Page 5 of Real Earls Break the Rules

“Ah, I should have known. You no longer need the money.”

“Our circumstances changed after Eliza married Lord Huntingdon.”

He knew this better than anyone. Huntingdon was his best friend. “Do you still paint?”

“For enjoyment only,” she said.

“Do you miss the satisfaction of having your work sold?”

Full, pink lips parted, and he knew she was tempted. He admired her, not only for her artistic talent but also for her ambition. He’d never known a lady who’d worked.

“I do. But I must consider the risk. I told the truth when I said Eliza would be distraught if she learned of an arrangement between us.”

“Then I must come up with another offer, something more tempting.”

Fascinated, he watched as her delicate throat moved as she swallowed. The creamy expanse of her skin made him think of how soft it would feel to touch her, to stroke her cheek and the curve of her neck.

“There is nothing,” she said simply.

“Everyone has their price. What’s yours?”

A curious longing lit her gaze, but then she cast her eyes downward. His interest heightened. What was it he saw? What did she desire?

Just then, Eliza called out for everyone to begin to play. They had several good tosses as a team, but no one was surprised when Eliza and Huntingdon won. All the players were busy gathering their bowls when Brandon approached Amelia again.

“Thank you for a memorable game.”

Amelia raised her chin and met his gaze. “I’m sorry everything wasn’t entirely to your satisfaction, my lord.”

She had a sense of strength about her and wasn’t a swooning female who was easily intimidated. But at the same time, she also possessed a charming aura of innocence. She was so different from the silly debutants at Almack’s or at the tedious balls he was obligated to attend. The challenge she posed was irresistible, and his body took notice.

He wanted her with astonishing fierceness.

He leaned down and lowered his voice. “To the contrary, I found it a very pleasant afternoon. But you should be aware that I’m not one to follow rules, and when I want something I don’t like to take no for an answer. Meanwhile, if you reconsider, you have only to send me a private message.”

Chapter Two

“You did what?”

Brandon looked up from the billiard table where he was preparing to shoot an ivory ball in a side pocket. Grayson Ware, Lord Huntingdon, was glaring at him with hard features. Brandon began to wonder if he’d made a mistake inviting his friend to Rosehill for a game of billiards.

“I inquired if Amelia would be interested in painting my portrait,” Brandon said.

“Why on earth would you ask her to paint you?” Huntingdon said tersely.

“The dowager wants my portrait in Rosehill’s portrait gallery.”

Huntingdon set down his cue stick. “What did Amelia say?”

“She refused. She said it wasn’t proper.”

“Damn right, it isn’t.”

Brandon scowled. “Why are you so sour?”

“Why do you think?” Huntingdon snapped. “I’m married to Eliza now. Amelia and Chloe are my sisters-in-law. I’m to look out for them.”

“It’s just a painting. Not an offer for an illicit liaison.”