Page 87 of The Seduction of an English Scoundrel

She wrapped her fingers around the porcelain cup. “I imagine that suits your brother’s needs quite well.”

He returned to his chair. “Actually, I do not believe Grayson has ever brought a woman here before, although I know it is the fashion to maintain a mistress at one’s seaside resort. The villa has been reserved for family. And do not repeat that I told you this.”

Jane put down her cup. She tried to recall what Grayson had told her about Heath. A spy and soldier, wasn’t he? And he had ferreted out information about Nigel. She glanced up covertly and searched his handsome features. He seemed very patient, pleasant, but she realized it would be dangerous to underestimate him. Had he guessed her secret? Not to judge by the mask of masculine angles and shadows that were arranged into a very beguiling face. Or else he was a master of masquerading his thoughts, a valuable skill for an intelligence officer. She was afraid to ask him what new discoveries he might have made, but she really had to know.

“Grayson said—”

Heath turned his dark head a split second before his older brother appeared in the doorway. Jane wondered if he had been there all along, listening. He strode straight toward her, looking lithe and elegant in a pewter gray long-tailed morning coat over a white linen shirt and buff breeches. His wheat blond hair had been brushed back, revealing the bones of his face. A bolt of heat went through her as his gaze caught hers.

Despite her confusion, her uncertainty over their future together, she felt herself softening at the sight of him. Last night had tipped the balance between them even more, but she wasn’t sure what it would mean. He had stolen her heart. She had shared his bed. What would be hers in return?

Everything, she thought. She wanted every single wicked inch of him for herself. She wanted him for life. What a scandalous pair they made. How Society would be shocked by their behavior. She blushed suddenly, feeling Heath’s gaze upon her. Who knew what he made of this?

“I heard my name.” Grayson bent and boldly kissed the back of her neck before taking the chair beside her at the head of the table. “Was I mentioned in a flattering way?”

She wanted to slide under the table at the pleased grin on his face, even if his kiss had sent a shiver dancing down her spine. “What do you think?”

His eyes sparkled as his gaze held her immobile. “I think that after last night a little flattery is in order.”

Heath coughed and set down his cup. “As modest as ever, aren’t we?”

“I’m in too good a mood to bother with modesty,” Grayson said, sending Jane a sensual smile that flooded her with warmth. “Why aren’t you eating, sweetheart?” he asked in concern, putting his hand over hers. “Has my brother been intimidating you?”

He was so male, so possessive and open about what was happening between them that Jane had no idea how to react. Obviously he didn’t intend to hide anything from his brother, who looked a bit at a loss himself over Grayson’s behavior. “I’m not hungry,” she said, trying to wrest her hand from his.

“How could you not be hungry after we—” He glanced at Heath, his manner suddenly sober and disapproving. “Did you tell her about Nigel? Is that what has killed her appetite?”

Heath leaned back in his chair, regarding his brother with a resigned smile. “Why don’t you tell her, Grayson? I do so hate to be the messenger of bad news.”

“Bad news?” Jane said, her heart missing a beat. “About Nigel?”

“All right.” Grayson’s hand tightened protectively over hers. “Heath has confronted him, Jane. I don’t know of any easy way to say this, so I will be blunt and tell you everything. My cousin has married another woman. She is carrying his child.”

The room seemed still and stifling, the two men watching her so closely that she could barely swallow. Jane had never considered herself a good actress or liar. Her natural instinct was to confess her guilt. “I see. Then that is that.”

“How accepting you are,” Grayson murmured. “I would not be so in your place. Jane, really, this must be settled.”

“I cannot say it is a complete surprise.” She raised her head, forcing herself to meet the curious regard of both men. “I told you that Nigel and I never loved each other in that way.”

Grayson released her hand, running his tapered forefinger along the sharp blade of a knife. “Still,” he mused, “he must be made to pay. Your parents will insist upon it. I insist upon it. Perhaps I shall even call him out.”

She caught her breath. “Except that he’s your cousin. It would cause the worst scandal, not to mention the chance he would probably be hurt or die. I didn’t want to marry him. I . . .”

He stared steadily at her, turning the knife over in his hands. “It is a question of honor, Jane. I shall do what I must to maintain my family’s honor.”

Heath cleared his throat. “I’m not certain I agree.”

Grayson speared him with a quelling look. “Agree? Of course you do. There are legal ramifications, after all. Jane could sue Nigel for breach of promise, although personally I prefer to shoot him in the heart and be done with it.”

Heath arched his brow in reproach. “Leaving his wife a widow and their child with no papa? What are you thinking?”

Grayson gave a careless shrug. “Jane must be avenged.”

“Not necessarily,” she said, finding her voice, which emerged as an unflattering squeak. “In time the whole scandal will die down—”

“Never.” Grayson’s voice resounded across the room like a clap of thunder. “His behavior was deplorable. I refuse to let the matter rest, and that is the end of it.”

“The Lord has spoken,” Heath said, with an ironic smile in Jane’s direction.