Princess Charming (Legendary Lovers 1)

“I suppose his rank and fortune can excuse myriad deficiencies,” Jack said sardonically. “Isn’t that the chief reason for your compassion? And why you wish to marry him?”

She stared at him. “Not at all. The duke is actually a very kind man. I didn’t wish to hurt his feelings.”

At Jack’s skeptical silence, her gaze narrowed. “Why is it any of your concern?” When he didn’t answer, she made a demand of her own. “Who are you?”

Jack reached up to remove his own mask.

“You,” she exclaimed, obviously recognizing him. Oddly enough, she seemed relieved to learn his identity rather than apprehensive as he’d expected, for she settled back on the sofa and regarded him thoughtfully.

“I gather you know me?” he asked.

“Everyone knows of the scandalous Lord Jack Wilde.”

“But we have never met? I think I would remember you, Miss Fortin.”

“No, we have never met directly. I saw you at the Perry’s ball last season, but you never noticed me.”

“I cannot imagine why,” he said honestly.

“Perhaps because I was dressed in white. You avoid debutantes like the plague.”

He grinned at that. “Ordinarily, yes.”

“I avoided you that particular night as well, since I had been warned about you.” When his eyebrow lifted, she expounded. “Our families have been locked in a blood feud for two generations, remember?”

“Ah, yes, the feud,” Jack said. His great-uncle had killed her great-grandfather in a duel over a woman, and then fled to the American Colonies with the prize.

“I always regretted that prohibition,” Miss Fortin said wistfully. “I would have enjoyed knowing Lady Katharine and Lady Skye, but I was forbidden to associate with them.”

His mouth curved. “Do you always do as you are bid?”

She sidestepped the question. “Do you never do as you are bid? No, you needn’t answer. From all reports, you live to break rules.”

“What reports have you been heeding?”

“Oh, the gossip about you is universal. You are said to be an outrageously irreverent rake who can charm the birds from the trees—at least female birds. If only half the stories are true, I should fear for my virtue.” As if suddenly becoming aware of the impropriety of the situation, she smoothed her skirts down over her knees. “I should not even be speaking to you now.”

“So do you mean to run away screaming?”

Her luminous eyes sparked with an appealing levity. “No. I have been a dutiful daughter all evening. And I am curious to know why you are speaking to me. Why are you here at my aunt’s ball, my lord? What do you want?”

I want you, lovely lady, came the unbidden thought.

His fierce attraction boded ill for his plan to dislike her, Jack acknowledged, laughing inwardly at the irony, but all his possessive male instincts were now keenly awake.

Deciding the truth was his best defense, he fixed his gaze on her luscious mouth. “I am here because I promised my cousin I would kiss you.”