Page 44 of Enticing the Devil

So why in hell could he so clearly envision her naked in his bed?

Bloody hell.

“Hello, brother,” Roderick greeted as he stepped up beside him. His usual annoying grin was firmly in place.

Beynon had hoped that by taking up a position in the corner of the large drawing room, he’d make it clear to others he was not in the mood to socialize. His brother clearly didn’t get the message.

“Move along, Roderick,” he warned. “I’m wretched company this evening.”

Roderick eyed him closely. “That’s exactly why I came to talk to you. So no one else would have to.”

“I should just leave.”

“Stay right there.”

Beynon eyed his brother curiously. He’d never heard that sharp tone before.

Seeing his expression, Roderick added, “I’ve something to say to you and you’re going to stand there and listen.”

Beynon gave him a glare. “Why do I get the feeling I’m about to receive a lecture?”

“Because it would seem you’re due for one. Colin says you and Lady Anne are having something of a quarrel.”

Beynon glanced to where Colin stood with Lady Wright talking to Mr. and Mrs. Turner, who’d just arrived at the country estate early that day. Mrs. Turner being the youngest sister of Roderick’s wife and their hostess.

He turned his accusing glare back to Roderick. “The two of you talk about me when I’m not there?”

Roderick shrugged. “Colin and I talk about you. You and I talk about Colin. No doubt you and Colin occasionally talk about me. And all three of us talk about Owen. The only exception is Cailleach who we all know prefers to express herself more directly.”

Beynon scowled at that. The man was right. But it didn’t make the issue any more palatable.

“What happened?” Roderick pressed.

Beynon could already feel his temper rising as he suspected where his brother’s obvious concern was directed. “Nothing.”

“I can tell when you’re lying, you know.”

This brother’s intuition was frustratingly astute but that didn’t mean Beynon had to bow to his curiosity. He ignored Roderick to sweep a glance over the room. Unfortunately, his attention fell almost immediately upon Lady Anne where she stood talking with several other ladies.

After spending the last hours very purposefully avoiding even the barest peek at the woman, he now couldn’t seem to drag his gaze away.

Tonight, she’d dressed in rose-colored silk. Not a pale pastel, but a deep, vivid shade of pink that was not unlike the color of her lips after he’d so thoroughly kissed her.

With a harsh tightening in his stomach, he forced his gaze away, only to have it slam disconcertingly into his brother’s scrutinizing stare.

Fuck.

“You know,” Roderick began, “Lady Anne has been a close friend of my sister-in-law since her debut. Though I sure as hell don’t make it a habit to concern myself with such things, I believe it prudent to offer you a bit of warning.”

Irritation flared even more brightly. First Colin. Now Roderick.

And the worst part of it all was he couldn’t even argue their concern was misplaced. Imagine if they knew he’s already kissed the woman. Twice.

Either unaware or unconcerned with Beynon’s internal struggle, Roderick returned his glare with a hard look of his own. “I’ve heard you say a thousand times that you’ve no intention of marrying a lady of London high society”—he lowered his brows forbiddingly and dropped his voice—“to which Lady Anne decidedly belongs. Whatever is occurring between the two of you needs to stop or you’ll find yourself with a bride after all.”

That was it. Beynon had enough.

Neither of his brothers could possibly say anything to him he hadn’t already been saying to himself, and far more harshly. He didn’t need their warnings or their advice or their noble insistence on protecting the meek and fair Lady Anne from his dastardly intentions. Even if it came from a desire to protect Lady Anne, his older brother had a way of putting Beynon’s back against the wall like no one else. And when he felt cornered, he had a tendency to lash out.

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