Viscount of Vice (Lords of Scandal 4)

Ada swatted at Grace’s arm. “Not like that.” But she had to confess, when their bodies had pressed together, that was the only time he hadn’t seemed fake. Ada had been terribly aware of him and something about the way his hands had held her made her almost think he’d noticed her too. He hadn’t been trying to push her away, rather, he’d been drawing her closer.

“We shall see,” Grace straightened. “The man did offer to escort you into the village.”

“Did he now?” her father suddenly chimed in, making her jump. Had he been listening this entire time? How much had she revealed out loud. “He’s a friend of Darlington’s, correct?”

“Yes, Papa,” she answered, pressing her hands together in her lap.

“Do you think those men made a pact to marry? They seem rather smitten with you girls.”

Her shoulders slumped with relief. Clearly he hadn’t heard her saying that Vice was only pretending. “It’s nothing like that, Papa. Darlington asked them to watch out for us, after Cordelia was taken from the house.”

Her father shook his head. “Strange business. Has anyone caught Lady Abernath?”

“No,” she answered. Her father didn’t know that Darlington had been engaged to Lady Abernath and that she was threatening all of them now to expose their secret club. He also had no idea that Countess Abernath had also attempted to steal Diana. To tell them, they’d have to expose so many secrets they were attempting to keep hidden.

He nodded. “Well, Darlington’s a good man to be taking your safety so seriously, but he needn’t be worried. I am perfectly capable of watching after you girls. Furthermore, unmarried woman being with unattached lords that are not inclined toward marriage—”

“We understand, Uncle,” Grace interrupted.

Ada’s father turned back to the window. “I shall talk with Darlington myself.”

“Good idea,” Ada said. Perhaps her father could convince Lord Viceroy to leave her be. The man was causing a tension inside her that only his absence might relieve.

Chapter Three

Vice stepped from his carriage and then stood on the steps, waiting for Ada to arrive. He’d spent most of the ride contemplating what he might have done incorrectly. Clearly he’d upset her and he thought he knew why.

He’d come at her as though she were a seasoned woman who’d already had a lover. But Ada was a woman of little experience. She needed more wooing and less seduction. Just enough to make his guard job easy. A simple crush on her part would suffice. And it would be good for his ego too. He’d make sure to end things before Ada could reject him, of course. He wouldn’t go through that again. But proving a woman like Ada could still care for him, well, that was tempting for certain.

His confidence restored, he considered how he’d extricate himself when his guard duty was over. Being an innocent woman of marriageable age, he couldn’t give her a gift or money to pacify her. Instead…he looked up at the sky, he’d have to weave a tale. Perhaps say that it was for her benefit.

Feeling secure, he watched as the carriage rolled up to the front of the house. Mr. Chase stepped out, handing out Ada and Grace.

Vice hardly noticed the fair blonde as Ada’s auburn hair glinted in the sun. Her hips had a delightful sway that made his breath catch. He’d noticed her before, but now…how had he not seen how perfectly beautiful she was?

They walked toward him, his eyes drinking in every detail. The slim column of her neck, the lovely shape of her face, neither too thin nor too round, the slender cut of her shoulders. Ada delicately lifted the edge of her skirt as she began to ascend the stairs. They came abreast of him and he turned, holding out his elbow. “May I?”

Ada gave a quick shake of her head. “No need,” she answered, breezing by.

“No need?” he replied. He stared after her, his jaw clenching so hard his teeth began to ache. How had she managed to deflate his sails in a matter of one single second? Just two tiny words? He fell in step behind her. “Are you certain?”

She looked back at him over her shoulder as her hand rested in her father’s elbow. “No, thank you. As you can see, I am perfectly escorted.”

Mr. Chase turned back as well. “I’ll speak to Darlington but he needn’t take up your time, my lord. I’ll keep an eye on my daughter and I’m sure Lord Winthrop will watch out for his.”

Vice closed his mouth. Darlington was definitely going to have to speak with both Lord Winthrop and Mr. Chase. The question was, how was Darlington going to impress the fact that their guard was most certainly needed without revealing all their secrets. “He’ll be here any moment, I am sure.”

Mr. Chase shook his head. “It can wait until after the wedding breakfast.”

Grace gave a little bounce. “Uncle, will you take us to the village tomorrow to purchase ribbons? I need a particular shade of blue to match my dress.”

“Of course.” Mr. Chase gave his niece an indulgent smile. “I’m sure we’re safe here in our London neighborhood.”

Ada gave him another glance over his shoulder, but this time, she was nibbling her lip. She didn’t mean to be enticing, but heaven above…he wanted to worry that flesh himself. Her words pulled him from his carnal thoughts. “I don’t know, Papa. What happened with Cordelia…”

Vice stepped closer. “If you’re going to go out, please allow me to accompany you. Just until you’ve talked with Darlington.” He had a sudden fear he couldn’t quite express. What if something happened to Ada? He’d feel responsible. He’d experienced…loss.

He hated the emotion. It was one he avoided at all costs after the death of his parents. He’d become the Viceroy at just thirteen when they’d succumbed to disease of the lung while he’d been away at school.