One Scandalous Night by Maggi Andersen

Author:Maggi Andersen
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

“The devil!” he growled. Derrick had never liked Maudling. Arranged marriages were an accepted part of society, but this went beyond the pale. It was akin to sexual slavery. He couldn’t stomach the idea of Bella hitched to that bounder, especially when he knew how much she valued her independence. “Is he aware of your feelings toward him?”

“Yes, but he just laughs at me. And my father is determined I marry him.” She dropped her gaze to her hands. “I can see no way out unless I find a better means of dissuading Maudling from the idea.”

“Is there something I can do?”

“Thank you, sir, but I hardly think—”

“I could throw a spanner into his business dealings. That should distract him for a time.”

“It would take too long,” she said, not questioning his ability to do so. She paused and gazed at him shyly. “There is something, however.” She firmed her lush mouth, and her blue eyes turned steely.

He stared at her, captivated. “What is going on in that pretty head of yours, Miss Lacey?”

“My parents leave for Brighton tomorrow. They will be gone for a several days…”

He raised his brows wondering where this was leading. “And?”

“If I should spend a night at your house, all night, that is…” Her cheeks flushed pink. “If we…if I were to lose my innocence and Maudling learn of it, I doubt he’d want me then.”

Derrick drew in a sharp breath at her coldblooded plan. Beyond her anger, he could detect little sign that she lusted after him. “Dammit, Miss Lacey. Contrary to belief, I don’t make a practice of debauching virgins.” He’d had several young debutantes try ingenious means to trap him. Ordinarily, he’d be instantly on his guard and suspicious. Miss Lacey was no conniving young miss, however. He’d come to like her, to respect her, and now found he believed her.

She seemed small and rather fragile as she twisted the skirts of her pale blue dress with her lace mittens, but her unwavering gaze held his. “Don’t you want me?”

The very thought gave him a cockstand. He shifted awkwardly. “Of course I want you. What man wouldn’t leap at the offer?”

She raised her chin; it trembled, giving her away. “Then will you agree?”

He took off his hat and raked his fingers through his hair. “You need to give this serious thought, Bella.”

She placed a hand on his arm. “Can I not persuade you?”

There was no artifice in her. No attempt to seduce him. And dammit, she didn’t need to. His body was already clamoring for her. It was all he could do not to pull her onto his lap and take her now. “You’ll put your reputation at risk. What of your parents?”

“I’m willing to risk it.” Her beautiful eyes pleaded with him. “If you want me.”

“Of course I want you, sweetheart,” he said, softening his tone. “But please understand that I cannot marry you.”

“One night is all I wish for,” she said crisply. “All that is needed.”

The carriage turned a sharp corner and threw them against each other.

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