Netherby Halls

Her mana was hers, not the other way around. Her magic belonged to her; she did not belong to it. She bolstered her self-control and managed to shut off the extreme desire burning through her body because it had moved her closer to him without her even being aware.

He looked intently at her and whispered, “Miss Winthrop.” He got up from the sofa. “Allow me to fetch you a sweet cake?”

She was surprised but was also thankful. What would she have done next? Thrown her arms around him? “Yes, oh yes, I would like that.”

* * *

The marquis’s experience had embroiled him with many sorts of lovelies, and he had not reached the age of twenty-seven without learning to handle himself in all given situations. He had even thought himself in love once or twice but had become quickly disenchanted.

He had never been kept at arm’s length, and he had no doubt that this beauty was attempting to do just that. Why? He was quite used to women trying to ensnare him for his title and wealth.

He wanted Sassy Winthrop, and his wanting had already sent him into obsession. He dreamed of her and what it would be like to hold her, kiss her, touch her, and that dream had been so real …

He was aroused beyond the norm, and he could not deny that in addition to the lust he felt for her, he liked her. He liked her spirit, and he li

ked the manner in which she held and conducted herself, but she wasn’t someone he could use and forget. She was someone a man should treasure. That wasn’t for him.

He handed her the small china plate with the sweetcake and watched her spoon some into her mouth. When she moaned, the sound went through him. His dick, already hard, wanted out of his breeches.

“This is delectable. I shall have to walk a few miles after I am finished,” she said, smiling.

“You are too thin and can well afford a few pieces of cake,” he said thoughtfully and then added, “You thanked me for my offer of friendship, but you doubt my sincerity.” He was piqued in spite of himself.

“Do I doubt it?” Sassy returned, and the light in her green eyes nearly took his breath away.

What the hell was wrong with him? He felt like a schoolboy with his first crush. “Hang it, woman! Do not answer my question with a question. Tell me instead, what have I done that has not been an act of friendship?

“Ah, let us review,” Sassy said, her green eyes twinkling at him, and for him, no one else was in the room. Everything faded and turned into a place where only this beauty with the speaking eyes stood before him. He had to get control over himself, and he attempted to banish such fantasy.

“Indeed, let us review,” he agreed, a smile curving his lips as he stared at hers.

“You, my lord, very kindly offered me assistance on the road when my carriage broke down—an act of chivalry—but then offered me insult when you referred to me as a ‘bird’ when you thought I could not hear you speaking with Percy.” She put up a finger to stall his objection. “You have offered me a strong shoulder during my weakness this morning, and perhaps that was an act of friendship, but I think it was to further your purpose and add another feather to your over-laden cap.”

“Add another feather?” He was actually just a bit stunned by her directness and all the more captivated.

“What all rogues are forever doing, aren’t they? Seduction, isn’t that what you have been playing at from the moment we met?” Sassy mitigated these words with an amiable laugh. “I know … outrageous of me to speak of such things, but there it is—I am, I’m afraid, outspoken.”

Ruffled and yet inwardly conceding her points, he inclined his head. “Let me ask you this. That fellow, the good doctor, I suppose he was not remiss with his attentions. Does he fall into the same category as a rogue?”

He watched her expression change from amusement to irritation, her green eyes flashing at him. His heart skipped with the excitement she instilled in him as he waited for her response. He wanted to scoop her up and take her to his room. He wanted to tear off her clothing and bend over her and suckle at her full breasts. He wanted to drive his shaft home! It was all he could think of.

“How dare you, my lord, and once again, you are proving that friendship is not on our table. Dr. Bankes has behaved like a complete gentleman to me and has not been remiss with his kindness, and I most vehemently resent your insinuation.”

Bloody hell. He had just skewered himself. He felt a wave of jealousy rush through him full force. He hated that she saw him as a rogue and Dr. Bankes as a kind gentleman, for in this case he knew otherwise.

Suddenly and before he was able to retrieve himself in her eyes, she was on her feet. She put down the half-eaten sweet and said, “Sophy, I think I should be getting back to Netherby now. I have stayed too long.”

“Oh no, dear Sassy, you cannot go. Oh, do stay!” Sophy jumped to her feet and rushed to take Sassy’s hands. “We can go upstairs after everyone leaves and have a wonderful girls’ chat.”

“You are most gracious, but perhaps another time. I have lessons to prepare for tomorrow and a few things that need doing.” Sassy smiled warmly at her newfound friend.

“Oh, very well. I will ring for my carriage to return you, and—” Sophy started but was interrupted.

The marquis stood, and his voice was quiet and full with determination. “No need, I have my phaeton outside and ready. I will be happy to escort Miss Winthrop home.”

He saw Sassy’s mouth drop. He had her right where he wanted, for she would not be so rude as to refuse his offer of a ride. He could see her mind racing. What was she thinking? He laughed to himself, for he knew she would not offer him public insult or demand the Delleson’s trouble themselves on her behalf when a ride had been offered.

A few moments later, Sassy obviously stiff and aloof, allowed the marquis to hoist her onto the open seat of his phaeton before he went around to easily and athletically climb up beside her and take the reins.