Page 10 of Scandalous: Family Ties and Spies

“Did I say I was trying to impress you?

“Ye dinnae have tae.”

“And why is that?” An eyebrow arched to emphasize his sardonic query.

“Because ye try tae impress all the mindless, simpering Sassenachs who fall at your feet.”

“I see. And based on your responses so far, it’s safe to assume you’re not one of my admirers, are you?”

The quiet chuckle that broke past his lips sent a pleasant frisson across her skin, and she gulped back the breath of pleasure that almost escaped her. No, she wasn’t an admirer. She had been, but no longer. But that didn’t stop her from being affected by his presence.

“Nae.”

“No? That sounds as if you are one of my admirers.” Amusement caused his sensual lips to twist.

“Nae, I dinnae like ye. I want nothing tae do with a mon who has nae morals,” she bit out contemptuously. Valeran’s expression darkened as he grew rigid, which made her smile at the small gift of retribution the insult earned her.

“Then obviously, you don’t know me as well as you say.”

“Do you deny you’re the philander everyone says you are?”

“I do,” Valeran said tersely.

The harsh rejection of her words startled her. Was it possible she was wrong? Had she overlooked something that day in Rules? In all the time she’d watched him from the shadows, she’d only seen him act like a gentleman. Not once had she ever seen him behave differently. Nor had he said or done anything that would proclaim him a dilettante.

He said he was inclined to seduce you, Amalie. You heard him say it.

Another voice in her head protested vehemently, reminding her that not until that day in Rules had Valeran ever done or said anything to make her think him less than honorable. Her heart tightened painfully in her chest as it did battle with her head, trying to reconcile the man’s past with one moment of callousness. Her head won out over her heart.

“I dinnae believe ye.” At her icy response, Valeran’s features hardened with anger.

“Hmm, now we do have a problem.”

“There is nae a problem except ye are blocking my way off the cnoc beag.” Panic fluttering inside her stomach, a shudder skimmed through her.

“No, my sweet, fiery Scot, I’ve not yet discovered your name or where we met,” he said with a wolfish smile.

“And I will nae tell ye, so step aside.”

“So soon? You’ve not even given me the chance to live up to your expectations.” Valeran’s quiet remark hinted at a fire underneath, much in the way a fine whiskey hid its fire beneath its silky smooth taste.

“My expectations?” Amalie narrowed her eyes at him. The man was up to something, and she was certain she wouldn’t like it.

“Then allow me to give you two choices. You will give me the opportunity to deduce who you are, or…” His sentence trailed off and her heart jumped at the wicked smile that suddenly curved his lips.

“Or what?”

“Or I will live up to your expectations when it comes to my reputation.”

“I think ye are daft. I dinnae see how,” she sniffed with angry contempt.

“I shall kiss you until you are whimpering with need and willingly confess who you are,” Valeran drawled, a sinful smile curving his lips.

Amalie gasped at his hedonistic words, while the spot between her legs tightened and ached with a demand she recognized, but had never experienced. The soft, husky laughter parting his lips sent her heart skidding out of control. It was as if he’d trailed his fingers from her neck downward in a gentle, languid gesture. A tremor rushed down her spine to spread heat across her back.

When she didn’t reply, he took a step forward, and she quickly yielded the high ground she’d taken a few moments ago. Immediately, the small smile tilting one corner of his mouth said she’d made a mistake. Arms folded across his chest, he grinned with wicked complacency. Eyebrows shooting upward, another quiet laugh rumbled out of him.

“Am I to assume by your silence you’re seriously considering option number two?”