Seven Secrets of Seduction by Anne Mallory Page B

syllables. Shall we see what else they might beautifully adorn?”

Chapter 5
    Dear Mr. Pitts,
    A strange new acquaintance has me asking all sorts of questions of myself. Perhaps you can help me straighten my thoughts. Why would a man pretend interest?
    From the pen of Miranda Chase
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    H er pulse picked up speed when the viscount appeared, freshly changed but still maintaining the same style of stark clothing and insouciant regard. He raised a brow at the books circling her, spread out in all directions. “Alas, I see you have other tasks at hand.”
    But all she continued to picture were draping lips and his fingers buried in her unbound hair. She tried to curse the illumination, curse her broken armoire, but the image just overrode everything else in her mind.
    She opened her mouth, but nothing emerged for a second. “It will take me more than a few days, my lord.” She looked down, trying to think instead of allowing the spreading wings in her stomach to control her fuzzy thoughts. Where was everyone? There had beenpeople in and out all day. “I hope your pocketbook will survive.”
    â€œI will manage somehow.”
    But would she? “I should hope so. As you said, you have created this mess.” She motioned to the books on the floor.
    â€œOne of my many talents.” He sank into a chair, long legs crossed before him. “I am at your disposal. Feel free to use me well.” His mouth quirked.
    She swallowed, trying to dispel the image of how he could be used according to the text in her armoire—especially splayed back like that.
    With all of these images and thoughts, a challenge was hardly even necessary. She needed to get herself together. To not fail all of womankind by simply succumbing like a hapless dove. “That is unnecessary. Your staff is quite helpful. And surely you have some engagement to attend?”
    â€œMy staff is suddenly completely occupied. And I cleared my afternoon.” He spread his arms. “Just for you.”
    She tried to calm the sudden rush of emotions. Exhilaration, fear. Of herself. But then all she needed to do was be patient. He would lose interest soon. It didn’t matter that he had expressly given her that illumination. She had read all about him. Knew that he was quick to chase and quicker to find new, more lively game.
    As long as she stayed smart, she could have a bit of fun—for when he wasn’t fuzzing up her head, she had a feeling the viscount would amuse her greatly. And she could seduce him to the writings of Eleutherios.
    She just had to prevent the loss of herself in the process.
    â€œI am going to be busy organizing for the rest ofthe afternoon. Perhaps you would like to rethink your challenge and come to your senses tomorrow?” she quipped.
    â€œOh, this is the clearest my senses have been in a long time, Miranda.” He smirked and slouched farther into the chair. “And there will be no changing my mind.”
    â€œYou must be quite bored, your lordship.”
    He tilted his head. “I don’t think you quite comprehend how much so.”
    Well, at least he was honest.
    â€œBut then I met you,” he said.
    Or not. “I hardly think myself so witty or pretty to have captured the notorious Viscount Downing’s attention.”
    He smiled. “Then I have all of the advantage, do I not?”
    She didn’t know how to respond to that.
    He motioned for her to continue her task. “When you need help, just say the word.”
    She looked at him doubtfully, then bent and lifted the first five books from one of her piles. She trudged over to the set of shelves on the farthest left and laid them on top.
    She returned and grabbed the next five, repeating the action.
    â€œA most unique way to organize a library,” he said, lounging back and tapping his chest as he gazed at the haphazard vertical stacking. “Taking the volumes on the floor and putting them in the