Page 4 of Sweet Siren
"Miss Camille Bereston is Lady Savage's daughter whom I am to understand persuaded her mother to take her from school just to witness Remy finally take awife."
Camille held out her hand and Hanniford took it and sweetly shook it. "I am honored to meet you, MissBereston."
"And I you, sir. Mama says you are one a person mustknow."
Liv sucked inair.
"Did she?" His eyes seared Liv's with silver flames. "My reputation precedes me in far too manyways."
"Oh, sir, she said nothing derogatory aboutyou."
The princess wassmiling.
Liv felt her cheeksflame.
"I'm glad to hear it, MissBereston."
"Camille,ma cherie," said the princess, "I understand you and your mother will return to London tomorrow. Come talk with me, will you? I miss our discussions of novels. Forgive us, will you, Olivia,MonsieurHanniford? I shall return Camille to you in a fewminutes."
Liv agreed. Of course she did. What else could shedo?
"The princess engineered that nicely," he said, his gaze following the lady and Camille, but turning back to her with a wickedsmile.
Liv would not surrender to his charm. "She is very adeptsocially."
"One would believe it," he said, moving ever so slightly closer, engulfing her in his subtle bergamot cologne. "I amgrateful."
She licked herlips.
He narrowed those incredible silver eyes on her. Piercing her with his intent, he said, "You've heard of me. What I do. Who I am. And you thought I was a monster. That's what Camille was referring to, wasn'tshe?"
"You do have a reputation, sir. Ruthless,indomitable."
"I am not always that. Especially not when I meet a lovely womanwho—"
"Sir, this is not proper. I mustgo."
"Where is your husband, LadySavage?”
How dare you ask that.“Nothere.”
“Clearly. Will he not come with you to socialevents?”
“You are bold,sir.”
His silver eyes sparked with interest and no shame. “Is that why you stayaway?"
"No." She pressed her hands together.Could she notescape?
Hanniford stepped closer. "Will he look kindly on you attending dinner alone heretonight?"
"Yes. No. Mister Hanniford, dostop."
"My lady," he said as he drew away, "I do not wish to alarm you. Forgiveme."
Hanniford does not give in. Hanniford does not apologize. He presses.Demands.
Liv put a hand to her ribs. She had to stop remembering her father's words. "My husband is dead, MisterHanniford."
