The Temptation of Lady Serena (34 page)

This time di Venier was able to make his way through to his quarry, but when the marchese asked Caro to promenade, she raised an imperious brow, and refused, going back to her conversation. Not long later, Huntley received the same answer. He headed toward the card room, but not before a calculating leer entered his eyes.

The marchese reminded Huntley strongly of another man who thought all women were his for the taking. It might be helpful to try to find out a little more information about di Venier. “Chuffy, I don’t suppose you have anything like the Bow Street Runners here that could be hired for a private investigation?”

His friend rubbed his chin for a moment. “I believe I can put you in touch with someone. More of a thief-taker, but very effective.”

“That will do.”

Chuffy ambled off to the card room and Huntley walked out onto the terrace, drawn once again by the Grand Canal. His curiosity was starting to get the better of him, and he could not stop wondering why Caro was so against men. His hands, braced on the railing, tightened into fists as he watched the moonlight play on the rippling water.

“My lord, how wonderful to see you here.”

Glancing to his side, he was not particularly pleased to see Lady Darling. They’d had an affair for a few months but they’d parted company more than a year ago. Her fan waved languidly, drawing attention to her barely contained breasts. Her skirts clung to her form. She must have taken to dampening her petticoats. He speculated over what Caro’s shape was like under her demure silk gown.

Bowing, he took the hand Lady Darling offered and raised it to his lips. “My lady,” he murmured. “I didn’t know you’d left England.”

They stood at an angle to the terrace doors, facing the canal. Her eyes fixed on his face before dropping to his lips and then lower, stripping him with her gaze. Despite her ladyship’s abundant charms, his body failed to respond to what was a clear invitation.

“London was becoming a dead bore. But”—she stepped so close to him, her ample bosom pressed into his chest—“it is always nice to see old friends.”

Keeping a polite smile on his face he took a step back. “Indeed.”

Leaning into him, she tapped the now-furled fan on his chest, while moving her other hand down his jacket and over his breeches. She whispered huskily, “Come see me some afternoon, Huntley. I am much better company than the Ice Maiden.” She pouted. “I do not understand why she attracts so much male attention.”

He glanced in the direction Lady Darling’s head was turned and saw Caro staring at them. Their eyes met for a brief moment before she looked away, and he turned back to Lady Darling. In stark contrast to Caro’s restrained beauty, Lady Darling’s obvious sensuality appeared tawdry.

Angling herself so that one hand was hidden from the room, she stroked between his legs. He grabbed her hand, pulling it away from him. Breathing in sharply, her lips parted, waiting for him to kiss her.

God, if he was so inclined, he could probably push her into the shadows and take her. Huntley kept his voice low. “Try not to be so easy, m’dear. Gentlemen like a challenge.”

Opening her eyes wide, she purred, “But, don’t you remember how good it was?”

“I remember how expensive it was. You’ll have to find someone else to fill your jewel box and plough your field.” He dropped her hand, stepped back, and bowed. “If you’ll excuse me, my lady?”

He strode back inside and joined his aunt and Caro. Caro widened her eyes. “I’m surprised Lady Darling let you go so soon.”

Huntley resisted smiling and wondered what prompted that remark. “Are you indeed? I dance to no woman’s tune.”

“Then we have at least one thing in common,” Caro said. “I dance to no man’s.”

Ah, back to prickly.
Yet the look she’d given him while he was with Lady Darling was not disinterested. What would it take to bring her round?

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Copyright © 2014 by Ella Quinn

 

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First Electronic Edition: January 2014

ISBN: 978-1-6018-3166-8

 

First Print Edition: January 2014
ISBN-13: 978-1-60183-220-7
ISBN-10: 1-60183-220-6