Page 44 of The Scoundrel and the Lady

“Then why have an affair?”

“The goings-on between a man and a woman in the bedroom have little to do with love,” he said.

His words wounded her. It was foolish, she recognized that, but still his acknowledgment that any affection he’d shared with her had meant nothing to him. She was a passing entertainment, she supposed. But certainly, if it could be such for men, it could be that way for women as well.

“Did she love you?” Iris asked.

“I do not believe Jessica has ever loved anyone other than herself,” Merritt said harshly.

So, there were women who were able to indulge in physical pleasures without losing their hearts. Part of her wished she was just Iris tonight so that she could go to this Jessica seeking the secret to protecting her heart. But that would most assuredly expose her identity. And the night was nearly complete. Only an hour or two more and she would have successfully pulled off the charade of the century. And no one save she and Merritt, and their closest friends, would know the truth.

“Have you ever been in love?” she found herself asking.

He was quiet a moment, the muscles in his jaw tightening. “I fancied myself in love once, when I was much younger.”

“And?”

“And I asked her to marry me, but she declined.”

“Whyever would she have done that?” she asked, unable to keep the surprise from her voice.

“I was untitled at the time, and though I had quite the fortune, it was not enough for her. She was country gentry and determined to marry up. She claimed to have feelings for me, but she couldn’t lower her standards so far.”

“She said that?”

“Not in so many words, but the message was quite clear.” He glanced down at the playbill.

“Did she ever marry?”

“Indeed she did. She is Viscountess Knolls.”

Iris had never met the woman, but she knew precisely who she was. Tall and beautiful, with lush curves and luminous dark hair—aside from their height, she and the viscountess had nothing in common, save Merritt.

The lights dimmed again, and the second act began. Iris did her best to pay attention to the story unfolding on the stage, especially since the character of Portia was currently masquerading as a man. Though, she had arguably better reasons than Iris did. Yet Iris kept thinking about Merritt and Lady Knolls, and how he’d once loved her, or thought he had.

…

They’d successfully reached the carriage without having to interact with anyone else. Once they were settled and on their way, Merritt cleared his throat. “Though I still do not agree with you about my articles and their potential for damage, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that there are those who have missed that the intention was satirical, not to give legitimate advice.”

“What does that mean?” she asked.

“I’ve decided to discontinue the series.”

“Truly?”

He caught her glance, and her eyes glistened with tears. It felt as if she’d reached in and squeezed his heart. And in that moment, with her gratitude shining desperately in her eyes, he’d never wanted her more.

He cupped her chin and leaned in. His lips pressed against hers, and it was as if the world stopped. She was pliant and soft beneath him, had even leaned in closer. He teased at her bottom lip with his teeth and then his tongue until she parted and allowed him entrance.

He kept things slow and gentle, seductively worshiping her mouth. When he heard a sigh escape her lips, deep satisfaction and desire surged through his body, and he tightened his grasp on her.

She met his intensity, climbing atop him and straddling his lap. Her tongue slid against his, and he groaned into her mouth. Lust pulsed through him as her hand clutched his shoulder. He could kiss her forever. Only Iris.

He wanted to press harder against her body, but he knew if he let it go on much longer, kissing wouldn’t be the only thing done. He’d already risked her reputation enough for one day.

Finally, he ended the kiss and set her back on her carriage bench. Her brow furrowed, and she opened her mouth to speak, but he beat her to it.

“I believe the carriage has stopped.”

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