Page 15 of The No Good Irresistible Viscount Tipton
Rayne did not bother to disguise his irritation. “Why would we want to do that?”
“Well, among the three of us we might do justice to this portion.”
A reluctant grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Outside of enough, eh?”
“A trifle.” She was pleased when he laughed outright. “Why did you say Brock should recognize one of his own kind?” Devona cut into a slice of ham. She wasn’t hungry, but it was a respectable excuse for them to be seen together.
“Lord Nevin is not the man for you, Devona.”
She warmed at the intimate use of her name, which was good, since Rayne’s glare was utterly chilling. “Why? He is handsome, titled, rich. Most women would be honored to have his attention.”
Instead of anger flaring, he gave her a considering look. “This is important to you?”
“Not in the manner you think,” she said, stung that he thought her such a superficial creature. “Besides, Lord Nevin just finds me amusing. Why else would he seek out Sir Thomas Bedegrayne’s reckless daughter for a wife when there are so many other suitable candidates? If he was to choose a Bedegrayne, Wynne would be a better choice if you could convince her to have him.”
Something lightened in Rayne’s expression. In another she might have called it relief. “Your sister would not marry a handsome, flush earl?”
Devona wrinkled her nose. “Lord Nevin? No. Those smoldering looks may turn a lady’s insides to jelly; however, she would refuse him for the same reasons that you believe he is not acceptable for me.”
“Reasons?” he echoed.
“You said so yourself that he is very much like Brock. He probably spends most of his time drinking, fighting, gambling away his fortune, and womanizing. I would hate to be the one to ruin all his fun.” She glanced around. “You forgot to get me something to drink.”
“Here, take this.” He offered her his wine, daring her to drink. It was a challenge she found difficult to resist. She took his glass and sipped, wondering if she was putting her lips in the same place he had. Her hand trembled as she recalled how his lips had felt against hers.
A mischievous glimmer lightened his demeanor. “What’s wrong, Devona?”
“N-nothing.”
“Are you certain? The tips of your ears are a delightful shade of red.”
In self-defense, Devona smirked. “I suppose it is too much to hope that if you can dress like a gentleman, that you can act like one as well!”
“Yes, it is.”
Well, well, the man was teasing her. All those rumors about him being a ruthless, dangerous creature of the night must have been all nonsense. Rayne could be intimidating, and heroic, she mentally added, remembering how he had saved them at the gardens. Above all, he had been nothing but kind to her, even if he had refused to help her.
“I did not realize you moved in society.”
He took his wine back, purposely turning the glass so that his mouth touched where hers had. “It is difficult to avoid people when living in a city.”
“That is not what I mean.”
“I know.” Rayne stared past her, watching the elegantly dressed couples chatting around them. “And you are correct. I generally avoid such gatherings, unless it befits me.”
Not understanding, she gazed up at him. “Like it does now, Lord Tipton?”
“Yes.”
Devona had expected him to deny his heritage, as he had invariably done before. She had tried, and failed, to understand why a man would deny his birthright. It provided him a position in society, respect, and opportunities. Rayne had walked away from all of it. Remarkable still, he had thrived. True, many here would not consider becoming a surgeon something to boast about, but he had made his choice, then had become the best in his profession. It made one think of all the possibilities if he had chosen to embrace his advantages.
Rayne tenderly reached out, entwining his finger within the coil of one of the curls framing her face. He seemed enthralled by her hair. Devona held her breath, uncertain where his thoughts were taking him. If he tried to kiss her… No, he would not dare! Already the people around them had noted his bold gesture. Someone in her family was bound to hear of it.
“W-what?” she asked, worried a little by the fierce satisfaction she saw in his expression. Her breathing improved when he reluctantly released her hair.
He pitched his voice so that only she could hear. “I have reconsidered your request for my assistance.”
She fought back the urge to jump up and embrace him. “You did? Why did you not say something earlier? Is that the reason you came tonight?”
