Page 22 of Ruthless with a Rogue
Livy’s cheeks burned.She drew in a slow steadying breath, stood, and met his gaze head-on.“Lord Dunmore was just taking his leave.”
His lips slid into a knowing smirk, and he bowed.A devil cloaked in gentleman’s clothing.
“Miss Forester, it has been a pleasure.I was hoping you both would join me for a stroll through Hyde Park next week.”He looked at Aunt Mellie.“I will send word with more details, if that pleases you?”
“We would be delighted,” Aunt Mellie said brightly—a little too brightly.Livy didn’t miss the discerning glint in her aunt’s eyes.
He bowed once more to them both and took his leave.
Collapsing onto the settee, Livy rubbed her forehead.
Her aunt padded over to Livy and paused.“Why are your notes on society out during a social call with Lord Dunmore?”
“Because it wasn’t a social call, Aunt Mellie.I have enlisted Lord Dunmore’s help with navigating society.”She glanced at her aunt.Skepticism stared back at her.
“And I am to believe he appeared out of thin air and offered himself up to help?One of the most commonly written about men in the gossip columns?”She ran a finger over Livy’s cheek.“Quite the blush you are wearing.”Her gaze darted to Livy’s lips, and she arched a soft golden eyebrow.
Livy glanced away and cleared her throat.“Does it matter how his assistance came to be?”
“If he ruins you, he won’t do right by you.There is only one thing a man like that wants.”
Shooting an incredulous look at her aunt, Livy scoffed.“Do not be silly.I have you as my chaperone.There is nothing improper about him calling here at this hour.Where were you anyhow?I alerted you upon his arrival.”
Her aunt winced.“I may have fallen back asleep.Got a tad too pickled last night.”
Livy’s lips quirked.Oh, Aunt Mellie.
Her aunt smiled, but the concern was still evident in her blue eyes.“It appears you took full advantage of my absence.Be careful, dearest.”
“Aunt Mellie, weneedhis connections.His best friend is the Duke of Ironcrest.She stared meaningfully at her aunt.“Whose grandmother is a patroness of Almack’s.”
Her aunt’s smile fell, and she was the most serious Livy had ever seen her.“I understand that, Olivia.And a stolen kiss is one thing…”
Livy’s gaze darted away.
“Be careful with how far you go with this, Olivia.With what you are risking.”
“I can’t toss aside such a favorable connection.I can’t.” She met her aunt’s sharp blue gaze.“In any event, most interactions will take place in public, surrounded by other people.Truly, what could possibly go wrong?”
She forced a smile.
What could possibly go wrong indeed?
15
“A carriage will be waiting at the corner of your street at half past midnight this evening.Don’t worry about your attire.I will have something suitable prepared for you upon your arrival.If you’re a good girl and do as you’re told, I’ll introduce you to a few acquaintances I believe you’ll find quite…valuable.”
– M of Dunmore
16
Livy
Livycouldn’tbelieveshewas doing this.
The carriage rolled along the cobblestones, jostling her when it hit a particularly deep rut.She wrapped her wool cloak tighter around herself, the faint light from the streetlamps flickering through the seam of the curtain covering the conveyance’s window.
If you’re a good girl and do as you’re told…
