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She shook her head. “You’ve been terribly kind. Let’s discuss you instead.”
“What about me?” he asked, knowing they’d been hidden for too long. They should return to the bench. Hell, he should bring her inside.
She tapped her chin. “Well, for starters, I’d love to know more about your plan to burn down your title in a fiery blaze of glory.”
He grimaced, pulling her into the middle of the terrace again. “You remember that, do you?” What he still hadn’t decided was what came after. What did he do when he’d killed his father’s line for good?
“I do,” she answered, tucking her hand into his. She looked up to the windows, sure her family was watching.
“I know it’s not the best plan, but it’s the only one I can see that fits.”
She swallowed, looking over at him. “You don’t like your father.”
He gave a slight shudder, almost imperceptible. “Hate is the better word.”
She turned to look at him. “And you’re willing to go to debtors’ prison for your hate?”
“It won’t come to that.” He stopped, turning to her. “The assets will cover most of the debt.”
“What will you do the rest of your life?” she asked. “How will you live?”
He turned toward her. “I am still working that part out.”
She cocked a brow. “Currently, you are still in the destruction phase of your plan.”
He shook his head. “That makes me sound truly terrible.” He drew in a breath. “It’s not as bad as it seems. I am plenty skilled. My father saw to that. I just haven’t wanted to use them. They were his. Not mine. I’m versed in finance, business, trade. He saw fit that I received the education that befitted his status. And because of it, I could start a business or run an estate. But that would be his path.”
She nodded. “I understand.” She did. She wanted her own path too. Though staring at him, a woman might forget.
He stopped, his hand reaching for her. “You do. Don’t you?”
“I do. How have you supported yourself then? If you haven’t used your education?”
He cocked his brow. A small smile touching his lips. This was the part about being a rake he actually enjoyed. “Gambling. All my mathematical lessons have come in handy in the most scandalous path possible.”
She laughed then, covering her mouth with her hand. “It’s funny. I know that we’ve kissed. But I have the feeling that we’d make wonderful friends.” She smiled up at him. “I’ve told you things that I’ve never shared with anyone and…”
“It’s not funny at all.” He leaned close to her ear. “I was tempted to spill all my secrets last night. Just as you offered.”
She cocked her head. “When you’re done burning down the viscountcy, find me again. Perhaps I will be a true spinster, everyone given up on marrying me off, and you will be poor and happy, and we could…”
His fingers twined into hers. “What could we do, Cordelia?” There was an edge to his voice, deep and masculine that made her shiver despite the sun. It didn’t frighten her, rather it excited her.
She swayed closer to him. “I…” She licked her lips and his eyes followed her tongue. “I meant we could be friends. Help one another.”
His brow drew together. “So a relationship where we are just chums? Pals? From the man you asked for a kiss?”
Her face flushed with heat. “I suppose that does sound odd.” She shrugged. “If I were honest, I feel more comfortable asking things of you than I do anyone else.”
He relaxed his hold.
And then they began dancing again. Slowly. “I didn’t mean to offend. It had never occurred to me to have a female friend. But now that you say it, an idea is forming.”
“Idea?”
He nodded. “Yes. Let’s see. I need a future that provides for me but is separate from the viscountcy. You need a way to avoid marriage and start a career in music.”
“That’s right.”
