A Taste of Desire Page 0,44

outcome.” Her warning carried all the weight of a hummingbird, but at the moment, she did not care.

“And just what do you plan to do? Appeal to your father? If I compromised you, he would have us wed before the onset of winter. A prospect I’m certain neither of us desires.”

Of course, the blasted man was right. And nothing short of increasing his wealth threefold would please her father more. “Now I see why my father admires you so much. You and he are just the same.”

Thomas stiffened. It was clear in her tone that her statement wasn’t meant as a compliment. The creep of anger began to steal over him. His affront was for Harry not himself. Hadn’t the poor man endured enough because of her?

“I suggest you watch your tongue. Your father is one of the best men I’ve ever known.”

Amelia’s head jerked back, her eyes widening as if surprised by the vehemence of his response.

“Which isn’t saying much, I daresay. But as far as I’m concerned, the two of you suit each other well. You both care nothing for anyone else unless it’s to your financial or personal benefit. It’s a shame you weren’t my father’s son—how much simpler life would be for everyone involved.”

Thomas schooled his features. This spoilt brat dared to condescend to him. What did she know of money other than listing expenses in the credit and debit column? She’d never had to look his mother and three sisters in the eye and tell them not only hadn’t they money enough to keep up their properties but hardly enough for the barest necessities.

If she had people she considered friends—and that was very much in doubt—who ceased to have anything to do with her, it was because of her surly disposition, not because a lack of funds had suddenly deemed her unworthy of their company. Her father had saved his family from certain financial ruin.

“My heart goes out to your father. God help me should I have a daughter like you.” Contempt laced his every word.

Amelia’s body stiffened on a softly indrawn breath. A look of some indiscernible emotion flashed across her face as she stood motionless, her eyes unblinking.

“When he returns, I’ll be certain to give him your condolences. On the other hand, since you do see him more frequently than I, perhaps you can offer them yourself.” With that, she turned, lifted her skirts, and calmly exited the study.

Thomas made no attempt to stop her. Further conversation might just end in a full-scale war. Raking an unsteady hand through his hair, he slumped back to rest on the edge of the desk, a dull ache radiating in his chest.

Chapter 12

The longcase clock in the hall announced the top of the hour with eight strident chimes just as Amelia entered the study the day following. She expelled a small sigh of relief when a quick scan of the room revealed that she was indeed alone.

“I see you managed to arrive on time,” the viscount drawled from behind her, his voice containing no residue of displeasure from yesterday’s unpropitious ending.

Or had been alone.

Amelia turned her head to find him framed in the doorway. He looked remarkably rested—and wretchedly handsome. Never had brown tweed and camel wool had a more strikingly masculine form to cover. Her heart gave a tiny flutter.

“What did you expect? I’ve heard you flog your servants. I like my back unmarred thank you very much,” she replied crisply before taking a seat at her desk. If he could act as if they were at their acrimonious normalcy, as if the kiss had not occurred, so certainly could she.

“Oh, I wouldn’t flog you. I’d paddle your bare behind.”

A gasp escaped her lips as her gaze flew to his. Amusement danced in his eyes, but he looked perfectly capable of carrying out such a punishment.

“You my lord, are the most—”

“Yes I know, arrogant, horrible, et cetera. You needn’t continue. I get the idea.”

Three days ago, she would have bristled at the interruption and seethed over a remark infused with a boredom bordering on insolence. Then she would have delivered him a set-down that would make her remarks at the ball tame in comparison. Today, embarrassment heated her cheeks to blistering degrees. Amelia snapped her mouth closed.

He crossed the room, not coming to a stop until he stood wide-legged in front of her desk. Amelia’s heart had started to beat faster when he’d bypassed his desk; now it galloped along at unheard-of speeds. Yet she