A Little Bit Wicked by Victoria Alexander

Author:Victoria Alexander
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9780061796777
Publisher: HarperCollins

“It’s been a very long time, my lord.”

The lilting, feminine voice sounded behind him and Gideon groaned to himself. Not again. He had scarcely been able to make his way around the ballroom without seeing one acquaintance or another. Many of whom had casually asked after Judith. No doubt gossip was running rampant about the two of them. Not that he particularly cared. He affixed a polite smile on his face and turned.

Shock smacked him hard in the stomach and stole his breath.

“Good evening, Gideon.” Violet Smithfield—no, Lady Braxton—smiled at him in a pleasant manner. As if they were mere acquaintances passing on the street. She nodded at the glasses of champagne he held, one in each hand. “Is one of those for me?”

“No,” he said, handing her one without thinking. And at once found himself at a similar ball nine years ago. He shook his head to clear the image.

She raised a brow. “Gideon?”

It was not at all surprising that her presence now would sweep him back to another time. She looked very much the same as she had then. Her hair just as sleek and dark, her lips just as scandalously red, her eyes…violet.

“Gideon?” she said again.

What in the name of all that was holy was he doing? He gathered his wits about him and nodded curtly. “My apologies, Lady Braxton, I fear you have me at a disadvantage. I had no idea you would be here to night.”

“Are you pleased?”

“I am…surprised.”

“Yes, I can see that.” She studied him for a moment and he returned her perusal. At first he had thought she looked unchanged but he was wrong. Her face was slightly leaner, more mature. But then it would be, wouldn’t it? He had certainly changed since they were last together. “Would you have stayed away if you had known?”

“No,” he said without hesitation. “In truth I must admit, I expected us to encounter one another long before now. In many ways, London is a very small town.”

“I have scarcely spent any time in London at all since my marriage.” Violet shrugged. “When we were not traveling the continent, William preferred living in the country to residing in London.”

“And yet, here you are.” Gideon smiled politely and was grateful he could do so. He wasn’t at all sure how he felt about Violet’s abrupt reappearance in his life. Not that she was in his life. She was simply…here.

“Indeed, here I am.” She sipped the champagne thoughtfully. “How are you, Gideon?”

“My health is excellent. My investments are sound. My friends are loyal.” He noted the arrogant, cool tone in his voice and was inordinately pleased. He was face to face with Violet, and aside from the first few moments, was completely under control. “And you?”

She laughed lightly. “I’m very well.”

“And Lord Braxton”

She stared at him. “You don’t know?”

“Know what?”

“My husband died two years ago.”

“My sympathies.” He shook his head. “I had no idea.”

Astonishment shone in her eyes. “I don’t believe you.”

He chose his words carefully. “I am sorry for your loss, Lady Braxton, but I assure you I would not have asked after him if I had known.

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