Page 50 of Seducing Sophia (Scholars of Seduction)

“No,” he said. “Believe me, Sophia. I merely went along with Dom’s suggestion to honor the bet…”

“Honor!” she scoffed and folded her arms, as if to shield herself from him.

“I wanted music lessons,” he continued. “That much is true. I was going to take one lesson to satisfy Dom, then abandon the idea—let him use another for his scheme.”

“So what persuaded you to continue?”

“You did,” he said. “I found myself enjoying your company, and I wanted more. I was genuine about wanting to learn. But it wasn’t just that. You, and little Henry…”

“Don’t talk about my son!” she cried. “He’s a child—an innocent child!”

“And I’m very fond of him,” he said. “Don’t you realize why I continued with the lessons? I was expecting to find a harridan whom I had no intention of seducing. But, instead, I found a warm-hearted woman with a passion for music and life—and a thoroughly charming little boy. I found myself falling for you—both of you.”

Her eyes widened, then she shook her head. “How can I believe you after you’ve admitted such deception? You’re worse than William—and up until now, I thought he was the very worst sort of libertine.”

“It’s because of my admission that you can trust me,” he said. “I have no reason to tell you, other than a wish to be honest.”

“Honest!” she spat. “I should never have come here.”

She moved toward the door.

“Please don’t leave,” he said. “It’s late. Think of Henry—you wouldn’t want to wake him now. If you’re still angry in the morning…”

“Still angry?” she cried. “You mean to portray me as the villain here?”

“No,” he said. “I only mean that if you wish to leave in the morning, I shall arrange it. There’s no merit in disturbing Henry’s rest.”

She grew still, and his heart raced in his chest, beating with the hope that she’d give him one more chance. Then, she glanced at the clock over the fireplace, and gave a sigh of resignation.

“Very well,” she said. “I’ll remain here tonight.”

He reached for her but she jerked away.

“Don’t touch me, Colonel,” she snarled. “Pay me the courtesy of getting out of my way.”

“Sophia, please,” he said, “I…”

“Leave me alone.” She pushed him away and ran out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

Fighting the urge to go after her, he rang the bell. Shortly after, a footman appeared.

“Send someone to tend to Mrs. Black, would you?” Adrian said. “And make sure she doesn’t leave.”

“Leave, sir? At this hour?”

“Just do it!” he barked.

The footman jerked at the harshness in his master’s voice, then bowed and left.

Adrian picked up the decanter and filled Sophia’s glass, then he lifted it and drained the contents. The liquid hit his throat like a flame and he spluttered as his chest spasmed into a cough.

Ye gods—why did people enjoy the stuff so much? Still, it had a smooth sweetness that he could get used to.

Will had always said that liquor numbed all feeling when one wished to feel nothing. Perhaps it might obliterate the guilt that gnawed at him—guilt that he’d even been part of Dom’s ridiculous scheme.

What was worse—a clear conscience, or disappointed hopes? Perhaps liquor held the answer. The wine might cure the pain brought about by his confession.

He refilled the glass and drained it.

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