ate.”
“Stay with me, then.I’m infernally bored.Do you have a deck of cards?Perhaps we could play.”
He looked so hopeful that Kate could not deny him.“All right.I’ll fetch some.”
“Books, too?”
Kate nodded.“What shall you have?”
“You choose for me.”Although he spoke casually, Kate sensed that nothing about the man was casual.Calculating would be a more accurate description, for behind the cool countenance was a keen mind that would rival anyone’s.But what could he expect to gain from a few volumes out of her father’s library?
Kate sucked in a sharp breath as she realized his game.She would have to make sure that there were no plates or personal notations in the books she brought him, or he would discover her identity.In spite of herself, Kate smiled at his cleverness.She would enjoy crossing swords with the marquess—as long as he did not draw blood.
When the poppet turned to go, Grayson let his gaze slide over her slowly.She had a nice, slim figure that was not as boyish as he had first thought.
He liked the way her dress had tightened across her breasts when she put her hands on her hips, a view he missed now that they were covered by a shirt and waistcoat.Still, he had to admit that the trousers were appealing, for they clung to her legs, not tight enough to be too wicked, but not loose enough to hide anything.
He watched her leave, his attention focused on her gentle curves, and he wanted to haul her back into the room and onto the bed with him.Surprised by the force of his reaction, he swore under his breath.Obviously, it had been too long since he had enjoyed the charms of a female.
Leaning his head back, Grayson tried to remember, but he could not recall exactly when or with whom he had last been intimate.Clarice?Lady Ann?
He had released his last mistress after the onset of his ennui, but had never replaced her, relying instead on the eager ladies of his acquaintance to satisfy his needs.Their faceless bodies melted together in his mind, not nearly as intriguing as the slender figure of the poppet.
She was a clever thing, too.Courageous and clever, but possessing none of the artifice of the bored London females.His body stirred, and Grayson lifted his knee, wondering if the unusual reaction was due to his prone position.
Perhaps once he got back on his feet, Kate would no longer rouse him.Logic told him that probably would be the case, but, oddly enough, he hoped it was not.
When she returned with a stack of books to place beside the bed, Grayson found himself staring at her hair as she bent near.A deep, rich brown, it gleamed.Fresh.Beckoning.Grayson’s mouth curled at his fancies.The sober Miss Kate would not welcome his advances.
Or would she?There was passion in her, the kind that had made her stand before him, pistol raised, to avenge her sister— and the kind that had brought her to life in his arms when he had pinned her against the door.But he could hardly force himself on her.
For the first time in his life, Grayson faced the prospect of wanting something that even his wealth and power might not assure.The sobering realization fired his determination to discover Kate’s circumstances, for that was the only way to be certain of his prospects.
She glanced up at him then, and Grayson let her see his desire.It shook her, although he suspected she had no idea what, exactly, he wanted of her.He might not know her name or her circumstances, but she was innocent, Grayson was sure of that.
And despite her absurd costume, she was well-bred.Normally, he would never consider a liaison with such a young woman.
But if she was a poor relation, a governess, or some other member of the household staff, he could make her an offer.Kate would have security and comfort and funds enough to aid her sister, while he would have a new mistress to rival any of those past.
Heat shot through him at the notion, and the clear violet eyes that had held his faltered before it.Then she straightened abruptly and tossed the cards on the blanket, beside his hand.Oh, she possessed passion, his little poppet, but she was smart enough to avoid it.Grayson’s lips curled in amused appreciation as he reached for the deck.
“Piquet?”he asked, shuffling the cards easily.
She blinked, as if dazed, and Grayson smiled, pleased by her reaction to him.Although she might not acknowledge it, the poppet was attracted to him.She did not simper or flirt like most women, but flushed angrily when he caught her admiring him.
