Page 26 of The Taming of a Wicked Rogue

Ideally, before they’d made love.

A tremble fluttered through her, settling in the pit of her stomach and warring with the apprehension that lingered there. A flutter that had far too much to do with desire for her liking. It did not matter that it had been a mistake, that yesterday had proven she should never have set foot in Langmere again—her body felt differently.

Very well, perhaps her mind did too. She was weakening, she suspected, pondering if there was some way to stay, some way to gain back her old life. Even after the awful incident with that man bellowing at her, after Leo had scooped her up and brought her here, she could not help but wish things were different.

Goodness, who was she kidding? She had weakened the moment he put his lips to hers. Yesterday should have been enough to counter that.

“Why do they even wish to see me?”

“In case you have forgotten, they were rather fond of you. Perhaps they want to see how you are doing after ten years.”

“Nine,” she replied automatically.

“In any case, Alexander isn’t overly fond of having women hidden away in his house, especially when we are meant to be—” He paused. “Well, anyway, Alexander requests your presence at dinner.”

She glanced down at her plain muslin gown. “I have nothing to wear.”

“Believe it or not, none of us will care.”

“There will be no other guests there?”

He shook his head.

“It is strange that the three of you have not hosted a party or two yet,” she mused. “After all, you all have reputations.”

“I explained that,” he said tightly, his gaze darkening and connecting firmly with hers.

He did. Right before he made love to her. And she believed him. Leo was many things, but he had never been a liar.

“Very well.” She smoothed hands down her dress when he did not move.

He escorted her downstairs to the grand dining room. His brothers were already in the room and the footmen kept their attention fixed ahead, betraying no surprise at this strange woman’s arrival.

She wanted to press a hand to her stomach but forced her posture to remain formal. Adam strode quickly over to her and drew her into a warm embrace that made her laugh in surprise. He stepped back and Rebecca marveled at the similarities between him and Leo. The years had done wonderful work on them both and they still appeared so similar, though Adam had gained a scar across one eyebrow and his nose appeared as though it might have been broken at some point.

“You look as beautiful as ever,” he said, his hands to her arms.

“Thank you,” she managed to murmur.

“I agree,” said Alexander, smiling warmly. “It’s a pleasure to have you here after so many years.”

“I will admit I did not expect to see any of you here. I heard you all preferred to remain in Town.” The footman drew out a chair for her and she sat next to the head of the table and watched as all three brothers were seated.

Adam shared a glance with Alexander that made her frown. “You cannot have been keeping up with all the gossip then.”

“Why do you say that?” she asked.

“We are here under the orders of our mother,” Alexander said.

She glanced sideways at Leo, who took a long gulp of wine, remaining oddly quiet. “Your mother?” she pressed. “Leo?”

“There is some scandal in London revolving around us,” he explained, reluctance in his tone. “Mother rather begged us to come out here and, well, stay away from the opposite sex.”

Adam snorted. “A fine job you have done of that.”

“I have seen you flirt with at least a dozen young ladies,” Leo shot back.

“What sort of scandal?” she asked, too aware of her heart beating hard in her ears.

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