Page 126 of Her Beast

Malcolm clinked his glass against hers and they drank. He gestured to the settee. “May I sit next to you?”

“Please do.”

The entire piece of furniture shifted when he sat, even though he’d lowered himself carefully. He angled his body toward hers, his gaze hooded and introspective, as if he’d surprised himself, somehow.

“May I ask you some questions?” she asked, when it became clear he was content to just stare at her.

“You may.”

“How many?”

“As many as I feel like answering.”

Julia laughed. “I suppose I’d better ask the most important questions first, then. Have you watched me—through those mirrors?”

“The only time I watched you was when you arrived.”

“Was I n-naked?”

“Yes. I watched Kemp undress you and put you to bed.”

The effect of his words on her body was both immediate and electric and she set down her glass with trembling fingers.

“I wish I could apologize,” he said, his low voice a rumble. “But I’m not sorry.”

“Well, at least you are honest.”

“Are you angry that I saw you?”

Julia knew she should lie, but she couldn’t. “No.”

A slow, wicked smile transformed his face, making him look almost satanic in his black mask. “Do you like thinking of me watching you?”

Rather than trust her voice, she nodded.

His expression was darkly amused, but he didn’t speak.

“You watch other women, too—don’t you?”

“Yes.”

Jealousy sank its poisoned fangs into her. “Why do you do it?”

“Why did you come back to watch me over and over?”

Even though Julia’s mouth had fallen open, she couldn’t draw in enough air.

He chuckled. “My turn to ask some questions. Was the tutor the only one?”

She chewed her lip.

“Come—the truth and only the truth.”

Julia knew she shouldn’t, but the words came tumbling out, “No, there was my stepmother’s footman, Matthew. He was before Solomon.” She risked a look at him but couldn’t read his expression. Was he angry? Disgusted? Disappointed? “Do you think that makes me a whore?”

“What?”

He looked so scandalized that it was actually amusing.

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