Invitation to Scandal by Bronwen Evans Page A

likely. However, it can’t hurt, either. Alternatively, tell me the truth about the barrel now and your help is not required.”
    “You’re not listening to me, my lord.” She looked away. “Don’t look at me like that. I’m immune to your charms, or have you forgotten?”
    The tone of her voice, haughty and disdainful, left him in no doubt she would never help him unless forced to. “Your memory seems to be very selective. I can still recall how responsive you were in my arms.” A fierce surge of heat flooded his body at the memory of her soft curves beneath his. “You were very tempting. I have never met a ‘lady’ who romps around the countryside dressed so inappropriately.” He wanted to punish her. “Nor one who succumbs quite so readily to a stranger’s seduction. So don’t tell me you’re immune. I know from experience that you want me.”
    She gasped, and he caught her hand before it reached his face.
    “I wouldn’t advise it. You have tried my temper to its limits tonight. My offer is fair. The price of Caesar’s stud services are almost five thousand pounds. You’re a smart woman. You’d be a fool to refuse.”
    He lowered her hand to her side, and she didn’t fight him. In fact, she seemed to be seriously considering his proposal. He pushed his advantage.
    “With the money you will make off just two of Caesar’s progeny, you could buy more than a dozen mares.”
    Rheda shut her eyes. He watched her struggling with her dilemma. She opened them, and he saw his victory within their swirling depths.
    She gave a strained smile. “But what good is a dozen or so mares with no stallion to service them?” She chewed her bottom lip; the sight sent more jolts of lust to his groin. “I will agree to your payment solution if I can have Caesar back to service the mares I buy from the first offspring.”
    His expression sobered. She was clever, very clever. So clever he wondered if he was doing the right thing. “You’re agreeing to my offer?”
    She shrugged her slender shoulders. “What choice do I have? To save my dreams of owning a horse stud I have to make a pact with the devil. So be it. I’m a realist, Lord Strathmore. I’ll get what I want, but I warn you, my lord, I’m sure you’ll be left wanting.”
    He smiled at her sharp tongue. “I always get what I want, and right now, I’d like a kiss to seal the deal, Rheda.”
     
    He said her name softly, his tone almost a caress. His proposal was dangerous, but to call his bluff, to decline his offer, would mean untold suffering for all those she loved.
    If she was discovered smuggling, Daniel’s chance of a good marriage and restoring the de Winter name to prominence would be destroyed. Also without the horse stud, what would happen to the villagers of Deal once Dark Shadow was no more? What would happen to those who had nothing? Those she kept clothed and fed?
    It did not signify that her reputation would be ruined. She felt honor bound to continue the financial help the villagers now relied upon. The pounding pain in her head struck her anew. She had no choice but to fall in with his plan. But she’d not make it easy for him.
    “There is one more thing—Rufus.” She gave in and used his name, wanting him relaxed for her next request.
    He sighed. “What now? Is there more? Do you want me to tell Caesar to be gentle?”
    She rolled her eyes. “You must promise me Daniel is never to know about our arrangement. It would destroy him. I may not care about my reputation, but he does. I’m the only family he’s got.”
    He remained silent.
    She pressed her point. “My brother shouldn’t suffer for my behavior. So, before you get heady with victory, my lord, what do you propose to do about my brother?”
    That wiped the smile off his face.
    He tapped his fingers to his chin, and his eyebrows drew together as he thought. He sighed. “I shall simply have to look as though I am courting you. I’m sure your brother would welcome such a