Page 54 of A Lady's Lesson in Scandal
I’d rather pull my teeth out with tweezers.
Drake rarely had guests at his country estate. Alder House was his retreat, and he resented the crowd of people invading his billiard room. He watched Reynard stroll over to Franklin and strike up a conversation. Reynard glanced back at Drake, a quick wink betraying his intent.
A hot poker to my balls. Far more appealing than talking to that snivelling swine.
He wasn’t sure he could control his temper around a man so unworthy of Millie’s time or affections. The very idea of Franklin touching his betrothed filled Drake with a fury that caused him to pause and reflect.
Reflection is for poets and priests. I am neither of those.
And yet, he sat brooding like a love-sick fop. It troubled him. How much hecared. His ridiculous heart, an organ that never bothered him in the past, suddenly couldn’t keep a rhythm. This infernal consideration extended beyond Millie, encompassing matters of importance to her. Like Ivy Cavendale. Since when did he get embarrassed for women he barely knew and had little interest in getting to know?
Since Millie.
Damnation. He was even starting to notice the food Millie favoured so he could speak with the cook about ensuring their placement on the menu. It was ridiculous.
Of all the women to suddenly pique his interest, he chose the one lady impossible to contain or control. Which was highly unfortunate. For Drake, control was paramount. If he couldn’t control her, he couldn’t protect her. He couldn’t ensure she stayed with him. He couldn’t keep her.
Because she isn’t some goddamned pet to be trained or property to own.
But that didn’t stop him from wanting to lock her away, safe and secure. The complete opposite of what Millie wanted. Freedom. What human being didn’t yearn for autonomy? But free will meant she had choices. And one of those choices could be to leave. Allowing her freedom would be trusting her to stay, and as Millie said, they didn’t have much trust between them.
But what we do have between us is incendiary.
He took another deep drag of his cheroot and let the fragrant smoke fog his vision. Not that it mattered. He couldn’t see anything clearly now. Not when he closed his eyes and filled his mind with blazing-red hair, warm coffee eyes, and soft curves so abundant, he could drown in her body.
Maybe it was just lust. He hadn’t been with a woman in too long to remember. Perhaps his body had gone into overdrive, and he merely needed to slake his voracious thirst to regain a sense of inner calm. He certainly enjoyed his time between her thighs. In those moments, all the frustration, fear, and fury had disappeared.
Yes, what a brilliant excuse to invade Millie’s room. A bid for spiritual enlightenment. Hardly! I promised I wouldn’t compromise her, but if I visit her tonight, I’ll not be a man of my word. Although it wouldn’t be the first promise I broke. Of all the sins I’ve committed, this is one I’d happily burn for.
What kind of honourable gentleman broke a promise to his intended? Drake, apparently. He was disgusted with himself, Millie, love, and all the fates who brought him to this place. He wished Killian were here. The man would be crowing in victory over Drake’s obsession, but at least he might offer some sage advice. Millie’s heated looks over dinner stirred more than just Drake’s cock. She was like an infection he couldn’t purge.
And she wants me to break my promise as much as I want to break it. It’s hardly dishonourable to rescind a stupid vow neither of us wants to uphold.
His cock twitched hopefully at the thought.
Wonderful. The last thing I need is any input from you.
And now he was talking to his erection.
Fabulous.
So, his brilliant plan of seduction was to knock on Millie’s door and see if she would allow him entrance. And if she did, he’d hope like hell one night with Millie purged this burning need from his blood so he could focus on more important things. Like trapping a killer.
No wonder we’re no closer to finding evidence against Franklin. I can’t even bloody well speak to the man without losing my temper. Because of Millie.
But it wasn’t fair to heap that blame on her. It was because of how Drakefeltabout Millie.
I don’t have feelings.
The drum of his heartbeat begged to differ.
Lord Bradford ambled over, a fat cigar between his fingers. He stroked his moustache and bumped his shoulder against Drake’s.
‘Finally decided to leap over the sword, eh?’ Bradford’s deep laughter echoed throughout the room.
‘More of a push than a leap,’ Drake mumbled. But that was a lie, and he knew it. He was choosing this marriage. He wanted it. Which was insane.
‘I’ve been with my dear Ethel over five and twenty years.’ Bradford’s eyes grew hazy, though it could have just been the bluish-grey smoke from his cigar. ‘I wouldn’t give her up for all the whiskey in the world, and that’s saying something. You’ve picked a good one there, Drake. She’ll see you right.’
