A Terrible Beauty (Season of the Furies Book 1) by Stephanie Patterson

were out of sight.
    “Get away from me,” she hissed. “You’ve caused me more than enough trouble today. Anyone could come down that path and find us alone together.”
    “I suppose that’s one way to take care of you,” Michael remarked easily. “I could compromise you and that would end your reign quite effectively. Judging from that kiss earlier, you’d enjoy it, too.” She looked appalled and backed further away from him. She collected herself within a moment and she lifted her head to look down her nose at him. For some absurd reason that only made him want to plant a light kiss on the tip, but that would undoubtedly send her into a right stew. Still, remembering this morning’s kiss it might be worth it.
    “I hardly think you’d want to be shackled to me,” she said.
    “What makes you think I’d marry you if I did compromise you?” He chuckled at the shocked expression on her face. “I don’t give a damn about my already disreputable reputation and I certainly wouldn’t care about yours.”
    “I think Lord Iredale might view the situation differently,” she declared and turned to leave. He caught her arm firmly, just above her elbow. Araby glared at his offending hand, but Michael ignored her.
    “I don’t doubt you’d enjoy watching men fighting over you, but I don’t fight over women. They’re not worth the effort – far too unreliable with their affection. If a man wants fidelity he should raise hunting dogs.” Her eyes widened in shock.
    “No one could ever mistake you for the chivalrous sort, sir. Drew on the other hand....”
    Michael tightened his hand on her arm and he saw real fear spring to life in her eyes. The notion that she might fear him galled him and he dropped her arm as if it had suddenly turned into a snake. “You needn’t flinch. I might have a jaundiced view of the fairer sex, but I don’t strike women. Nevertheless, be warned, I won’t stand for you crying to Drew about my misdeeds.”
    They stood watching each other warily. At length Araby said, “I wasn’t threatening to tell Drew anything. I was simply going to say that he enjoys playing the part of a knight errant whether it’s in his best interest to do so or not.”
    “True, he’s very naive for his age. That’s why it’s so easy for someone to take advantage of his better nature.” Michael took in the pretty picture she made and thought again of how sweet she’d felt in his arms, how soft and welcoming her lips had become. He moved further away from her. “Where is Iredale?”
    “Lord Phillip asked for his assistance. He’ll return shortly.” She plucked nervously at her sleeve.
    “No doubt. He’s not the man for you at any rate,” Michael blurted out, wondering why he should care who in hell she married. “He’s a besotted fool. You can twist him around your finger and you’ll only end up hating him for it. Marry him and you’ll take a lover before a year is out.” He didn’t mention that he’d be waiting for just such an opportunity.
    She stepped towards him, her eyes flashing with anger. “You're absolutely beastly. Just because you don’t hold with finer feelings like admiration and honor doesn’t mean that no one else does.”
    “You? Doubtful. Like all your sex you’re hanging out for a title and a large income to go with it. Where’s the honorable in that?”
    He watched the fire leave her eyes as if someone had thrown a bucket of water on glowing embers. “It’s realistic,” was all she said.
    Michael felt his anger spike, not only for Drew, or himself, but for all second and third sons. “So you’ll take a lover to ease the loneliness of your bargain and men will stand in line for you once more.”
    “No,” she declared, some of her spirit returning at his accusation. “If a gentleman is gracious enough to offer me the protection of his name I will remain a dutiful and faithful wife. It will be the least I owe him.” Her odd emphasis of the word protection