Page 17 of Taming Ivy
“There’s no reason it must be this way.”
She shot him a look ripe with incredulity, watching as he blotted at his lip with a silk handkerchief procured from the inner pocket of his coat. “You cannot believe that. You’ve no doubt heard the rumors, what people are saying. Including,” she added with painful bluntness, “your own aunt.”
A twinge of pity shot through Sebastian. The underlying sadness and play of emotions across Ivy’s expressive features tugged at hidden strings he could not control. She was ruthless, she was cold hearted, and she teased and enticed and flirted until men went mad from wanting her.
And yet…
There was something about her, an element at odds with his verdict of her wicked character. Could a woman fake such a guiltless air? Could the straightforward shimmer in those hypnotic eyes be little more than a practiced sham? Could that smile lure men to their deaths, much like a spider? Weaving a web of such beauty that curious victims venturing too close found themselves helplessly trapped and devoured?
His former fiancée sprang to mind. A curse whistled beneath Sebastian’s breath. Yes, a woman could pretend. Ivy had practiced on dozens of men for two London seasons. Hell, less than an hour in her pretty parlor and already, he merrily traipsed along the same path with the other fools licking at her heels. Yes, like Lady Marilee Godwin, Ivy could twist men into worshipping lapdogs, using them until they served their purpose and she wearied of their company. She merely studiedhimfor the moment, determining what he might like best…what would entice him to chase her.Innocent maiden or experienced mistress…
Sebastian wrapped cold intent back around his heart. “I am aware of the gossip. Indeed, my aunt opposed my visit here today.” Ignoring her ladylike huff of vindication, he continued to chisel away her defenses. “However, I am Ravenswood. I do as I wish. As bizarre as this may seem to you, and believe me, I find it inexplicable, I would like us to be friends.”
It was possible Ivy correctly suspected his motives, but Sebastian saw a strange hope glistening deep in her eyes. Was she so eager to count him among her conquests she willingly disregarded the instincts keeping her safe? Her hands twisted in her lap in contemplation of this dangerous alliance.
“I’ll have your answer. Friends? You will not regret it.” He thought he had ensnared her already. Her eyes were huge mirrors to the inner workings of her mind and like a ripe plum, she was tumbling into his hands with barely a shake of the tree. The simplicity of it all left him somewhat ashamed. And it was disturbing, how easily Ivy shifted roles, how quickly she went from icy temptress of the evening to innocent girl of the afternoon.
“Very well, Ravenswood,” Ivy said in a soft voice. “I accept.”
Sebastian kept his features blank. “A wise decision. Now, indulge me. No more vanishing. Agreed? I abhor surprises. A quirk of mine.” The handkerchief was tucked back into its pocket as he continued. “An operatic troupe arrives from Italy in two weeks’ time to performLucia di Lammermoor,and I will escort you to the performance. It is short notice, but friends are permitted such concessions.”
Ivy smiled. “The hour was late and you were discussing matters with the Pack which did not require my presence. I simply went home.”
“Speaking of the Pack…I would know what Monvair whispered in your ear.” His gaze turned penetrating, noting Ivy’s cheeks turning red. She was uneasy. With his demand or the answer?
“Nothing of importance.” Ivy fiddled with the lace on the skirt of her gown.
“Then there is no harm relating it to me.”
“I prefer not to betray his confidence.”
“I do not know the man, other than making his acquaintance last evening. He will not know you told me.” Sebastian leaned close. “I’ve no choice but to assume you discussed me.”
Ivy’s lips pursed. “Of course, we didn’t.”
“How can I know for certain?”
“You cannot be certain. You must take my word for it. However, if I told you, would you vow not to repeat what was said?”
“It is unlikely I would keep that pledge.” His reply was honest. “Monvair appears harmless. Maybe I could be persuaded to swear an oath of silence.”
Ivy searched his face then leaned forward to whisper, “He wanted to go somewhere alone. He said he…he wished to remove my slippers and rub my feet. Is that not an odd thing to request? There was something about ribbons and silk stockings, but I confess I was on the verge of bursting into laughter.” Her cheeks flushed an even brighter pink. “Monvair can be so droll. I believe he was trying to amuse me. And himself.”
Sebastian choked on an indrawn breath.That reprobate.Could Ivy have no idea what the Frenchman really wanted? Her elegant little feet were only the beginning. Surely, she was only toying with him now, playing this innocent act to the hilt. “I’ll have his head on a pike for daring to suggest such a thing.”
“Whatever is the matter?” Ivy frowned. “You swore your silence.”
Sebastian shook his head. “I saidmaybe. But I cannot swear to this.” The thought of that sly Frenchman gazing at, touching, or possessing any part of Ivy Kinley was abhorrent.
Ivy considered this. “Lord Ravenswood, you are newly returned to London following a scandal. Our connection to one another is circumspect and fragile at best. At the worst, the gossips will salivate for a reason to flay us both. Is it wise to provide fodder at this point? I beg you to refrain from engaging with the Pack on any level. They are a temperamental lot; it is a struggle to keep them from dueling one another over the smallest of slights, both real and imagined. Let it be. For my sake.”
The countess was right, of course. Difficult to admit, but she was right. It went against every instinct he possessed, but he must accede to her wishes for the time being.
“Very well,” Sebastian grumbled. “In compensation for my silence, I’ll have your attendance at the opera.
Ivy shook her head. “Another already requested to escort me.”
“You wound me.” Sebastian laid a hand to his heart. “Rejecting me so soon after our avowal of treaty.”
