If she hadn’t been so worried about getting injured, she might have been quite impressed by her determination.
She was tempted to respond in kind, but instead she gritted her teeth and sent her ball through wicket after wicket. She would have to settle for trouncing Lady Somerset, since she couldn’t bring herself to be violent.
She wasn’t the only one aware of the tension between them. After an incident when Lady Somerset’s ball became airborne and Sophie had to stumble aside so as not to be taken out at the kneecap, Lord Wembley, who was supposedly officiating, grumbled something about not having expected women to be so damned competitive.
When it was finally over, Sophie was grateful for a servant who was circulating with a tray of lemonade. Shegrabbed a glass and drank it down, thirsty from her hard work.
Nicholas ambled toward her, his hands in his pockets. “Was that little display for my benefit?”
Her cheeks burned, and she looked over her shoulder, pretending to find something fascinating behind him. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
He looked amused, the cad. “Don’t worry, you have nothing to be concerned about. I’m here to help you, and I have no interest in other… extracurricular activities.”
“Extracurricular,” she muttered. “More like extramarital.”
His gaze turned sharp. “Now, now, kitten. Pull in your claws.”
She dipped her chin and bit the inside of her lip, reminding herself that she had no reason to make unpleasant comments like that. She had no claim on Nicholas.
She just wanted one.
Trevor joined them before she could think of a suitable reply. “Will you be accompanying the hunting party tomorrow?” he asked Nicholas.
Nicholas lifted one shoulder and dropped it. “I’d rather not be out of bed that early.”
Trevor laughed. “It’s the country. It isn’t early unless it’s before dawn.”
“I’m not certain I can bring myself to rise in time for the outing. If I wake, I’m willing to come along, but if I sleep through, I won’t be disappointed.”
“Lady Sophie?”
Sophie pivoted toward Baron Sylvestor, who gave her a shallow bow.
“Have you walked in the gardens yet?” he asked.
“I’m afraid I haven’t had the time.”
He offered his hand. “Won’t you join me? I’m told I’m an excellent guide.”
Sophie glanced from his hand to Nicholas, who wascurrently distracted by Trevor, then to her mother, who was watching them keenly. Finally, her gaze landed on Betsy, who was hovering in the shade nearby in case Sophie required a chaperone.
She sighed. She was here to secure the baron as a husband, so much as she was loath to leave Nicholas, she reluctantly laid her hand on his. “I would like that, my lord.”
CHAPTER 16
“MayI escort you to dinner, my lady?” Nicholas extended his arm to Sophie and was pleased when she accepted it. She swayed closer to him, bringing the now familiar scent of spring flowers with her.
Her body brushed his, and it was all he could do not to wrap his arm around her and draw her to his side. She was so tempting. So warm and soft and utterly delicious.
His own body started to react, and he clamped his back teeth together and willed his cock to behave itself.
She isn’t for you.
Unfortunately, it had been a while since he’d taken a lover, and his body was making it very clear that Sophie would be perfect for the role. His stupid cock didn’t know that Sophie was an unmarried lady of good social standing and therefore completely beyond his reach.
It just wanted her.
He escorted her to the long table in the formal dining room, pulled out her chair, and claimed the seat beside her. Baron Sylvestor—that smug bastard—sat opposite.
