Page 66 of Real Earls Break the Rules

The man and his honor. Is that all he thought about?

His eyes held hers. “Marry me. What are you afraid of?”

Everything. “My answer hasn’t changed. And that’s not what I want to talk to you about. I want to discuss your sister.”

It was his turn to frown. “Helen or Caroline?”

“Caroline. She has aspirations beyond being an earl’s sister. She wants to design her own clothing and own her own dress shop.”

A heartbeat passed, then he grimaced. “That’s ludicrous.”

“Why? Because she’s your sister?”

“It’s not done.”

Amelia bit her lip. Just like she couldn’t be an artist in her own right if she married him. He was saying the same thing whether he realized it or not.

“You once mentioned that one of your father’s businesses is a dress shop. You are still the owner, correct?”

He nodded curtly. “The store was a complete disaster after the fire, but it has been rebuilt. I plan to seek an interested buyer.”

“You shouldn’t. Let Caroline help you with the ledgers. Let her see what goes on behind a business. She could design her own clothing and have the seamstress sew the gowns. It would give Caroline a chance to experience entrepreneurship without the risk. You would still own the establishment, of course, but she could help.” She could fulfill her dream.

“If you’re so interested in my family, then why don’t you become a part of it? As my wife.”

They had reached the servants’ entrance. Before she could step inside, he cornered her against the brick wall outside the door. His hands pressed on both sides of the wall, one on either side of her head, to cage her in, and cut off any chance of escape. Amelia’s heart pounded at the intensity of his gaze. He was close, too close. She could feel the heat of his powerful body and his thigh grazing her skirts. She inhaled sharply, and his spicy, male scent filled her senses. His mouth was inches from hers, and she had an insane urge to kiss him.

Instead, she tilted her chin in defiance. “I won’t marry you to ease your conscience, Brandon.”

“You want to stay my mistress?”

She felt her face drain of color. “Hush! Don’t say that.”

His lips curved in a knowing smile. “Why not? It’s the truth. I’m offering to make you a proper lady. A countess.”

Her body quivered at the brush of his breath against her cheek. Why didn’t he whisper words of love in her ear?

He leaned even closer, and broadcloth sizzled against silk. “We have lust and intellectual communion. What more do you want, Amelia?”

I want you to love me like I love you. And I want you to support my dreams as I would support yours.

Her lips trembled. “What of—”

The scrape of booted feet alerted them to someone’s presence. Brandon pushed her behind him and turned to find the butler standing at the threshold of the servants’ entrance.

“There’s a gentleman caller here to see you, my lord,” the servant said.

A flicker of annoyance crossed Brandon’s face at the interruption. “I’m not expecting anyone, Smithson.”

“He said it’s a matter of utmost importance, and that he must speak with you right away.” The butler handed Brandon a calling card.

“Mr. Edward Arnold,” Brandon read out loud. “I don’t recognize the name.”

“He said his visit is in regards to the Earl of Vale…the former earl.”

Brandon stiffened. “See him to the drawing room. I’ll be there shortly.”

“Yes, my lord.” Smithson disappeared to do his bidding.