Viscount of Vice (Lords of Scandal 4)

Her little tongue darted out to wet her lips, the one he hadn’t actually been able to taste since they’d been interrupted. He knew he wanted to, desperately wished to sample the nectar that was her mouth. “I know what you’re going to say. You don’t want a man like me.”

Her brows drew together in question. “That wasn’t what I was going to say.”

Jack stepped up next to them. “I am sorry that I pushed you. But I think we need to wait to have this conversation. How long has Ada been in here?”

A muscle jumped in Vice’s jaw. Too long. “A quarter hour, perhaps longer.”

Jack grimaced. “Wrap her in your coat, then you and Emily can take her out to the carriage. I will tell her family that…” He paused. “What should I tell them?”

“Tell them I was sick. Nausea.” Ada’s nervous temperament often meant her stomach bothered her. “They’ll believe you.”

Ada started to straighten. He didn’t want to let her go. For a second more he held her close and then with a grumble of dissatisfaction, he sat up with her in his arms. He could have lifted her but Jack reached down his hand and pulled her to standing, Vice following.

Taking off his coat, he draped the heavy fabric over her shoulders. Her hair was loose, thanks to his fingers. He winced even as his fingers itched to pull out those pins and let the tresses fall around him like waves of light. “Emily, we’ll take her out the back.”

Emily nodded and started for the door. “I’ll make certain no one is coming. She can’t be seen like this.”

Emily peeked her head out and then called back. “The hall is empty.”

Vice pulled at the lapels of his coat as Ada started after her cousin. Jack reached for Vice’s arm. “A word of advice.” Jack leaned closer. “Just marry her.”

Vice frowned. “No offense, but I’m not certain that’s the correct path. Have you considered that we aren’t meant for…” He stopped, not wanting to insult his friend.

Jack shook his head. “I made one critical error that I’ve corrected. There are no more lies between us. No half-truths. Learn from me and you’ll be fine. And if you’re still in doubt, watch Daring. He’s as good at marriage as he is everything else.”

Vice gave a quick nod as he followed Ada, tucking his arm about her. Her body fit so perfectly against his as he cupped the curve of her waist that he wished he could mold them together. Her sweet scent of honey wrapped about him and a piece of her hair fell from her coif, trailing down his arm.

Marry her?

What would that be like? First, he thought of her in his bed every night. Bloody hell, his cock strained against the falls of his breeches.

Then he considered the days. Her gentle smile, kind words, her smell permeating his home. But what about her? How would she feel when she learned all the women who had traipsed over those very same floors?

They made their way down the back stairwell and out into the alley where carriages lined the street. Reluctantly, he let Ada go and stepped in front of Emily. Not seeing his vehicle, he walked to the curb, hailing a hack.

The ladies hustled out into the street, climbing in the small carriage. “I can take her home from here,” Emily said as she leaned out the door. “Thank you.”

His lips thinned as Ada disappeared from view. He didn’t want to let her go but then she leaned back out again. Her mouth trembled and her eyes held his as though she were looking for something. “I’m staying at my aunt and uncle’s.”

He gave a single nod and then shut the door. He already missed the feel of her pressed to his side.

It made sense that he stayed. He’d return inside, make a turnabout the room. Have it be known that he’d never left the party. But he’d rather be in that carriage with her.

She’d told him she was staying with Lord and Lady Winthrop. Did she hope he’d visit? Excitement burst inside him at the thought of seeing her again.

Trotting back down the alley, he made his way inside and back up the stairs. The ball was now in full swing, the crowd swirling about the floor. He inched around the edge, finding the Chase family. Bad stood with them, his eyes glued to the dance floor. He followed his friend’s gaze until he saw Grace being twirled about in another man’s arms. Was Bad doing his duty as guard or was there something more in his friend’s dark gaze?

Tonight, Vice couldn’t ask. Instead, he weaved through the family to arrive at Mr. Chase’s side.

“My lord,” Mr. Chase bowed his head.

Vice nodded back. “Mr. Chase.”

“How does Ada fare?” Her father was staring at the dance floor as well.

He swallowed. “Just a bit sick, sir. Nothing to concern yourself over.”

“I know that Conroy pulled her into the hall, I saw him and I saw you go after them.” The man straightened, drawing to his full height. “Anything I should be concerned about?”