Page 34 of The Lady’s Sweet Revenge

“It was quite a shock. I’m guilty of hesitating for a moment or two before acting, for the thought did cross my mind it could be a trap to force me into marriage.”

“I believe someone thinks himself quite the catch.”

It was his turn to laugh.

“It would have been a diabolical plot, I agree. But once you live as I have, hunted by the fierce predators of the ton and their mamas, you become suspect of any possible entanglement.”

“I don’t know what the ladies were thinking.”

“I believe they were thinking they wanted to be the Countess of Breckenridge. Nothing more.”

“But what did they think would come of their life with you in the future? After they’d trapped you against your will, did they expect you to just smile and be happy with your lot so all was forgotten and forgiven?”

“I doubt there was much thought to the future. There was only the opportunity of that moment.”

“What would have happened if they’d succeeded? If you were found in a compromising position and forced into marriage? What would you have done?”

It was a good question. One he’d not given much thought to since he’d managed to get free from the shackles of an unwanted match. He didn’t like to think about it now.

For the first time he realized he might have been married to someone he didn’t want when he found someone he did. What a travesty that would have been. He glanced at the woman walking next to him and did his best to cast the thought away.

“Well, I don’t think I would have devised an elaborate ruse to get my revenge, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“Revenge may have been extreme given the crime. That should be reserved for family members’ cruel betrayals that risk the lives of others.”

“Fair enough.”

“But tell me. What kind of life would you have had?”

“I’ve been doing my best not to think of it. Not to have to imagine looking across the table at a woman for the rest of my days knowing she only wanted my title and the comfort it provided rather than wanting me.”

“So you would have been miserable then?”

“I would have likely posted her in one of the properties I never frequent and gone on about my life as if she didn’t exist.” It was harsh, and he doubted he would have continued for years on end. But it would have eased his anger for a while at least.

“Would you have taken other lovers?” she asked, quietly. It was too late for him to prepare himself, for when he stared at her, he saw the rush of pink tinge her cheeks. He saw the way her big, green eyes watched him boldly, wanting an answer. He seemed to be stuck in her gaze as she probed his thoughts, looking for the truth. They’d both stopped walking and had turned to face each other.

“That is not proper discussion with a lady,” he said, looking away. It was the cowardly way out of the question, but he was glad for it. In truth, he didn’t know the answer. He began walking again and she followed. He knew from the soft steps in the sand behind him rather than seeing her. He’d picked up the pace but she had not fallen far behind.

Still, he considered her question.

A vow was a vow. If he promised fidelity, he would want to honor it. But another part of him, perhaps a part similar to Harlow’s thirst for revenge, would want to punish the person who’d stolen his chance for a happy life.

“I will remain steadfast, so not to find out,” he allowed.

“I’m fortunate for so many brothers on that front, at least.”

“How so?”

“They took turns seeing me to balls. Standing guard by my side all night so I’d not be lured into such a trap. Though it does little for one’s ego to hear them arguing over who would be forced to do the honor. Often fighting and once even coming to blows over who should have to watch over me. While I didn’t appreciate it, I am grateful no fortune-seeking scoundrel was able to trick me into scandal.”

“Take care on sharing stories like that, Lady Harlow. For the next time I see your brothers I might need to call them all out for the slight.”

She tilted her head and smiled. “I think I should like to see that, my lord.” She leaned closer to whisper, “Do not tempt me.”

The soft words, with the saucy tilt to her lips, went directly to his cock and had him hard in an instant. Good lord, what this woman did to him without even trying.

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