An Earl by Any Other Name

by Lauren Smith

  “I didn’t want to marry anyone.” She sniffed and looked up at him. “And now I’m to be stuck with you.” She waved a hand at him and then sniffed again, her eyes too bright, too full of tears. Had he ever believed Mildred—Milly—Pepperwirth capable of tears? No, he hadn’t. She’d always been this bastion of female spinsterdom to him. Beautiful, but cold and untouchable. Who was this teary-eyed beauty whose tough lit an unwelcome yet undeniable fire in his blood?

  He was moving before he was aware of it. He eased down beside her on the bed and cupped her chin, turning her face toward his.

  “Milly, I’m sorry I’ve done this to you, to both of us.” He meant it. They were stuck with each other.

  Her long lashes fluttered, tears coating her lips like tiny crystals.

  “Then don’t go see my father tomorrow. Just leave. I’ll not tell a soul what happened.”

  He shook his head. “The damage is done.” He shifted a few inches closer, his hand on her chin sliding around to cup her cheek. Her skin was soft as silk and he half closed his eyes as he fixed on her lips. He had the sudden urge to taste her, a woman he couldn’t stand.

  “Let me kiss you,” he begged in a ragged whisper. Swept away by a surge of desire, he wanted to taste this woman’s lips to see how fiery she was when she wasn’t verbally sparring with him.

  “What?” She blinked in surprise and drew back an inch.

  Every predatory instinct in him took over and he dipped his head, bruising his lips over hers, light enough for her to still withdraw or to lean forward. Her mouth trembled against his and he felt her lean in, just a bare quarter inch. He curled his fingers aground the back of her neck and held her still for his plundering kiss. He tasted her, teased her lips and stroked the tip of his tongue along the seam of her mouth. A soft little throaty sound escaped Milly and he wanted to crow in triumph. The lady could be seduced after all!

  It took a surprising amount of willpower for him to separate their mouths. He rested his forehead against hers and stroked her cheeks with his thumbs as they shared panting breaths.

  “I know this isn’t what you wanted, and I am sorry.” He kissed her again, this time on her cheek, and exited the room before she could say another word or shed another tear that he would see.

  Also by Lauren Smith

  THE BRITISH STEPBROTHER SERIES

  Forbidden

  Seduction

  Climax

  THE SURRENDER SERIES

  The Gilded Cuff

  The Gilded Cage

  The Gilded Chain

  Don’t miss more great reads from Lauren Smith!

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