Earl of Gold (Lords of Scandal #7) - Tammy Andresen Page 0,35

that he liked himself more than he had…ever.

Thoughts of his father ricocheted through his mind. His father hadn’t been overly cruel. He’d just hurt Logan, first with indifference. The subtle snub of always being second to gambling. As a child, it had hurt deeply. And then later, the outright abandonment of being left behind as his father had been carted off to prison.

No one had ever cared about him.

What if he’d had a Penny as a younger boy? How different would he be today?

But now was not the time for such thoughts.

He turned back into the room to face the Earl of Baxter.

“Problem?” Baxter smirked as he leaned back in his chair.

“No,” Logan answered, taking his seat again. “Where were we?”

“I was telling you I had an exclusive lead on a property in Mayfair.”

Logan gave a small smile. “A lead I surely couldn’t replicate?” He knew very well he could. And Baxter knew it too.

That was part of what made him the Earl of Gold.

The other man narrowed his gaze. “You’re annoyingly good at this.”

Logan smiled at that. “A conundrum to be certain. It’s the very reason you want me within the club and yet—”

“It makes it difficult to recruit you.” Baxter leaned forward his lips pulling into a devilish smile. “But I have an even more tempting offer.”

Baxter shifted his shoulders and Logan caught sight of a golden emblem pinned to his lapel. It gleamed in the firelight. A single, shiny W winking back.

Logan had seen them before, but he had no idea what the emblem actually signified.

“Do you like it?” Baxter noticed his glance and pulled out his lapel for Logan to get a closer look.

“It’s wonderful,” Logan said flatly. Baxter was deflecting. He wasn’t having any of it.

“Only members wear this pin. It’s the insignia of our very exclusive club.” Baxter’s grinned widened. “I’ve just been appointed the new leader.”

Logan’s brows went up. He shouldn’t ask. The man was laying a trap and Logan was about to step in it. “What sort of club?”

“The kind that would give you direct access to London’s most elite men.” Baxter wiggled his brows.

“Whites?” Logan asked.

“Mundane,” Baxter waved a hand. “I said exclusive, remember?”

More exclusive than White’s? “What’s it even called? Have I heard of it?”

“We’re secret,” Baxter lowered his voice. “It’s called, and you must promise to keep this to yourself, the Wicked Earls’ Club.”

Logan sucked in his breath.

It was everything he’d ever wanted. Baxter had just delivered his life’s dreams on a platter. And yet…

He looked at the door. Wicked Earls’ Club? “Sounds…tantalizing.”

Baxter chuckled. “It’s for unmarried earls only. I should mention that. But once a member, you will have access to all current and retired members for life. Honestly, that’s a policy I’ve implemented, and it’s been an excellent addition. I had a meeting of former earls and it was extremely well-attended.”

Logan continued to stare at the place where Penny had just stood.

He’d had a plan. A lady of excellent quality, an ‘in’ into society’s most elite. But with an invitation like this, he could be the elite and still marry whomever he chose. “Can engaged men be members?”

“Oh, most certainly.” Baxter chuckled. “You are exceptional at finding work arounds, aren’t you?”

“I do my best,” Logan answered. He wished to be done with this conversation. He wanted, quite frankly, to be near Penny.

“So do we have a deal? I donate to your orphanage, provide an address, and offer membership to one very exclusive club and you, in return, join us at the Den of Sins?”

Logan raised his brows. He meant the next words, but he’d be lying if he didn’t want to make Baxter squirm. Just a bit more. “Honestly, I shall have to talk to Penny.”

Baxter let out a deep sigh. “You can’t be serious.”

Logan allowed one shoulder to rise. “It’s her orphanage.”

“Just out of curiosity, though it’s none of my business, is she the woman you intend to marry?” Baxter looked toward the door, craning his neck as if he might catch another glimpse of her. “Because I could see why you’d be tempted.”

“You’re right,” he stood. “It’s none of your business.”

Then he gestured toward the door. “Return at noon tomorrow. I’ll have answers for you.”

Baxter nodded. “I’d like to say it’s been a pleasure, but I’ve just been dragged over the coals. Still. I hope you accept. It will all be worth it if you’re on my side.”

Logan shook his head. When had his life so drastically changed?

But he already knew.

The moment that Penny Walters