Page 50 of Scandal’s Daughter

She’d trusted him with so much, with her whole heart, and he’d betrayed her trust. He’d lied from the first.

How could she ever believe anything he said now, no matter how much she wanted to. But she thought she’d seen real regret in his eyes. A sincere desire to make amends, to explain. Céleste believed she should give him a chance after all and ... she did want to hear an explanation.

If he’d really loved her, he wouldn’t see her fall into Beau arm’s and walk away, though. Not if he loved her.

And she had to admit, Beau’s were very strong arms to be held in. She looked up and admired the handsome profile of the man holding her. She had fallen in love with Sebastian, but there was no denying this man made her pulse race when he got close.

Beau was charming and funny, he made her laugh and the time seemed to fly in his company, and the look in his eyes, that obvious desire ... that was a heady thing.

He felt her eyes on him and turned towards her gaze, his eyes darkening, his hands pulling her a little closer.

He lowered his head, his warm breath fluttering over her skin and making her shiver. “I would do anything to be alone with you.”

Her breath caught and she swallowed but looked back at him, refusing to look like a flustered school girl. “I’m sorry, my lord, but that is something I cannot allow you.”

“Damn these people,” he cursed, though his voice remained soft. His eyes on hers intent. “The next time I intend to claim every dance on that blasted card.”

She laughed and shook her head, amused by the vehemence of his words. “What is it, my lord? Do you fear to see my bank balance slipping from your grasp?”

For a moment anger lit his eyes and he looked away from her, but when he looked back, she thought he looked hurt.

“I never lie, Miss Bomford. Of all my faults, and I assure you I can claim many, that has never been one of them.” She felt the tension in his arms and knew this was true. He was someone who would always tell her the truth, and she knew now, that was something of great value.

“I would have never allowed myself to spend such time with you if you hadn’t been an heiress. I don’t set out to ruin innocents and if I marry, yes, it will be to a woman with money. But if you think that is the only thing that keeps me coming back to you, you are very much mistaken.”

She flushed and looked away from him, shamefaced. He hadn’t deserved that comment. He’d been nothing but kind, and honest.

“Forgive me,” she murmured.

The dance came to a close, but he didn’t release her for a moment. She dared to look back up at him and found a bemused smile tugging at his lips.

“Crook your little finger, Eve,” he whispered. “I’ll come running,”