Andrea Kane by Samantha

Author:Samantha
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2012-11-13T06:30:32+00:00

13

REM NEVER CONSIDERED GOING home. Totally off balance, his emotions raw and unsettled, he ordered his driver to take him directly to Abingdon Street. To Abingdon Street … and Samantha.

“Good day,” he greeted the Town house butler. “Please tell Lady Samantha the Earl of Gresham is here to see her.”

Hatterly didn’t budge. “Is she expecting you, my lord?”

“Actually, no. I’ve come directly from a business meeting and had no opportunity to alert her to my imminent arrival. But I’m certain she’ll receive me.”

Hesitating an instant longer, the butler shrugged. “Follow me, my lord.”

As they approached the sitting room, Rem heard the sound of melodic laughter. Samantha’s laughter. Like a haven from the storm, it beckoned him, offering him the solace he craved, the cause and the cure for his inner turmoil.

The butler had not yet completed his formal announcement of Rem’s arrival when Rem strode into the room, nearly tripping over the carved armchair that held Cynthia and her needlepoint.

“What the … ?” Rem’s glance slid from Cynthia’s startled face to the room’s large settee, which currently held Samantha and Viscount Anders … several feet apart, but beside each other nonetheless.

“Remington!” Sammy’s eyes lit up as she rose to greet him. “I didn’t expect you.”

“Evidently not.” Rem’s fists clenched at his sides and he counted slowly to ten, simultaneously planning the viscount’s sudden, violent demise. “If you recall, I did say I’d be here late this afternoon.”

“You said you’d see me later today,” she corrected, glancing uneasily from Rem to Stephen. “You never mentioned what time, nor that you intended to visit me at home.” Attempting to defuse the tension permeating the room, she smoothed the folds of her gown and walked toward Rem. “But I’m delighted to see you. May I offer you some refreshment?”

“Why is the viscount here?”

Sammy wet her lips with the tip of her tongue. She should have known better than to think Rem would make this easy, she realized. “Stephen only just arrived. He came to … that is …” Self-consciously, her fingers flew to the heavy gold and diamond necklace at her throat.

The viscount stood in one fluid motion. “I brought Samantha a small token of my esteem, Gresham,” he said with a smug smile. “It looks lovely on her, does it not?”

Rem’s icy gaze dropped to the glittering gems. “Yes. Very lovely. And very costly.”

“Samantha is more than worth the cost, no matter how high.”

“Please, Stephen, you’re embarrassing me.” A faint tinge of color stained Sammy’s cheeks. “And, if you recall, I also told you the necklace was far too extravagant.”

“Nonsense, my dear. ’Tis but a mere trinket.” Anders straightened his waistcoat. “I’ll take my leave now. But rest assured, I’ll be calling again tomorrow.”

“Good day, Anders.” Rem’s voice was menacing.

“Cynthia, would you show the viscount to the door, please?” Sammy asked.

For the first time, Cynthia spoke. “I really don’t think—”

“Please, Cynthia.” It was not a request.

“Fine. I’ll be but a moment.” Cynthia’s eyes flashed Sammy a warning.

The instant they were alone, Rem caught Sammy’s elbows, dug his fingers demandingly into her skin.

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