Page 16 of Wicked Again
"My niece, Lady Malden,” Marissa said crisply.
Haddon greeted Arabella politely before settling himself in a chair just to Marissa’s left, much too close for her comfort if the rippling of her skin was any indication. He leaned back, stretching out his long legs until the toe of his boot nearly touched her skirts.
Impudent rake.Awareness of him swirled, making her insides clench.I should have informed him I was not receiving.
“What a pleasure to meet a ...friendof my aunt’s.” Arabella smiled, clearly enjoying Marissa’s discomfort.
“Lord Haddon and I met during my visit with Brendan,” Marissa said.
“At a house party, of all things.” Haddon didn’t look at Arabella as he answered, his attention entirely on Marissa. “Your charming aunt helped relieve some of the tedium.”
Arabella took a large swallow of tea, hiding the smile tugging at her lips.
Marissa gritted her teeth at the innuendo behind his words. “Haddon and your cousin are friends.”
“Unfortunately, I haven’t seen Morwick in some time. A disagreement of a veryancientnature has put us at odds.” The silver eyes twinkled with amusement at Marissa, daring her to contradict him.
She coughed delicately, wanted to hurl her teacup at him. “I've so enjoyed your visit, my dear,” Marissa said, turning to Arabella. “I know youmustbe on your way. Give my love to Rowan and darling Lily."
Arabella stood immediately, wisely taking the hint. “My, I fear I have lost track of the time. I’ll take my leave, Aunt Maisy. My husband will wonder where I’ve gotten off to.”
Haddon stood. “Pray don’t leave on my account, Lady Malden.”
“Not at all.” Arabella leaned forward to press a kiss to Marissa’s cheek. “He’s quite something,” she whispered in Marissa’s ear before straightening. “I’ll bring Lily next time,” she assured Marissa. “A pleasure to meet you, Lord Haddon.”
“And you, Lady Malden.”
Arabella took her sweet time leaving the room, perhaps hoping to overhear something salacious.
Marissa would need to have a very pointed discussion with her niece.
Haddon regarded her in silence until the door of the drawing room shut behind Arabella with a soft click. Removing his gloves, he laid them on the arm of the chair and crossed his legs at the ankle. His trousers pulled sharply against his heavily muscled thighs.
Drat.
It was a struggle for hernotto look, which Marissa was certain was Haddon’s intent. She had wondered during their previousdalliancewhat he did with himself which resulted in such a lean, powerful form. Her eyes were drawn to the large hands with their calloused blunt-tipped fingers, and she remembered the way he’d caressed her skin.Notwith the hands of a gentleman, which were often as soft and pliant as her own and certainly—
“Marissa?” He watched her intently, one forefinger absently drawing a circle on the arm of the chair. “I see my appearance has surprised you. Are you well? You seem...distracted.”
No, shewasn’twell. If she was any closer to Haddon, she might burst into flames. “Perfectly fine, thank you.” It was one thing to decide not to involve herself with Haddon. Quite another for her body to comprehend what that meant.
“Difficult,” he murmured under his breath, almost too quiet for her to hear. His fingers started drumming.
Marissa was certain he meant her. She hadn’t been calleddifficultby a man in quite some time. “If you are referring to me, I am well aware of my character deficits.”
“I didn’t say it was a deficit.” He looked away for a moment before turning back to her. “I find it makes you more interesting. But then, I’ve told you such before.”
While holding my hand as we lay beside each other after he ravished me at Brushbriar. I thought he would leave and return to his own rooms, but instead he held my hand and whispered to me in the dark.
“I would like to explain...after I found out about Reggie—”
“There’s no need, Marissa.” Haddon watched her with an odd expression.
Somewhat flustered, she lifted her chin. “I don’t think it would be wise to continue our previous association. If you have come here to persuade me to continue our—”
“Affair?” he said in a helpful tone.
“Dalliance,” she corrected. “And my answer is no.” She nodded her head slightly and clasped her hands. He would not talk her out of her decision, despite his...annoyingmagnificence.
