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Bloody hell! Cunningham went about looking for a bride with a notable dowry, since his estates needed money badly. His father had dissipated most of the family’s assets and the son had to rebuild them. The vultures started early over the rich widow. He’d go there. No man would lay a finger on her. Not if he had a say in the matter.
As he entered the drawing room, the earl smiled flirtatiously at Selene and his mother nodded approval. The boy was five and twenty at most. Too inexperienced to deal with her eagerness. His body reacted at the memory of how eagerly she’d kissed him back. Damn it to hell if he wasn’t punching the blasted boy. Soon! To flirt with her so openly.
“Lord Crompton!” Lady Cunningham sang.
“My lady. Lord Cunningham.” He bowed over the old lady’s hand.
“We were just talking about your trip, Your Grace. Can’t you humour us with some traveling stories?”
“I’d be delighted but my step-aunt and I have a pressing appointment. I came to remind her of t.” He didn’t look in her direction. She’d be fuming.
“What appointment, my step-nephew, pray tell.”
She wouldn’t give in so easily, the witch! “The milliner, step-aunt.”
The milliner? What was this blasted devil up to? Such a long time she hadn’t been in society and he wanted to interfere now? Oh, no, sir.
“Indeed?” She placed a finger on her chin. “I’ll send the footman with a message cancelling.” She smiled triumphant.
“I think that would not be possible, step-aunt, the milliner is traveling to Paris early in the morning, if you’ve forgotten.” He smiled blandly, victory underlying it.
Lady Cunningham observed the exchange avidly. “Oh, if this is the case, we’ll call on you another day, Lady Crompton.”
“Please, do.” He answered before she had the time say they could stay. The reprobate, the scoundrel, the darn devil!
Philip rang for Jenkins to show the visits out. The Cunninghams bid farewell and left before Jenkins closed the door.
Chapter 8
As soon as they were alone, she turned to him, ire flashing in her vivid green eyes. “What the blast was that?”
Philip looked at those intense eyes, his passion igniting. “They are after your money.”
“What do I care what they are after?” Her hands flew to her slender waist.
“The vultures started the rounds.” Her grey dress had a less austere neckline and he coul
d see a little of the top of her breasts. He fisted his hands in an attempt not to go there and touch those delectable globes.
“I don’t care! A simple visit is harmless enough.” Why did he have to stand so close? She walked to the other side of the room.
“It starts like this. In no time you’ll be at the altar.” Wouldn’t she understand he couldn’t bear the thought?
“What does this have to do with you?” Her voice low and fierce. Being far from him did nothing to dispel his magnetism.
“Do you want someone to marry you for your money?” What he wanted was to go there and kiss her again. Senseless.
“I’ll marry whoever I want, for whichever reason I want!” She had to leave the room. Immediately.
“I command you not to marry anyone I don’t approve of!” He wouldn’t approve of anyone, of course!
“You can command as much as you like. I’m not asking your permission!” Their eyes clashed, temper and desire battling.
The indomitable chit! The fire in his blood won over any civilized posture. He pounced to where she stood by the fireplace, laced her slender waist, lifted her off the floor and they were levelled. He saw her blushing as his breath quickened. “Neither am I asking yours then! He seized her mouth with his in a carnal kiss that took them off balance. He moaned with the fervour that she received him. Her fingers went to his hair and she kissed him back with equal hunger.
They were lost. Lost to reality, lost to the world, lost to decency. The kiss became deeper and deeper and soon they had to come up for air. Their eyes met and held for a long time, breaths ragged, lips parted.
“God help me, but I want you like crazy!” His husky voice only for their ears.
