Page 55 of Empowered By the Earl (Second Sons of London 3)

He glared at her. “Yes. That.”

“I showed Lord Boxling parts of the estate. The party was so large and I am quite familiar with Cliffside after all my rides about it.”

“Was it his idea or yours?”

Louisa’s cheeks pinkened. “What do you mean?”

“Did he suggest leaving the group or did you?”

She snorted in exasperation. “Why does that even matter, Owen?”

“Did he kiss you?”

Louisa’s eyes went wide. “That is none of your business!” she hissed.

Owen’s eyes narrowed. “That means he did,” he said grumpily.

“Whether he did or didn’t is absolutely none of your concern,” she said icily. “Please, release my arm.”

He glanced down and saw he was holding her elbow and let go.

“Owen, I know you are my friend—”

“You’re damned right I am.”

“But friends don’t order friends about. You are treating me like one of your soldiers. Snapping your fingers and expecting me to blindly obey any command you give.” She crossed her arms. “Well, I won’t have it, do you understand that?”

His eyes darkened. “Did he kiss you?” he asked softly.

“Ifhe did—and I am saying if—it was because I thought it was a good idea and allowed him to do so. I have told you that Tessa and Adalyn think kissing is important when deciding upon a husband. Even you told me kissing in a marriage is important. If I am to decide whether or not I like a man enough to marry him, then I am going to have to kiss a few of them to find out.”

“Did you enjoy his kiss—as much as mine?”

Louisa shook her head. “You... are impossible.”

She brushed past him and hurried down the stairs.

What right did he think he had to ask her such questions? What if she did kiss Lord Boxling? It was none of his business. At all.

*

Owen stood onthe terrace and wondered for the tenth time what he had been thinking when he confronted Louisa.

She was right. It was none of his concern if she rode off alone with a handsome rake. If she kissed said rake. If shelikedkissing said rake.

Anger caused his blood to boil.

“You look as if you could use a bit of punch,” Tessa said, pressing a cup upon him. “I know the day is warming up. Hopefully, this will cool you off.”

He accepted the cup and quickly drained it of its contents, not tasting anything.

“What’s wrong, Owen?”

“Nothing,” he said tersely, glancing away and finding Louisa standing in a group with Miss Peterson, Mr. Hampton. And Lord Boxling.

“Nothing—or Louisa?” Tessa ventured.

Whipping his head around, he said, “What did you say? Oh, never mind.” He placed his cup on a tray held by a passing footman.

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