Page 12 of The Tempting of a Devilish Lord

He fixed his brother with a look. “I may not be interested in love affairs, but I’m not callous.”

“I know, I know.”

“Besides, you are a fine one to talk. I cannot recall you even keeping a lover for more than one night. Unless things have changed.”

Leo shifted slightly in his seat and reached for a fresh slice of bread and then slathered it with jam. “I simply have no interest in long-term affairs.”

“Since Rebecca, you mean.”

His brother’s face paled slightly, and Alex cursed inwardly. They never spoke of Rebecca, the girl who had vanished years ago and shattered Leo’s heart, just the same as they never spoke of Alex’s late wife Eliza. There were some brothers maybe who shared all their matters of the heart, but they were certainly not those sorts of people. Eliza’s death had been a shock, forcing Alex to consider quite what he wanted out of life. It certainly was not to sit around and mold in his grand estate, much like he was doing now.

“Forgive me,” he murmured.

Leo shook his head with a tight smile. “No matter. Rebecca was a long time ago.”

“Indeed.”

“So what do the papers say about us?”

“They reckon Adam is most likely the father.”

Leo’s brows lifted. “Really?”

“Do not sound so surprised.” Adam strode into the breakfast room and dropped into the chair next to Leo. He leaned back while a footman poured coffee and then reached for a piece of bread, tearing it into chunks and shoving them into his mouth.

“If Mother could see you now...” Leo shook his head.

“She would give me a kiss and a hug and tell me I’m her most handsome and favorite son?” Adam suggested.

“Hardly.” Alex picked up the newspaper and waved it at him. “Not when all of London believes you to be the father of Miss Kingsley’s child.”

Adam shrugged. “I cannot help that everyone thinks I’m the most virile of us three.”

“What makes you think that?” Leo asked. “You’re more likely to be playing cards than taking lovers.”

“That’s what you think,” Adam countered. “I can do both, you know.” He laced his hands behind his back and sighed. “I miss it. Cards in one hand, a woman on my knee...”

“Good Lord, no wonder everyone believes it’s you who is the father.”

Alex shouldn’t be surprised by his brother’s arrogance. He wasn’t wrong about being the favorite son really. Their mother was careful not to show it, but Adam had nearly died of smallpox as a child and even now, she was protective of him. It seemed that protective attitude had ensured Adam had more arrogance than Leo and Alex combined.

“You know if this situation continues, we shall have to do something about it ourselves,” Adam said.

“Do what, though?” Leo asked.

“Find the damned man responsible and threaten him until he does the right thing?” Adam suggested.

Alex blew out a breath. “It’s certainly worth thinking about.”

“At least the scenery is pleasant.” Adam rose from his chair. “Quite pleasant indeed.” He moved to the window and peered out. “Say look. A redhead. You favor redheads, do you not, Alex?”

Keeping his posture stiff, Alex shrugged. He was not going to look. Not going to see if it was Miss Lucinda Evans. His curiosity did not need to be satisfied. He peered at his unfinished breakfast and muttered a curse before rising from the table. He ignored his brother’s smirk and went to the window to view the gathering of women strolling through the ornamental gardens. Sure enough, the redhead proved to be Lucy.

Wearing a cream dress today with the same high neckline, her simple matching bonnet made the most of those red curls. Beside her, a younger girl walked. He had not had a good look at her yesterday, but he assumed the smaller version of Lucy was her sister.

“It seems rude not to greet them.” Adam gestured outside.

“We are staying put,” Alex said tightly.

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