Chapter Sixteen
Ramsey wasn’t the violent sort. He had seen his father’s temper too often so he tended to avoid the more confrontational discussions.
Working at Temptations had taught him to conceal his emotions well. While he wasn’t charming like Heathcliff, he was able to school his reactions just as smoothly, if not more so. Which was why he offered to go after Miss Grace when the viscount learned that she and Lord Westhouse had disappeared into the hall that led to the gardens. After all, he could easily claim his upcoming waltz and not make a scene. If Heathcliff went after her, there would most certainly be talk as to why a guardian had to chase down his missing ward. Her reputation could be questioned.
And with the gentleman in question being Lord Westhouse, that was certainly an avoidable outcome.
So he’d quickly traveled down the hall, toward the open door that led to the garden. But with each step, his chest grew tighter with dread. It didn’t appear as if anyone else were in the garden; in fact, couples seemed to be vacating the premise.
He’d arrived just as Westhouse was going in for the kill.
Ramsey had seen red.
How many maids had to be sent off from the Westhouse estate because they were carrying by-blows? How many ladies had been ruined by his careless dealings with their hearts and bodies? Glenwood Manor bordered the lands of Westhouse’s estate, and word traveled quickly within the region. He was a scoundrel of the worst sort.
More than anything, he wanted to grab Westhouse’s shoulder, wrench him back onto his ass, and bloody him up with a right hook. But a stronger impulse stayed him.
He wanted to see if she’d follow through.
Would she kiss him?
Would she allow him the liberty? Had she fallen for the snake in the grass? He was charming, to be sure, and a good liar, but that didn’t mean that she had bought it.
He watched her pink tongue dart out and lick her full lower lip. Her lips parted and she drew in a breath.
He couldn’t wait longer, he had to prevent the damage before it happened. Clearly, she wasn’t about to tell him to go to hell, not with those inviting movements. So he spoke up, something mundane like the weather, or moon, something benign. Her gasp rent the air.
And now that Lord Westhouse had stomped away like a spoiled child, he was faced with the very real threat of losing his temper.
With a lady, no less.
One that was not about to back down, not if the expression in her emerald eyes were any indication.
No. If he were a betting man, which, ironically, he was not, he would bet at least a thousand pounds that she was hoping for a fight.
“That was interesting.” He spoke through his teeth, his jaw tense as he regarded her. He didn’t remember her being quite so beautiful. It was bloody distracting and he forced the unhelpful realization away.
“Depends on your perspective. Some might have called it rude,” she returned, arching one light brow.
“Or scandalous,” he countered.
“Adventurous.” Her lips broke into a smile. “If I were more daring, but I’ll have you know that your intervention wasn’t necessary.”
He couldn’t help the sarcastic laugh that escaped his lips. “I’m sure. You looked as if you had everything well in hand. Reputation be damned. Do you have any idea what that would have done to your guardians? How you would have broken all the faith they have in you, clearly unwarranted.” He closed his eyes, hating how much he sounded like his father in that last statement. He was about to apologize when a finger poked him in the chest. He blinked down at the offending appendage.
“Don’t,” she bit out.
“Why not?” he asked in the same tone.
She sighed and removed her finger from his person, leaving a slight achy spot where she poked. “I was about to say no. I’m aware that Samantha and the viscount wouldn’t approve, though I can’t for the life of me understand why, but I wouldn’t harm their faith in me this way.” She sighed.
He wasn’t buying it. “You’re almost as skilled a liar as he is. Maybe you do deserve one another.”
Her gaze shot up to meet his, anger burning beneath her green irises. “What did you just say?”
“I said—”
“I heard it, I just wanted to give you the opportunity to apologize for being such an ass,” she replied.
