The Redemption of a Dissolute Earl by Julie Johnstone Page B

make a bargain
with a notorious rake Alexander Trevelle, Lord Lionhurst. He’ll
help her win the hand of his American friend, if she’ll assist him
with exacting revenge against her unwanted fiancé. But the price of
the pact may just be their hearts.
     
    “ humorous and
touching. She has created a delightful cast of character that I
hope to see again.” ~ SAMANTHA
GRACE
     
    Gillian would blister Whitney’s ears when
she got her alone. For now she settled on giving Lord Lionhurst a
tight smile, which she prayed conveyed annoyance and not
befuddlement. “Good day to you, my lord. I’ll just go help my
sister.”
    His hand whipped forward and gripped her
arm. “Don’t you think we should discuss details and strategy? By
the way, if we are to be partners, you should call me Alex.”
    “Absolutely not. That’s much too
informal.”
    “I insist.”
    The man was too stubborn by half. “No,” she
snapped.
    “Yes. And I’ll call you Gillian.”
    He was too sure of himself, but the loopy
grin on his face made her smile in return. “You will not call me by
my given name as I’ve not given you permission.”
    “But you will.”
    He sounded so sure that she almost believed
it.
    Voices sounded in the distance from the area
of the stables. The last thing she needed was to be seen standing
so close to Lord Lionhurst. They probably appeared to be engaged in
intimate conversation. “Lord Lionhurst, simply sing my praises to
your partner. I’ll do the rest. Now please go. This conversation
looks too…”
    “Cozy?”
    A breath of air rushed out of her lungs. He
understood her at last. Of course, he would. Why had she doubted
it? “Yes, it would seem quite improper.”
    He stepped toward her and leaned in so his
lips almost touched her ear. “Jealousy is a sure way to attract
another man.”
    Lord Lionhurst’s breath caressed her neck,
making her want to lean toward his warmth. Instead, she forced
herself to lean away. “Really?”
    “ Absolutely.”
    “ You’re quite sure?”
    “ Trust me.”
    She snorted. “How many times have you told a
woman that?”
    He pulled back from her, a dark scowl
marring his face. “Never.”
    Her stomach fluttered at his serious
expression. “Are you sure it will work on Mr. Sutherland? Surely
all men are not exactly the same?”
    “Of course we’re not. But it will work.”
    “All right. I’ll trust you. To an
extent.”
    Lord Lionhurst’s finger came under her chin.
Standing so close to him, the scent of grass, pine and earth
surrounded her. His hands cupped her face, and she could scarcely
breathe. She swallowed, sure he could hear the sudden rapid beating
of her heart. “I think a public kiss is too indiscreet.”
    His hands twined into her hair, tilting her
head back. “I completely agree. Good thing we’re still alone.”
    A protest sprung to her lips just as his
mouth came down upon hers.