Marquess of Menace (Lords of Scandal 10)

A look of surprise crossed his face. “I’d never thought of it that way. Likely because I mostly destroyed opportunities and relationships with my behavior.” His face hardened as a dark shadow crossed his face. “While you strengthen the people closest to you.”

She reached out and touched his sleeve. This was the man who’d carried her into the carriage this morning when she’d fallen apart. “That’s not what I see.”

He looked into the fire. “You don’t know me very well. But I want you to understand this before you accept or deny my offer. I’ve disappointed everyone who has ever cared about me.”

Her throat thickened as she listened to the pain in his voice. She didn’t see the man he described. He was a marquess. A successful club owner. Her personal hero. “All right. I understand.”

He leaned onto the mantel staring into the fire. “I need a dowry to help me bolster my title.”

Her fingers curled into her palm but she didn’t say anything as she allowed him to continue.

“You need to protect your sisters and solve this mystery so that you might go on your adventures.”

She started in surprise. Adventuring was part of this deal? “And?”

“I propose we join forces.”

“Join forces?” She stepped closer to him, raising her brows.

He reached out and hooked her waist, pulling her close to his body. “Marriage, love. We get married to help each other accomplish our goals.”

She looked up at him. “Just so I’m clear on this. As your wife, I will just sail off to America and leave you here?”

He shrugged. “That’s what I was thinking.”

She shook her head. “And you’ll run my share of Carrington Shipping?”

He shook his head. “We’ll have to hire someone. I mentioned already that I’m not the best with responsibility.”

She slid her hands up his arms, then linked them behind his neck. “And the club? How do you run that?”

He looked down at her. “That’s different. My friends fill in my gaps.”

She rose up on tiptoes. “And do you think you and I might be able to…fill in each other’s gaps?”

“What gaps do you have?” He shook his head. “Near as I can tell, you’re perfect.”

“I can assure you.” She glanced toward the door again. “If you brought my sisters in here, they’d have a completely different opinion.” Which was the truth. “I’m hardheaded, uncompromising, demanding, to name a few.” She threaded her fingers into his hair. And he had done what she’d never expected from any man, he’d offered her freedom within the confines of marriage. The man who already felt like an adventure even when they only travelled as far as the library.

He chuckled as he bent lower. “Take as much time as you need to consider my offer. But as your husband, I’ll do my best to help Bash and your family.”

Her mouth opened and closed again. What did she say? The idea had merit. How much, she didn’t know. She did know that his very presence made her mind murky and heavy. Could she make a good decision here in his arms?

But before she could answer, his lips descended down on hers. Firm but warm, his mouth moved over hers, causing a cascade of tingles all through her body.

Eliza felt divine. Her lips were soft and sensual, her body fitted against his perfectly.

Why had he kissed her?

This wasn’t supposed to be part of the plan. They were to lead separate lives.

She’d been so tempting against him, he’d dipped his head down and stolen this kiss.

And now…

Now he couldn’t stop.

She tugged at the strands of his hair, pulling him closer as he slanted her mouth open and brushed his tongue against hers.