“I question the way he looks at Miss Quinn.”
“They way he looks at her?”
“As if he intends something wicked.”
“She is a beautiful woman. Of course he intends something wicked.”
“If that’s meant to be amusing, it falls short of the mark.”
His hard features softened as Boris stepped forward and allowed his hands to lightly trail down her arms. “What man would not intend something wicked when he is offered such temptation?”
“Here now, ye watch yer hands or—”
Her brave words were brought to an effective end as Boris abruptly yanked her forward and crushed her lips in a kiss that made her toes curl in sweet anticipation.
EDMOND STUDIED BRIANNA from across the crowded salon, his body predictably hard with frustrated longing. Even surrounded by London’s most famous beauties, she managed to glow with a stunning splendor that would steal the wits of any gentleman.
Of course, her newfound sophistication did nothing to soften her prickly personality, he wryly acknowledged, recalling their earlier confrontation.
At the time, he had been besieged by a confusion of emotions that all battled for supremacy. Fury that she would dare to defy his wishes. A sharp, aching desire to pull her into his arms and damn the rest of the world to Jericho.
And a fierce satisfaction at the knowledge that she possessed no deep longing for Stefan’s jewels.
It was that last emotion that disturbed him. Fury and frustrated desire were common enough when in Brianna’s presence. Christ, they plagued him even when he wasn’t in her presence. A fact he had discovered during the past three days of doing everything possible to avoid her company.
But why should he be pleased that she could readily dismiss the undoubted temptations that came part and parcel with the position of Duchess of Huntley?
“Ah, there you are, your Grace.”
The curvaceous brunette, wearing a dress of Pomona green edged in velvet and sparkling with diamonds, halted at Edmond’s side. Handsome rather than pretty, Lady Montgomery was the most skilled of all the London political hostesses. Indeed, no one doubted that Lord Montgomery’s position in the government was entirely due to her efforts.
Edmond offered a faint dip of his head.
“Lady Montgomery.”
The teasing smile on her full lips didn’t hide the curiosity that shimmered deep in her eyes.
“I am not entirely sure how I can ever thank you,” she murmured.
“Thank me?”
“Your presence at my humble soiree has ensured that my position among society has increased significantly. There will not be a hostess in all of London who is not gnashing her teeth in envy that you chose to introduce your fiancée beneath my roof.”
Edmond did not miss the woman’s air of smug pleasure at having accomplished such a coup.
“Any gratitude must go to my aunt.” He turned his head to regard the elegant woman who hovered protectively at Brianna’s side, ready to steer her young charge through the dangerous waters of society with smooth efficiency. “She assured me that Miss Quinn would be made to feel welcome among your guests.”
“But, of course, Miss Quinn will be made welcome.” Lady Montgomery flashed him a covert glance. “A truly lovely young lady. And such charming manners. ’Tis no wonder she managed to steal your elusive heart, your Grace.”
Edmond smiled, enjoying the pleasurable heat that raced through his body as his gaze returned to linger on his fiancée.
“She is exquisite.”
Lady Montgomery flicked her painted gauze fan open with a practiced motion. “It is a pity about her mother’s marriage to that…” There was a delicate pause. “Nasty tradesman, of course. There are bound to be a few vicious tongues that will remind the ton of that unfortunate connection, I fear.”
“They would be wise to direct their vicious tongues toward topics that do not include Miss Quinn,” he replied, his tone edged with an unmistakable warning. “My family would be most displeased with anyone who breathed the name of Thomas Wade and my fiancée in the same sentence.” A layer of ice coated his voice. “Indeed, as far as I am concerned, Thomas Wade no longer exists.”
“Ah, yes. Yes, I see.” Lady Montgomery appeared temporarily startled by the formidable power that smoldered about the usually placid Duke of Huntley, then she gave a rueful laugh. “For a gentleman who rarely mingles among society, your Grace, you do possess a remarkable talent for comprehending how to bend us to your will.”