Page 65 of Every Rake Has A Silver Lining

Still solemn, he nodded. “I’ll keep my hands to myself until you’re ready.”

Thank goodness they were almost back at the house, and Simon remained quiet the rest of the way. But as she played the scene back in her mind, she understood how she may have misinterpreted his actions.

Simon wasn’t Felix. And truth be told, she might actually enjoy her husband’s touch.

CHAPTER 18

That evening at supper, the table seemed enormous. With his family gone and Drake and Honoria taking their meals in her bedchamber, Simon did his best to fill the void. Normally, scintillating conversation was his gift, but with Charlotte, he worried over each thing that came from his mouth. Would he offend her with a joke? Insult her when all he’d meant to do was compliment her? Would she storm off in a huff from the most innocuous comment?

She was so damned unpredictable.

Except her revelation that Davies had tried to force himself on her gave Simon a peek inside that lovely head. Not to mention making him want to get his hands on the man’s throat even more. Simon latched on to the wordtried.No wonder Charlotte insisted he put his promise in writing.

He speared a piece of beef. “How are you enjoying your book about people who detest each other?”

She eyed him askance, then returned her attention to her plate. “Very well.”

His attempt at civil conversation was like pulling a mature carrot from hard ground. He wanted to shake her.

“Tell me about it.”

She eyed him over the rim of her wine goblet. “I thought you didn’t like to read.”

“That doesn’t mean I’m not interested in the story itself. Dazzle me with your storytelling skills.”

Her eyes narrowed. “There’s an insult hidden in there.”

His fork dropped to his plate. “Must you be defensive about everything? I’m simply asking you a question to fill this interminable silence.”

When her eyes widened, he cursed his own impatience. He softened his tone. “I apologize. Please, tell me more about the book?”

“You wouldn’t enjoy it. It’s become an utter fantasy. Even though the two people despise one another, they are also attracted to each other.”

He snorted a laugh. “Like us.”Oh.That shouldn’t have slipped out. Holding his breath, he waited for her to rail and say she wasn’t attracted to him.

Wine sloshed in her glass as she set it down none too gently. “You’re attracted to me?”

“Well, you’re a beautiful, intelligent woman, and I’m not blind. And contrary to your belief, I’m not stupid either.”

Damn.He did it again. How could he be so careless and open himself up to her barbs?

She blinked—several times, then stared at her plate. “No, you’re not. But”—she met his gaze—“I amnotattracted to you.”

Ah. There it is.

“So, these two people who arenotlike us. Tell me about them. Why do they despise each other?”

“She finds him proud and aloof. Frankly, I don’t understand why she despises him. He’s sensible and careful to avoid scandal.”

“Unlike us—at least the scandal part.”

She pointed her fork at him. “That was your fault.”

“For being naked?”

Her cheeks pinked. “He, on the other hand,” she continued, completely ignoring his comment, “has every reason to be concerned about her. Her family is disgraceful. Except for her older sister, whom I find also sensible, if somewhat lacking a backbone. However, Elizabeth has more than enough for the both of them. In fact, I find her rather rude.”

He pressed his lips together, holding in the retort.

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