Page 5 of How to Best a Marquess

Chapter Two

Ellie found Hugh leaning against a wall outside of Ian’s office. He straightened when she stepped outside, all six feet four inches of him. His dark brown hair was mussed from his recent fight in the ring. An image returned in a rush—broad shoulders and bronze skin glistening from physical exertion, muscles bunching and straining as he punched and jabbed at his opponent.

Barbaric. Predatory.

Arousing.

By sheer force of will, she pushed the image aside.

“Why? Why would you possibly want the Raven Club?” she asked without preamble.

“Why wouldn’t I? It’s a solid investment, I have talent in the ring, and I have a head for business.”

“Rumor says you have a head for scandal.”

“Ah, you’ve been following me?” His lips curled in a lazy grin, and his green eyes darkened a shade, reminding her of the ferns that flourished in the summer on her family’s country estate.

Five years ago, those eyes would have charmed. His lips would have seduced. Her fingers would have tingled with the need to touch and trace the enticing divot in his chin. His features no longer held a youthful attractiveness but had grown into a man’s—a very handsome one’s.

But she was no longer attracted to scoundrels, and he was the worst kind. She hadn’t followed him, as he’d suggested, but neither had she ignored the whispers in the ladies’ retiring rooms.

“Do not flatter yourself, my lord. I haven’t been following you, only aware that you left your military career to ascend to the title.” She lowered her voice an octave. “I was sorry to hear about your father and brother.”

His expression stilled and grew serious, and despite everything that had occurred between them, she felt a pang of sympathy for his loss. “Thank you.”

“But I must admit, I often wondered if I’d hear news of your demise on the battlefield.” For years, she’d secretly dreaded news of his death. She’d never heard from him, not one single letter. And now he was back in her life, determined to wreak havoc once again.

His smile did not reach his eyes. “Ah, I’m sorry to disappoint you.”

She folded her arms across her chest and tapped her foot, her mood veering sharply back to anger. “Your history does not explain your presence here today. Of all the gaming clubs in London, why this one?”

“The Raven Club is well known.”

“So? You must have known my brother owns it.”

He stalked closer, his movements smooth. She struggled not to step back. “Your brother, yes. I had no idea you came with the place.”

She tossed her hair behind her shoulder. His gaze followed the movement. “I happen to want the Raven.”

He had the audacity to laugh. The sound was rich and echoed off the paneled walls, releasing a slew of memories she’d locked up in a hidden chamber in her heart.

Hugh laughing and teasing her. Hugh tickling her. Hugh smiling right before he kissed her and told her he loved her.

Liar. Scoundrel. Blackguard.

She straightened her spine. There was too much at stake to lose to him. The club aided the charities. Hugh said he didn’t mind and would continue the efforts. But there was more, much more behind her motivations. She had made strides in helping the women who came to the club and sought her aid, beaten women who had nowhere else to go. If Hugh acquired the place, all her efforts would be for naught.

“I want to ask the same of you. Why do you want the place?” he asked.

She had to tread carefully, had to think of a reason a man like Hugh would believe. She’d never tell him the true reasons. She suspected he wouldn’t approve of her plans, and telling him was a risk she wasn’t willing to take. “It belongs to my family.”

One dark eyebrow shot up. “And?”

“And I have a good head for business,” she said, throwing his words back at him.

“It doesn’t make sense.”

“Why? Because I’m a woman? You think ladies aren’t intelligent or capable of running a business?”