Page 31 of Lucien's Gamble

Julienne blushed. “You say the most wicked things, Lucien.”

He raised a mocking brow. “Youdothe most wicked things, my love. Underneath that prim-and-proper exterior is a wanton dying to be satisfied. And I am just the repentant rake to do it.”

“Repentant?” She arched a brow.

“Definitely.”

She glanced around furtively before whispering, “Do you really think so?”

“Think what?” he asked. “That I’m the man to satisfy you?” His mouth curved with devilish amusement. “Do you doubt it? I think I’ve proven myself rather well, considering I haven’t been able to use all of my endowments.” His grin widened. “You do remember what I told you about challenging a man’s virility?”

“No, not that.” Her blush deepened. “I meant the part about my being a wanton.”

He laughed. “You liked that, did you?”

She blushed. “It’s a relief to know you find me …”

“Passionate? Desirable? Interesting? Beautiful?”

Julienne laughed, heedless of the scandalized eyes that watched them cross the dance floor. “You make me feel like I am all of those things. I thank you for that.”

“And you make me happy. So it is I who must thank you.”

Her eyes dropped shyly.

“Julienne.”

She glanced at him.

“I would like to take you on a picnic tomorrow.”

“Montrose would never—”

“Leave him to me.”

Julienne narrowed her eyes. “Even if that were true, I’ve already agreed to accompany Lord Fontaine to a literary luncheon tomorrow.”

Lucien’s lips tightened grimly. “The day after, then.”

She nodded. “If you can arrange to garner my brother’s approval, I would love to go on a picnic with you, Lucien.”

She knew what he wanted. He wished to say good-bye, and she was touched he wanted to make it a memorable event. He cared for her, perhaps more than he knew, but he would never change, and she would never ask him to. Eventually he would resent her for the marital restrictions imposed on his lifestyle. No matter how much he desired her, desire alone would never be enough to bridge the gulf between them.

However, she refused to think about that now.

Instead she threw herself into the dance and allowed Lucien Remington, notorious libertine, to sweep her away. For this moment at least, she could pretend all of her dreams had come true.

Chapter Ten

He was very handsome.

Julienne acknowledged that fact for the hundredth time as she studied Lord Fontaine furtively beneath her lashes. And quite charming. She glanced around the long table where they sat in Lady Busby’s London residence. Most of the other women in the room were eyeing him covetously. But Julienne could dredge up no pleasure in the day. All she desired was to be enjoying a picnic with Lucien.

“Is the food not to your taste, Lady Julienne?” Fontaine asked solicitously.

She smiled. “Everything is wonderful. I’m just not very hungry.” She glanced at his plate.

“Liar,” he teased. “You want a bite of my scone.” He broke off a piece with his long, elegant fingers, swiped some softened butter on it with a knife, and brought it to her mouth. She parted her lips automatically, and he popped the morsel inside.

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