A Rogue to Ruin (The Pretenders #3) - Darcy Burke Page 0,60

that, haven’t you? A reason for us to be together.”

She prickled at his words. “I didn’t arrange it,” she said sharply. “I told Annie I would visit, that I would bring her something for her room, and I am a woman of my word.”

“Of course you are.” His tone softened. “My apologies. I meant it as a joke, and it came out badly.” He exhaled and clasped one of her hands. “I’m so often unbalanced with you.” He tipped his head to the side and regarded her with a seductive curiosity.

Her insides fluttered with giddiness. “As I am with you.”

“Indeed? You seem confident and assured, as if you know exactly what you want.”

“I do. I want you. I’ve made no secret of that. Whether you come with me or not, I will see Annie.”

His finger stroked the inside of her wrist. Was he aware of it? “When?”

An insistent desire pulsed from where he touched her wrist. “Monday, I think.”

“You can’t go alone. I’ll take you.”

“I wouldn’t go alone. I’d take Jane probably.” But I’d rather go with you.

“Would that be better?” he asked. “Perhaps she doesn’t approve of you going out with me a second time. I notice she left the door open today as opposed to when she allowed you to be alone with me at my house with the door closed.”

“She’ll let me go because she knows I’ll go anyway. Shall I dress as a man or a woman?”

There was a slight hiss as he sucked in a breath, his gaze moving over her and eliciting a response just as potent as if he touched her. Anne tingled everywhere, particularly where he teased her wrist. And his finger wasn’t even bare.

“A woman, please.” The request was low and thick. “Wear your veil. I’ll pick you up in the mews again.”

She nodded because her voice seemed to have deserted her.

He lifted her arm and pressed his lips to that spot inside her wrist that now burned from his touch. His eyes met hers. “Irresistible.”

“Am I?” she breathed.

“We’ll see.” He set her hand in her lap and stood. “I’ll fetch you at one on Monday.”

Anne rose, her legs wobbly. “I’ll speak with my godfather and let you know what he says.”

“Thank you.” He bowed his head to her and left.

Trembling, she sank back down onto the settee. She was vaguely aware of voices just outside the library before Jane came in. Anne composed herself, sitting straighter and tucking the usual stray lock of hair behind her ear.

“What did he want?” Jane asked without preamble as she sat next to Anne on the settee.

“You didn’t hear?”

Jane rolled her eyes with a smile. “I told you I wouldn’t eavesdrop, and I meant it.”

“He asked for my help with getting to know his uncle.”

“Oh.” Jane sounded disappointed. “That’s all?”

“Yes and no. I asked if we could return to Paternoster Row so that I may visit a girl I met on our last visit. She works in a bookshop there, and I promised we would discuss the book she was reading. She’s an orphan.” Anne wanted to share how Rafe had helped her, but it seemed he kept that part of himself private. She should ask him first.

“That’s lovely of you. Is he going to take you?” There was a slight hesitation to her question and in her expression.

“Yes, on Monday. I know it isn’t wise of me to go out with him again, particularly since I am not going to wear a disguise. I will wear a veil, however.”

“Anne, your reputation barely survived the wedding debacle.” She winced. “You know I hate saying that.”

“I do. But it was a debacle.” Anne had discovered the truth about her extortionist betrothed. Jane had learned that their parents had believed the salacious rumors about her five years prior. Anthony had bared his transgressions to the world in order to see Gilbert prosecuted. Debacle was perhaps an understatement.

Jane gave her a sad smile. “You can’t keep seeing him. I hope you aren’t…taking unnecessary risks.”

Anne was fairly certain what she meant. “We’re not having sex, if that’s what you’re referring to.” She took a deep breath. “Please don’t ask me not to go. I made a promise to Annie, and I can’t resist spending one more afternoon with him.”

“If only you didn’t love him,” Jane said softly and with great understanding.

“If only.” Anne rubbed her thumb along her wrist where he’d touched her, kissed her.

“What are you going to do to help him with Stone?” Jane shook her