A Diamond in the Rough (Dangerous Liaisons Book 1) by Andrea Pickens

Author:Andrea Pickens [Pickens, Andrea]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Oliver Heber Books
Published: 2025-02-04T00:00:00+00:00

Derrien was only listening with half an ear to the viscount's pithy comment, for try as she might, she couldn't help but be distracted by his physical closeness. They had taken a seat on one of the benches overlooking the lake and the light pressure from his thigh was palpable even through the heavy folds of her gown. She ventured a quick glance at his profile, then jerked her gaze back to the geese drifting across the rippled surface of the water. Had the man any idea how attractive he looked when his eyes twinkled with such humor and when his lips relaxed into such a devastating smile?

Of course he did, she chided herself. He probably had it down to a fine art.

His current smile —or perhaps it was just a smirk— was no doubt prompted in part by how easy the game of charming a country miss must be appearing to him. Perhaps in the next minute he could lean in and steal a kiss without so much a squeak of protest.

Her jaw clenched, but her anger was more for herself, for she couldn't deny that for the last little while she had been wondering what it would feel like to have his lips pressed against hers.

"I'd be willing to wager a monkey that's what he means."

"Yes, I'm sure you would," responded Derrien in a tight voice. "Wager on it, that is." She yanked the skirts of her gown away from his knee. "Please excuse me, sir. I must be going—I am expected at home."

All the humor drained from Adrian's face, replaced by a look of puzzled surprise. "Have I said something wrong, Miss Edwards?"

"Not at all. You have merely reminded me that you are a profligate gamester, and no doubt a... rake as well, sir, and not a person with whom I care to spend time."

"I suppose it is no surprise that in a small town such as this, the arrival of any stranger will prompt a number of scurrilous rumors,” he said softly

"Do not deny that you are in St. Andrews as the result of some debauched wager! Hugh Philp says—" She swallowed hard. "That is, Mr. Philp is a friend of my aunt's, and it is from him that I have heard you must play golf against Lord Hertford because of a very large loss at the gaming table."

"Yes, it's true that I am bound to compete against the marquess, but…” He blew out a huff of frustration. “Oh, the devil take it, why bother trying to explain! It appears you are just as willfully opinionated as that hot-tempered brat of caddie I have been saddled with by Mr. Philp. Both of you think that you understand everything at first blush."

He rose brusquely and held out his hand. "Come, let me see you home."

Derrien stared at him in shock, rendered speechless by the raw hurt in his voice. When she made no move to get to her feet, his expression turned hard as stone and he dropped his arm.

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