Devon clucked to the horses and soon they were on their way into the park. “Like I said, I couldn’t leave such an innocent with those scoundrels.”
Lily smiled at that too. “You’re nicer than you want anyone to think you are.”
Devon gave her a mock-aghast look. “Please. Do not tell anyone. It would ruin my black reputation.”
Once they passed through the gates of Hyde Park, Devon maneuvered along the foothills and valleys. Then he took the phaeton down a secluded little dirt path that ended underneath a bridge. Most secluded.
“Ah, so, this is more of your plot,” Lily said. “Though I must admit this is quite the picturesque scene.”
“My plot? I don’t know what you’re talking about. I merely thought you might enjoy the scenery. I thought we might take Bandit, here, for a walk.”
Lily watched him warily from the corner of her eye. “It’s lovely,” she conceded. “And no doubt Bandit will love it.” With one arm, she scooped up the puppy and allowed Devon to help her from the phaeton with the other. They walked along the bank and Lily let Bandit down onto the ground. The tiny dog hopped around and rolled in the grass, causing Lily to laugh and Devon to smile.
Lily slowed her pace and Bandit kept up beside them, stopping every few paces to roll around or sniff out some interesting smell.
“Where is Miss Templeton this afternoon while her fiancé is off with me?” Lily asked, unable to stop herself.
Devon’s eyebrows shot up. “You know very well I am no longer affianced to Miss Templeton because of that pamphlet of yours.”
Lily crossed her arms over her chest. “If you’ve asked me to go riding today in an effort to convince me to write a retraction, you’re wasting your time. If I had authored the pamphlet, I would have no intention of writing a retraction. Your time would be much better spent looking for another wealthy young woman to marry. After all, you need to pay for that impressive phaeton of yours.”
Devon turned to face her, his eyes so intent that she thought for the span of an instant he was going to take her face in his hands and kiss her. And God help her, she wanted him to. She closed her eyes. She leaned forward.
“Got you!”
Lily’s eyes flew open just as Devon’s hand closed around something on her shoulder. He jogged away a bit to the nearest tree, knelt down, and opened his hand.
“What was it?” Lily asked, brushing off her shoulders.
“Just a spider.”
“A spider!” Lily twirled around in a frenzy, swatting at her skirts. Bandit barked and hopped around her ankles, clearly convinced her new mistress was playing some sort of fun game. In an effort to avoid hitting Bandit, Lily knocked herself off balance, tripped over a tree limb, and would have gone flying if Devon’s arm hadn’t snaked around her middle and stopped her fall.
His warm, strong hands set her upright and lingered on her hips.
“You’re safe. I’ve got it,” Devon said, his mouth hovering barely above hers.
Lily trembled at his touch. She stepped away and continued to swipe at her shoulders. “If one spider found me, his friends and family might not be far behind.” She ran her hands across her arms and face and swooshed away the invisible spider, squirming the entire time.
“Settle down,” Devon commanded with another chuckle. “I told you I got the thing. Don’t worry.”
“Don’t worry?” she repeated, still brushing off her arms and her dress. “Do you know how much I detest spiders?”
“I thought you told me you couldn’t stand to see anything hurt.”
Lily shuddered. “Ugh. I make one exception and that is for spiders.”
“They eat bugs.”
“They have eight legs. Eight! It’s unnatural.”
“Their webs are quite amazing, actually.”
“Death traps! Not to mention, they jump!” She didn’t stop running her hands up and down her arms.
“Here now.” Devon plucked her hands away. He brushed off her bonnet, her arms, and her back and led her over to a stone bench where they sat, somehow calming her and making her feel safe at the same time. Bandit hopped over, curled up beneath the bench, and soon was exhaling little puppy snores.
Lily took a deep breath and gave a self-conscious laugh. “I suppose you think I’m a complete ninny now, but you haven’t any idea how much I detest those creatures.”
“Yes. I do.” Devon smiled. “I remember your reaction at the Medleys’ picnic five years ago. I’ve never seen such a sight. One would have thought a wild boar was after you.”
Lily stopped squirming. “You remember that?”
“I daresay all company present remembers that. You carried on as if you were being chased by a pack of wild hounds.”
Lily winced. “Ah, well, yes. It’s always rather been a flaw of mine, being frightened of spiders, that is. I believe I am quite brave when it comes to many things, but spiders scare me senseless.”
“So I’ve gathered,” he said with another knee-weakening smile.
Lily straightened her shoulders and cleared her throat. She patted the top of her bonnet self-consciously. “Yes. Well. Thank you very much for dispatching the blackguard.”
He nodded. Once. His lips twitched suspiciously. “You’re most welcome.”
“That was awfully nice of you,” she conceded. “To remove it without alerting me to its presence, that is.”
“No more thanks necessary.”
They sat in silence for several minutes and Lily once again had the thought that it was a comfortable silence. Not one that seemed awkward, needing to be filled like it was with so many of her suitors or other acquaintances.
Lily leaned over to watch Bandit sleep. Then she shut her own eyes and let the spring wind blow across her cheeks. She breathed in the air that was always so much better in the park and she opened her eyes to watch water flow beneath the bridge. Devon seemed perfectly content to take in his surroundings too.
The water trickled beneath the bridge. The air floated by smelling of spring flowers. The green grass waved in the wind. Lily watched the outline of the phaeton in the distance. She sighed. Ah, how wonderful it felt to be sitting in the warm sun next to a handsome man. If only love really did exist. If only she didn’t have to care about money or responsibilities. If only the world was … perfect. In such a world, perhaps she could be his.
She shook her head. But it did no good to think such useless thoughts. Instead, she broke the silence. “So, you just stopped by today to give me Bandit and take me riding in the park, is that it?”
Devon cracked a smile. “Why, Lily, what are you implying?”
She shrugged. “I’m a bit wary of you, I suppose. What with your promise to seduce me.”
Devon slid his warm hand over her cold one that lay in her lap. He covered her fingers with his and squeezed. “Don’t worry. I’m hardly trying to pounce on you now, am I? What sort of finesse would that exhibit?”
She stared into the depths of his dark eyes. She swallowed. “What if I told you I would be disappointed if you didn’t try something this afternoon?”
Good heavens. Why had she said that? Clearly, sauciness was her new style.
The hint of a smile played around Devon’s lips and he lifted his hand and pushed a curl under her bonnet. The brush of his thumb against her cool skin sent a shudder down her spine. He must have noticed.
“Disappointed, eh?”
She nodded. Her mouth fell open and she wet her bottom lip with her tongue. Devon’s eyes were riveted to the spot.
“We can’t have that now, can we?”
She shook her head, knowing she shouldn’t encourage him. But right now she wanted to kiss him more than anything else in the world. Consequences be damned.
His mouth descended toward hers so slowly Lily wanted to sob. She nearly moaned when his warm lips finally touched hers. The contact was almost unbearable. It was the softest, smoothest, least aggressive kiss he’d ever given her. It demanded nothing from her and ma
de her feel more than all the other kisses combined.
His tongue barely brushed into her mouth, his lips plied hers without any force, but they were still strong and wonderful. He kept his hands at her hips but didn’t try to pull her toward him or make any other movement. And it drove Lily insane like she’d never imagined possible. She wanted to grab him, kiss him, lie atop him like she did in the library last night. She wanted … more.
And then it struck her. Devon was challenging her with this kiss. Showing her he had no intention of forcing himself upon her. If they continued this, it was a choice both of them were making.
Seduction, she thought wistfully, was an art form after all. And she was kissing the master artist.
When Devon’s lips left hers, Lily was shaking. The kiss hadn’t been enough. It promised everything but gave little. She exhaled deeply.
Devon rested his forehead against hers. “Come to dinner. My house. Tonight,” he whispered.
Lily didn’t open her eyes, but she continued to rest her forehead against his. “No.”
“Why not?” He kissed the side of her lip. Her cheek. Her closed eyes. Her forehead.
Her will weakened with each touch. “You really think it is such a good idea?”
“It’s only dinner.” Another kiss.
“Oh, it’s much more than dinner, and you know it.”
He ran his roughened thumb over her bottom lip and Lily shuddered. “I have every confidence you can resist my charms.” He smiled. “Don’t you?”
Lily exhaled a shaky breath. She nodded a nod she didn’t believe.
He kissed her lips again. So softly. “Is that a yes?”
Lily sighed. Devon had given her an adorable puppy and he’d saved her from a murderous spider. Both things were exceedingly kind of him.
Very well. She was going to say yes, for two reasons. First, if she refused his offer, there was every chance he would call her “predictable” again. And second, despite herself, she was charmed by the gentler side of Devon. The kinder side. And she wanted to see more.
Apparently even dissolute, drinking gamblers could have a compassionate side.
Her voice shook when she answered him. “I’ll come.” She kissed him this time. “But only because you weren’t expecting it. I take great pleasure in surprising you.”
He smiled against her cheek and rested his lips on her temple. “I’ll expect you around nine o’clock. By all means, surprise me.”
CHAPTER 14
“Tell me you are jesting.” Devon threw a stiff upper cut to Jordan Holloway’s jaw.
Jordan’s head snapped back, but he recovered quickly and grinned at his friend. They continued to round each other. The two men were boxing in the ballroom of Jordan’s town house. It was a pastime they both enjoyed. Being equally matched, they were challenged by fighting each other.
“I’m afraid I’m entirely serious,” Jordan returned, striking out at Devon’s right cheek but missing when Devon ducked. “Good form.”
“What are the odds up to?” Devon asked next, bobbing.
“Five to four last time I checked. You’ll be pleased to know they are in your favor.”
Devon’s eyebrow shot up. “Barely. How exactly did anyone find out about my challenge to Lily?”
Jordan shrugged and flashed an innocent grin. “I may have mentioned it. It’s been bloody dull around here for months. This is just the sort of sport this Season needed. The rake versus the ice queen. It’s perfect. Don’t worry, old chap, I bet on you.”
Devon pulled his roundabout. His fist fell to his side. “How am I to explain to Lily she is the subject of a bet at Brooks’s?”
Jordan cracked a smile. “Not just a bet, a scandalous bet. A bet that you will seduce the author of Secrets of a Wedding Night before the house party at the Atkinsons’ estate.”
“The entire thing is ridiculous.”
Jordan struck at Devon again. This time his fist met his friend’s face. Devon stumbled back, but quickly recovered. “Are you jesting?” Jordan asked. “I thought you’d be delighted. If you win, you stand to gain a considerable amount of money, and you’ll be shaming Lady Merrill at the same time. You’ll have a much easier time convincing her to write a retraction if you succeed.”
Rubbing his newly injured jaw, Devon stepped out of the area they’d designated for their match. He grabbed up a towel he’d left on a nearby chair and wiped his face. Jordan followed, his brow wrinkled.
Devon flexed his bruised knuckles. “I don’t relish the whole town being in my bloody business. Not to mention, what Lily will do when she finds out. Seduction is a delicate art. If she discovers there’s a bet in the works, she’s bound to take it amiss, don’t you think?”
Jordan rolled his eyes and grabbed up his own towel. “Who gives a damn? That woman has brought you nothing but grief. This will be the perfect revenge.”
Devon considered it all for a moment. He would probably win the bet. He was counting on it actually. But not for money. Never for money. The thought didn’t sit well with him.
“If you win the money from the bet, you won’t have to play in the tournament in the Rookery,” Jordan said.
“Money has nothing to do with my playing in the tournament. There’s more to it than that,” Devon countered. When Jordan flashed him a questioning look, he added, “The ring.”
“You’ve got more money than the prince. Why don’t you just buy another ring?”
Devon shook his head. “Ashbourne, you’ll never understand. You’ve got no respect for titles or bloodlines.”
Jordan wiped his towel across his forehead and tossed it over his shoulder. “I’ve got no respect for outdated rules, and baubles that aren’t worth the trouble. But if it’s so important to you, fine. Play in the tournament and win the bet. If you bet on yourself you’ll be twice as wealthy.”
Devon set his jaw and stretched his arms above his head, loosening his sore muscles. “You don’t understand. I don’t want Lily to—”
Jordan snapped the towel to the floor. “Good God, man. What is there to understand? The woman made a fool of you five years ago. She married an old man and tossed you over. You said yourself she only cares about money. Once she learns you’re rich, no doubt she’ll show you interest again. And won’t it be sweet when you can toss her over this time?”
Devon scrubbed a hand through his wet hair. Lily was coming over tonight. He could have this seduction business over with. Take his revenge. “The thought has crossed my mind a time or two,” he admitted.
“That’s the spirit!” Jordan clapped Devon on the shoulder. “The woman doesn’t stand a chance. I’ve no doubt you’ll find the perfect opportunity to win that bet.”
Devon draped the towel around his neck and tugged hard on both ends. A twinge of guilt shot through him. He shook it off and clenched his jaw. Jordan was right. This was his chance to teach Lily a lesson. He would take it.
CHAPTER 15
Lily looked up at the façade of the marquis’ town house and gulped. The gracious four-story building sat on Upper Brook Street near the park, a beautiful black-lacquered door with a gold number nine fastened to it.
She pressed her gloved hand to her belly to still the butterflies. She still wasn’t entirely sure how Devon had managed to convince her to come to dinner. The kissing, the intimacy, the spider rescue, they’d all been too much for her. And anyway, wasn’t she acting like such a prude? It’s not as if a dinner translated into a night of unbridled passion in each other’s arms. Though the thought did steal her breath away if she were being completely honest.
And it made no sense!
Men were to be avoided, carefully watched, kept at arm’s length. But the truth was, when Devon touched her, kissed her, all she could think about was being close to him.
Why exactly had she thought this was a good idea? Staring up at Devon’s beautiful home, she was convinced it was not. She turned away, about to take the first step back to the rented coach, when the butler opened t
he door.
“Lady Merrill?”
She turned around slowly, biting her lip. “Yes.”
“Lord Colton has been expecting you.”
Lily nodded, swallowed the lump in her throat, and allowed the butler to usher her into the grand foyer. He took her cloak and Lily couldn’t help but think the formal man would never fall asleep on the job the way poor Evans did.
She scanned the dark cherries and mahoganies of the foyer. Her gaze came to rest on the luxurious carpets, the delicate French wallpaper, and the shiny silver candlesticks. An immaculate home. An elegant home. How was it that Colton could afford such fine things? Nothing seemed to be worn or shabby here. The man obviously lived on an outlandish amount of credit no doubt given to him by idiotic merchants who were eager to be linked to his illustrious name.
The candles were made of real beeswax, and they were long tapers, not the inexpensive bits she often sported around her own home. The furniture was all smartly polished and not a bit of the wallpaper was peeling as far as she could see. And she looked. Closely.
She narrowed her eyes. Was it possible Colton wasn’t the spendthrift and wastrel she thought he was? Was it possible he had money after all? She shook her head. No. Gamblers and drinkers were all the same. They didn’t stop until they hurt everyone around them, until they spent everything they had, exhausted their credit, and ended up with nothing. No doubt, Devon’s day of reckoning was drawing near.
Lily was escorted into a lovely salon decorated in hues of blue. The butler offered her a drink. She hesitated a moment before declining. This night, of all nights, might just call for a bit of spirits. But no, she would not allow Colton to drag her down into his den of iniquity. Not entirely, at least.
She’d waited only a few minutes before the doors opened and Colton strolled in. Looking relaxed, handsome, and dangerous all at once. He bent over her proffered hand. “Welcome, Lily,” he said in a voice that made her tremble.
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