My Enchanting Hoyden (A Once Upon A Rogue Novel, #3) by Julie Johnstone Page A

moment before speaking. “My grandfather only cares about my obeying his commands, and what he desires is a match between Lord Glenmore and myself.” She sighed. “I’m afraid it’s up to me to ensure Lord Glenmore decides being married to me would not be worth his trouble.”
    While he had his own problems to deal with and his own bride to secure, how could he not help her? She obviously needed someone, and he liked to think he was the sort of man that would never turn away from a person in need. Hellfire.
    “I can help you with that a bit, I think,” Philip said.
    “How?” she whispered, wide-eyed.
    “I can tell you a bit about Glenmore, for starters. We went to school together and used to be very good friends...until I learned what he was really like.”
    “What can you tell me to help me rid myself of him?” she asked, excitement making her tone waver.
    He shrugged. “Pretend you’re insipid.”
    “I beg your pardon?”
    “Glenmore likes fascinating women.”
    “Oh, I see!” She smiled, but the smile swiftly faded and she gawked. “Did you just call me fascinating ?”
    He chuckled. “I suppose I did. Now then, also pretend you’re vain. He’s a preening peacock who wants to be the only bird in the room. Do you take my meaning?”
    She nodded. “I should talk about myself excessively and never ask questions about him. What else?”
    Heat seared his face. This last part was likely the most important, but he couldn’t just blurt it out. Yet, he had to. “There is no delicate way to give this last bit of advice.”
    “Just tell me,” she urged.
    “Er, he likes passionate women.” He hoped it didn’t shock Jemma too much. Philip cleared his throat. “Because he wants to control the passion.”
    Not looking the least bit shocked, she gave a decisive nod. “Yes, I gathered as much from some of his comments.”
    “What the devil did Glenmore say to you?” Philip growled, leaning nearer, definitely too close to be wise but still with a proper space between them. Her scent and heat surrounded him in a heady swirl.
    A blush swiftly stole over her cheeks, showing that she was not immune to embarrassment after all. “Let’s just say I think he views me as a wild horse to be tamed.”
    “Sounds like him,” Philip agreed, trying to shake the image of what it would take to tame her, in the best sort of way. Philip swallowed. “Show him you’re more like an old mare.”
    She frowned. “Or I could show him I’m untamable.”
    The woman would kill him with her direct speech, and she would do so without ever knowing what her words were doing to him. Thank God, he’d removed his coat. He was so hot it was if the sun were beating down on him.
    He cleared his throat before speaking. “I admire your spunk, but the wisest path is to stick to displaying the characteristics I suggested.”
    A frown creased her brow. “Why?”
    Philip scrubbed a hand across his face. He could not believe he was having this conversation at a ball with a woman. An innocent, no less. “He’s the sort to feed off defiance. Er, he likes to have control, so if you show him you’re untamable I think he’ll consider conquering you a greater prize.”
    Her mouth dropped open in shock. “Well, then I’ll heed your advice. Thank you for everything.” She slipped his coat off her shoulders and handed it to him. “I’d better go back inside. No doubt my chaperone, or even my grandfather, will be looking for me. Hopefully we’ll meet again, Philip. I’m glad you rescued me,” she said in a serious tone. “I’m going to start my plan immediately, and when I’m done with Lord Glenmore, he’ll despise me.”
    She grinned, but Philip’s gut clenched. What had he done pitting this innocent woman against a depraved man such as Glenmore? What if the advice he’d given her somehow backfired? Or worse, what if Glenmore saw through the act and became rough with her, possibly even ruined her? Philip wouldn’t put it past the