Page 60 of Tempting Her Viscount

Chapter Twenty-One

Kit accepted an invitation to an assembly being held at Lord Gamby’s home. The man and his wife were a pleasant older couple, but more importantly, they had four grown sons who had yet to marry.

“Stay clear of the youngest one. He’s my age and was a right bugger when we used to run amok in the summers. The three older ones would suit. I’ve seen the women titter over them.”

“I’ve never tittered, and don’t intend to do so now. Especially not over a man.”

“Come now, countess,” he purred as he stepped closer. “Surely I could make you titter if I tried.”

“Which you won’t, because we’ve come to an understanding.”

He laughed at her scolding. He loved to rile her up.

“I have another thing I want in a wife,” he mentioned. “She must have a bit of spunk about her. I don’t want a woman who will easily do my bidding. I’d rather spar with her to get my way.”

She frowned. “But you assume you’ll get your way in the end?”

“I assume when we disagree, we’ll reunite passionately, which despite what the original argument entailed, will end pleasantly.”

“You are ruled by your manhood.” She rolled her eyes and he wanted to grab her and carry her off to his bed, but he couldn’t because they weren’t doing that any longer.

He didn’t argue. Though if he had he would have explained that his heart definitely played a major role in his decisions for the time being. This cock was not completely in charge.

He couldn’t help but notice Celia was nervous in the carriage as they got closer to the Gamby residence.

“Do stop wringing your hands, it will be impossible to eat the mutton with your hands bent so.” He twisted his mouth to the side. “Actually, that might be a good idea. The mutton is quite dry.”

She laughed, but it was a strained sound that caused him to reach across the carriage to take her hand and give it a reassuring squeeze.

“No one but us know of your plans. If it doesn’t feel right, you have no need to carry it out. We’ll simply eat the dry mutton, converse pleasantly, and take our leave.”

Celia let out a breath and nodded. “Yes, you’re right. Thank you.”

“I do like to hear how right I am.”

His teasing worked, and soon she had relaxed enough to laugh freely and tease him in return.

Kit was pleased by how he was able to switch from Celia’s lover to her friend so easily. He would fulfill his promise to help find her a lover and move on with his own plans.

Except as the dinner progressed and he watched the Gamby men fawn over Celia, Kit became more and more possessive.

He wanted to think it was because Celia was a friend and these men—clearly rakes, all—didn’t deserve her.

But even he knew the truth. He wasn’t as amenable to this plan as he’d thought. He still wanted Celia for his own. When his pointed looks didn’t stop the men from flirting with her, he took to telling stories that made it clear he and Celia had a long history and cared for each other. He, of course, didn’t allude to any physical relationship, but it was enough to claim her. Even though he had no right to do so.

It was no surprise when she eventually returned to his side, unsuccessful.

“I must apologize,” he said as soon as they got in the carriage to return to Blairgowrie.

“Whatever for? I had an enjoyable evening.”

“I said we should be friends and then I was in no way a friend tonight. I was horrid.”

She shook her head. “In what way?”

“Did you not see me scowling at the men flirting with you? Did you not hear me tell them about how we are such close acquaintances? Or when James assumed I thought of you as a sister, I corrected him in a snappish way?”

She laughed. “I did not. I guess I was too distracted with four handsome men vying for my attentions. I found it most enjoyable. They didn’t even stare at my birthmark.”