Page 40 of A Scandalous Bargain
She set the candlestick down and took a deep breath, her pulse calming now that there was no danger. “There’s only one reason a man follows a woman into a secluded room during a ball.”
He arched a brow at her, and she was struck by how handsome he looked in his crisp evening wear, his dark hair combed into a dashing style. “Just one? Why do you think I’m here?”
“Well, not forthat.” Heat flushed through her. She imaginedthatwithhimand wished thatwaswhy he’d come.
He closed the distance between them, coming to stand right before her. “How do you know?” His voice was a silken cloak that wrapped itself around her.
“You followed me for an assignation?” The last word came out at a much higher pitch, and her heart had begun to speed up once more. “Wait, why are you even here at all? You’re in mourning.”
“Yes, well, my aunt has assured me that I’m welcome to go out in Society because I’m in need of a wife.”
“You are?”
He lifted a shoulder. “So people think. You see, I’m a father of a young daughter and a viscount without an heir.” He rolled his eyes. “Obviously, I am in need of a wife.”
“Obviously.” It wasn’t really. Not to Beatrix, but then what did she know of such things?
“I confess I couldn’t resist the chance to come tonight—I received the invitation before… Well,before. Anyway, I wanted to see you in a gown and all the trappings.”
“Didn’t you already do that at Almack’s?”
He exhaled. “Yes. I also hoped to dance with you.That, I haven’t done.”
“No, you haven’t.” She sounded like she’d swallowed a frog. He was so close, so wonderfully imposing, and he smelled divine—like sandalwood and spice.
She’d never understood why a woman would swoon. Until now.
Voices outside the door sounded an alarm. She grabbed his hand and pulled him to the other side of the room where one of the new bookcases hadn’t yet been pushed back against the wall. It provided an excellent—and the only—place for them to hide.
She pulled him behind the bookcase and held her finger to her lips. The space was rather close, pinning them between the bookcase and the wall. They faced each other, their chests touching. It might not have been an assignation, but it would certainly look like one if they were discovered.
It also felt a little bit like itwasone.
All she need do was stand on her toes, twine her arms around his neck, press her lips to his… Would he mind?
The space was rather dim, but she could just make him out in the shadows. He looked down at her, his gaze dark and enchanting. She nearly lost herself, but then the voices were closer—in the room now—and she knew them.
“What happened?” Selina asked.
“I was speaking with… Hell, I don’t remember his name. Lord Dimwit or something.” That was Rafe. “I just misspoke, but I think I covered it well.”
“What did you say?”
“I said Beatrix was your sister.”
Thomas’s eyes narrowed very slightly as his head cocked to listen to the conversation.
Beatrix’s heart beat so loudly, she feared he could hear it.
“Is that all?” Selina asked, and Beatrix could almost hear her frowning. “What did you say?”
“I laughed, and then I said she wasoursister.”
“Rafe.What else?” Selina demanded. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“Nothing! That’s exactly as it happened. Just…”
There was a noise, as if Rafe had kicked something, and Beatrix startled. Tom put his arms around her and held her steady. His touch was at once comforting and arousing.
