The Naked Prince by Sally Mackenzie Page A

“Shh,” he breathed by her ear. “I think they’re here.”
    Her pleasure-soaked brain tried to recall whom they were expecting when she heard Lady Noughton’s voice.
    â€œIt’s Lupercalia, Stephen.”
    Jo looked up at Damian; he pressed a finger to her lips, and then they both moved to peer around the pillar. Mr. Parker-Roth stood just inside the door; Lady Noughton had ventured farther in.
    â€œRight. Hard to forget after seeing all those naked arses flashing across Greyham’s lawn. I’ll have nightmares about that for weeks.” Mr. Parker-Roth’s voice acquired a new edge. “I’m surprised you didn’t join in, Maria.”
    â€œI might have if you’d done so.” Lady Noughton’s voice was low and sultry, rather appropriate given the oppressive heat.
    Mr. Parker-Roth snorted. “I don’t care to have frosted ballocks.”
    â€œNo, that would never do.” Lady Noughton ran her hands down her sides and gave a slow little wiggle—Jo wondered if she should practice such a move.
    It seemed to have no effect on Mr. Parker-Roth, however. He turned away to examine the windows. “What did you drag me down here for, Maria? I was planning to spend a quiet night”—he looked at her, his lips twisting into something of a sneer—“alone with a good book.”
    â€œI thought we might go for a swim.” The woman gave another wiggle and somehow her dress slipped down to reveal she had nothing at all on underneath.
    She had a very impressive pair of . . . well, it was quite obvious why she was such a success with the male members of the ton . Jo looked up to see if a specific earl was impressed, but Damian was watching his friend.
    Mr. Parker-Roth’s eyes never strayed from Lady Noughton’s face. “It’s over, Maria. We had a pleasant association, but it’s done. I’ll send you a draft on my bank, and you can pick out a suitable bauble at Rundell and Bridge to assuage your wounded feelings.”
    â€œBut I love you, Stephen.” Lady Noughton spread her arms wide in case Mr. Parker-Roth had perhaps not noticed her very large breasts.
    He still did not appear interested, but then he’d probably had many past opportunities to examine them thoroughly. “I don’t think you do, Maria. It certainly hasn’t kept you from sharing your favors with an assortment of men—something I would never tolerate in a wife, by the way.”
    She dropped her arms and glared at him. “I’ll tell everyone you offered marriage, Stephen. Many will believe it; you’ve been showing me very marked attention these last few months.”
    â€œMore fool I.” He put his hand on the door. “You may do as you like, Maria. I know it is a lie, and I imagine most of the ton will know it, too. You will only make yourself look foolish.”
    â€œEspecially when I corroborate Stephen’s side of the story,” Damian said, stepping out from behind the pillar.
    Lady Noughton spun toward him, sending her large breasts bouncing. “You!”
    Mr. Parker-Roth grinned. “Damian, I hate to say it, but you were right. I should have listened to you.”
    Lady Noughton put her hands on her hips—apparently she was completely at ease with her nakedness—and tossed her head. “People will only say you are supporting your friend.”
    â€œThey’d best not suggest I am lying.” There was more than a touch of steel in Damian’s voice. “Dueling may be illegal, but I have many other methods at my disposal to make life uncomfortable for anyone who dares question my honor.”
    â€œAnd I shall support Mr. Parker-Roth as well,” Jo said, going to stand by Damian. Not that anyone would care what a provincial spinster said, but it just didn’t feel sporting to stay hidden behind the masonry any longer.
    Damian scowled at her. Clearly as soon as they were