Page 48 of Scandalous Heiress
She had to grin.“I do.”
“I give you the chance.”
She snorted, then looked around to see who walked the streets.“I won’t take it.”
“Propriety?”he asked with an arch of his expressive brows.
“Society,” she answered.
“I assure you I can withstand such a confrontation.My reputation is already tarnished.”
“After I kick you, mine would be shattered.”
“Nevertheless.”He had the audacity to grin at her.“I call for you tomorrow at two in my landau.The top will be down.You will be safe.We ride in the park.”
She’d never gone riding in the park with any man, but integrity demanded that she scowl at him.“I won’t go to Shanghai.”
He nodded once, but no emotion crossed his features.“I heard you at Brentwood.”
“I won’t go.You cannot seduce me.”
He lifted her hand, turned it over and touched the tip of his tongue to the center of her palm.Quivering with the lure of his affection, she melted all the way to her toes.“Miss Ada Hanniford, I dare.”
“Oh!”She stomped her foot—and snatched back her hand.
He traced a fingertip over her bottom lip.“Go inside.Sleep well.I will see you at two.”
The ebony family coach rounded the corner, two matching grays at the lead.
She would have the last word.“You are aggressive.”
He tugged on his gloves.“But principled and earnest.I am a man you could respect.Even if we both suffer from less than perfect reputations, we must discover if we suit.Now go inside.Dream of my lips on yours.As I shall.”
