Page 32 of A Rogue to Watch Over Me
Not entirely, at least.
“I am suggesting nothing of the sort.”
“Paintings of bonny lasses behind the bar would be a more pleasant sight than Murray weaving about after he’s sampled a pint too many.”
“I prefer it just as it is,” she said truthfully.
“Ye’re quite sure of that, are ye? I don’t want the townspeople to be saying my place is not a fine setting for a bit of debauchery.”
Heat rose in her cheeks. His devilish grin left no doubt he’d spotted her blush. Well, she was not about to let him think he had left her at a loss for words.
“From what I’ve heard, this tavern is regarded as a haven for wickedness.”
He eyed her for the span of a heartbeat, perhaps two, his expression bold as they came. “A haven for wickedness. I do like the sound of it.”
The challenge in his half-smile kindled a touch of spirit in her. The feeling was refreshing, more so than she wanted to admit.
“Perhaps you might rename this establishment,” she suggested cheekily. “Den of Wickedness has a unique flavor.”
“I’ll give the matter some thought. But at the moment, I have a question for ye.”
“And what might that be?”
“The patrons who frequent yer library are a genteel sort. So why in blazes would respectable ladies discuss drunken debauchery?” He cleared his throat, as if for effect. “Am I to believe ye possess books on that particular subject in yer collection?”
Oh, dear.She certainly had not expectedthat.
“It isn’t as if we gather around the desk, talking about...” She glanced up, making a show of studying the stained-glass window above his desk.
His eyes darkened with a blend of amusement and an emotion she could not quite describe. “I believe the word ye’re looking for issin.”
She hiked her chin. “I assure you, we do not discuss such matters.”
“Such matters, eh, Amelia Stewart?” A sly smile played on his full mouth. “Have ye considered that a lady might benefit from a bit of sin now and then?” Posed in that husky burr of his, his question seemed a delicious challenge.
Perhaps if you are the one with whom I’ve chosen to sin.
MacLain had drawn her in, his words a prelude to seduction.
Nonsense.She’d allowed her fanciful thoughts to run wild. Given the subtle quirk of his mouth, he’d been teasing her. Well,if he thought to get the better of her, Amelia was not about to give him the satisfaction. It was only fitting that she respond in kind.
“I am inclined to agree.” She met his gaze and took another sip from the delicate teacup. “Pity a worthy match for such an endeavor is indeed a rare find.”
At that moment, his expression brought to mind a spy gathering intelligence on his quarry. She’d intended her statement to be shocking. Evidently, he’d detected the underlying truth.
“A worthy match, eh?” he pressed. “Tell me, Amelia, what is it that ye seek in a lover?”
A lover.
She set the cup down on his desk with a littleclinkagainst the saucer. Her mouth had gone dry, but she composed a response. “A certain boldness would be desirable. As well as a bit of daring.”
His sable brows hiked. “Only a bit, eh?”
“Certainly not to the point of recklessness.”
“I figured as much, given ye’re a sensible lass. So, a woman desires a man who’s bold and daring—but not too daring.” He gave a somber nod, countered by the glint of humor in his eyes. “I should commit this to memory. Ye never know when I might find myself pursuing a clever lass like yerself.”
“A touch of wickedness also holds an appeal.” She summoned a tone of authority. “But only in the proper measure, of course.”
