Page 8 of Sweet Siren
Is that how you've gained your wealth? Your ruthless reputation?She fiddled with the sticks of her fan. "Oh? How,exactly?"
"I examine posture, breath. Even poise, eloquence. I read you duringsupper."
She had to counter him, didn't she? "And what did youlearn?"
"You love being here. You were natural, born to this, but oddlysad."
That took the wind from hersails.
"I don't know why," he added in a bass murmur full of sorrow. "But I willlearn."
"I don't wishit."
"If we are to continue, I will need to know how to make youhappy."
"Continue?"
He nodded. "We will. I wish it. You dotoo."
She shook her head. "No."
"The way you look at me has changed since this morning'sfestivities."
She swallowed, trapped. "Pleasedon't."
"But it has. Then you appearedcurious."
A thrill ran up her spine. And fear ran down. "I will not askhow."
He looked triumphant. "Now you arehungry."
She snapped her fan together.My God, this conversation was becoming outrageous.Torrid.
"You've no need topanic."
"I'm not," she found it necessary todeclare.
"No need to run,either."
Oh, hell.Why not be as blunt with him as he was with her? "I do not want to know you, sir. And you should not wish to know me anybetter."
"Bothlies."
She met him, eye to eye. "I cannot believe you've succeeded in business by pursuing those who do not wishit."
"On the contrary, that is exactly what I've done." He leaned closer, his mouth an appealing slash. "And most were happy that they'd made myacquaintance."
I know one who had never saidthat.
The princess, Andre and Marianne were seated, the footmen passing round brandy and cigars, while the guests took up various stances orchairs.
"I think," said the princess as she nodded toward the grand piano, "we could do with entertainment. My dear, Olivia, would you do us the favor of yourtalents?"
Delighted to escape him, Liv gave no thought to refusing. She shot to herfeet.
Hanniford was up beside her. "Shall I turn the pages for you, mylady?"
"No need. Thank you." She noted the surprise in his silver eyes.Good. I need to stun you. Make you ignoreme.
