Page 51 of The Devilish Pleasures of a Duke

This inquiry set the class off into a fresh round of giggling. Charlotte quickly shushed them, looking a little curious herself.

“I’m afraid,” Emma said in a polite, professional tone, “that there has been a misunderstanding. May I ask how your head is?”

“It’s still on my shoulders.”

“I can see that. I wonder, though,” she said with an arch smile, “whether you have regained your clarity of thought.”

“I’ve never felt more clearheaded in my life.” He stared levelly at her. “And you?”

She shook her head.

Adrian, holding his high black silk hat in one hand, smiled in a manner that suggested he understood her uncertainty. Had she just thought all this attention intimidated the man? Not in the least.

He drew her out of earshot. “May I ask you another question? Since you didn’t answer my first.”

His hard body brushed against hers. Forbidden heat flooded her. He should not have come here, but she was glad of it. Too glad for her own good. It did not bode well for the safekeeping of her heart.

“The girls are watching us,” she whispered.

He looked around innocently. “Well, we’re not doing anything wrong.”

She frowned. “It’s the way you looked at me.”

His brow lifted knowingly. His gaze wandered over her with lazy sensuality. “Yes? What of it?”

She blushed. “You know.”

“Tell me anyway.”

“Teasing is most impolite.”

“That’s why I need your advice.”

“I’ll give you some advice, Lord Wolverton,” she said, her voice climbing. “You should return to Berkshire and—”

He drew her in the direction of the window. “Did you happen to notice my carriage?” he asked.

“I could hardly miss it.” Nor had she missed how he had changed the subject at the mention of returning to his home. She had glimpsed a genuine pain in his eyes. Perhaps he was not even aware of it himself. Perhaps there were unpleasant memories of his past that haunted him still.

His voice dropped to a whisper. “The old duke sent it to collect me in style. It’s a little pretentious, don’t you think? I’m embarrassed to be seen in it.”

“Your personal code of conduct is what should embarrass you,” she whispered back.

“Then it’s a good thing I’ve come to you, isn’t it?” he asked, his warmth returning.

In fact, the heat in his hazel eyes could have melted stone. Emma was chagrined at how much she enjoyed being again in his provocative company. “I’m not at all convinced of that. I am in the middle of class.”

“I prefer private lessons myself,” he murmured. “Are you available to give guidance to the socially lost and lovelorn?”

She looked up slowly with a little smile. “Not unless you wish my brothers to be included in our instruction. I’m sure it could be arranged.”

“Your brothers?” he asked, bending his head into hers.

“Yes.” She leaned away, indicating the door behind him. “Heath and Drake have arrived as we speak, and oh, yes, here comes the youngest Boscastle demon, Devon. Sometimes it’s difficult to tell them apart. You did say Heath was expecting you?”

Adrian straightened abruptly as the three dark-haired Boscastle brothers strode forward to greet him.

“Good day, Lord Wolverton,” Emma murmured.