Page 127 of Her Beast

“It’s what my father and Nadine called me—more than a few times.”

His jaws flexed and his expression went flat. “Did they.”

It wasn’t a question and the sudden coldness in his eye made her shiver. Julia changed the subject. “You never told me how you found out about Solomon?”

“You haven’t finished answering my question,” he said coolly. “Who else other than Solomon and Matthew?”

Julia’s temper, which was generally difficult to rouse, flared. “Why should I tell you?”

“Because you like it when I answeryourquestions.”

She opened her mouth to argue, but then sighed; he was right, after all. “That was it, the two of them.”

“To answeryourquestion, I found out because I sent a private inquiry agent to discover why you were in town at this time of year, among other things.”

“Things about my father.”

“Yes. How many times did you make the beast with two backs with your lovers?”

Julia had just taken a sip and choked, spewing champagne all over his trousers.

Her eyes flew open. “I’m so sorry!”

He took out a handkerchief and daubed at the fine dark wool of his evening clothes before refolding it to a dry spot and returning it to his pocket. “I deserved a bit of spit and a great deal more for my crudeness. You can chalk that up to me being jealous.”

“Jealous? Ofme?”

“Jealous of Solomon and Matthew,” he corrected, his pupil swallowing his iris. “You are exquisite, fresh, charming, lively, and clever.”

Nobody had ever said such things to her. It thrilled her but left her feeling strangely frightened and vulnerable. What would he think if he saw how needy and scared she was?

“I can’t imagine there is a man alive who wouldn’t want to be your lover,” he said.

She shivered at the wordlover.It sounded so … grown up.

Julia turned her burning face to the floor.

But he wouldn’t let her escape. He leaned close and took her chin, gently, but firmly, tilting her head until she was forced to look at him.

“You aren’t just beautiful, Julia, you are also full of life. And kindness. You’ve brought joy and happiness into my house and my servants adore you.”

What about you? she wanted to shout.Do you adore me? Have I brought joy and happiness to you?

Of course she didn’t.

Instead, she mumbled,“Kemp, Norris, and John have been very kind to keep me company.” She stared at his full, shapely mouth rather than his eye, which seemed to peel the skin from her bones.

“Have they?” Those sensual lips curved into a slow smile as he softly stroked her chin.

When Julia risked a glance up, she was caught by his penetrating stare, scooped up as easily as a fish in a net.

“Ah, Julia,” he murmured, shaking his head, his expression a jumble of sadness, regret, and desire.

And then he leaned forward and kissed her.

Chapter 27

Malcolm saw himself doing it—kissing her—but couldn’t make his body stop.

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