What a Duke Dares (Sons of Sin 3) - Page 80
Harry grunted. Five minutes ago, he’d burned to punch the duke’s nose. Now, he wasn’t so sure.
“He’s a good man, Harry,” she repeated adamantly. “And I won’t have family discord. Nor will I become a martyr to gossip. There’s been enough talk about both the Thornes and the Rothermeres. You’ll have to put on a better face than you’ve managed tonig
ht. And quickly. People notice.”
“Pen!” He tugged her into a tight embrace. Briefly he’d glimpsed the forthright woman he remembered. “I’m so glad you’re back.”
She struggled free and patted her hair. “You’re quite mad.”
She could call him a lunatic a hundred times as long as she lost that gray aura. “It runs in the family.”
“Ha ha,” she said. The mocking sound pleased his ears the way a harmonious chord pleased Elias. “Now if you can bring yourself to act like a gentleman and not a grumpy bear, let’s find my husband and make our farewells.”
He had more on his mind tonight than the state of his sister’s marriage. “Wait.”
Impatiently she paused. “What is it?”
“Have you thought about what we talked about?”
“No.”
It was Harry’s turn to be annoyed. “It’s important.”
“Harry, you’re so young—”
“I won’t change,” he said steadily.
He saw the moment she realized that this wasn’t a passing attraction. She sighed. “Leath won’t let you near his sister. You’re asking for an ocean of heartbreak.”
“I don’t care. I love her,” he said stubbornly. “I want you to help me to see Sophie. Leath won’t watch you. You can carry messages.”
“Like a sneak.”
“Like a loving sister.”
Pen looked hunted. “Is Sophie back?”
“She returns next week. The aunt is in Edinburgh for some lecture series so Leath wants Sophie under his eye.”
“I thought communication between you two was cut.”
He shrugged. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
“You’re reckless.”
“Faint heart never won fair lady.”
“If you’re not careful, your rashness will bring a scandal down around our ears. Cam doesn’t deserve it. And if you think Leath won’t resent me for promoting this illicit flirtation, you’re a blockhead.”
Harry’s jaw firmed. “I’ve considered the arguments. I can even bring myself to agree with a few of them. Sometimes.”
She looked relieved. “Then stop this before someone gets hurt.”
“Never,” Harry said adamantly. “Nothing will convince me that Sophie’s better off married to a man who doesn’t love her. A man she doesn’t love.”
“I suppose she fancies herself in love with you.” Pen considered him. “I’ll concede that you’re serious. But she’s young too.”
“She knows her heart. With all the trouble involved, it would be easier to give me up.”
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