Page 54 of Make Mine a Marquess

Jesus. His friend was right about one thing. He needed to see Phoebe. And soon.

Anticipation coursed in his veins just thinking about their next match. He’d cajole Phoebe into talking more about her charity. Mine her for useful information.

As for the game itself, her skill had improved each time they played. He pictured her biting her lower lip as she thought of her next move. Her intelligence was as arousing as her beauty. She’d bested him once and he could not help but stare at her enthusiastic reaction and the spark in her eyes.

It was in those moments of temptation that he must remember his plans.

She’d spent far more time with him than with Willard so far. His cousin was preoccupied with his foolish friends, Malvern and Roxborough. Just the other day, he’d observed the trio drinking and wagering on how fast ants would travel to reach a piece of apple they’d placed on the ground. Frivolous and stupid.

Aram sipped drink and watched him. “Perhaps we should discuss other business. Have you given more thought to Willard’s accomplice, Aiden Cawley?”

Landon grasped onto the change of subject. “Neither of us have found anything else in the ledgers.” He scrubbed a hand down his face. “We need to search Willard’s room.”

Aram regarded him. “You think there’s something hidden there?”

“Knowing my cousin, he’s hidden a second set of ledgers or incriminating correspondence close to him.”

“I agree. But how will you manage this search?” Aram asked.

“There’s another planned event in the conservatory. The Madison sisters are performing, and everyone will be in attendance. It’s the perfect time for me to slip out and search my cousin’s room.”

“And what will I do?”

Landon placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Keep watch.”

Aram nodded. “Easy enough. You have the more difficult part.”

“You mean the search?”

Aram’s flat, unspeaking eyes prolonged the moment. “Not the search, my friend, but the lady. If you insist on going forward, it’s a delicate balance between revenge and seduction. Your surly mood is proof. Be careful that you don’t fall into a trap of your own making.”

Landon’s tone hardened along with his resolve. “I can handle it. I’ve waited too long for justice to be waylaid by a woman.”

…

Impatient for Phoebe’s arrival, Landon ran his fingers along the backgammon board. By the time she arrived, he was both excited and aggravated.

“Sorry I’m late,” she said as she slipped inside the room.

“All is ready for our play.” His gaze roved and lazily appraised her, taking in the form-fitting peach dress with a slim skirt that emphasized her long legs. He remembered her legs, shapely and surprisingly strong, wrapped around him in the lake when she’d clung to him. God, what he wouldn’t do to feel her legs squeeze him as he thrust inside her. His stress level doubled, and he started to sweat.

He held her chair and his gaze fell to the creamy expanse of her neck and the pulse at her throat. He longed to lower his head and brush his lips against the skin until her pulse quickened with excitement. Instead, he occupied his own chair, toyed with a stone marker, and tamped down his lust.

The goal of today’s play was to learn more about her. Knowledge that could possibly be of use. Kissing her would have to wait. He dabbed at his forehead with a handkerchief.

She watched him, her brow furrowed and her blue eyes calm. “Is something wrong? Should we reschedule?”

“No. Why would you ask?”

“You seem a bit…tense,” she said.

His mind scrambled to think of something. “Forgive me. I’ve been away for so long and just getting used to a house full of guests. In addition, the ladies complained about linens.” It was a ridiculous answer but the best he could come up with. He must sound like a fool.

“Linens? I haven’t heard of any complaints from the women about the linens. Are you sure?”

Frustration roiled in his gut, and he waved a dismissive hand. “It’s nothing. Let’s play and speak of other things.”

“Only if you’re certain?”