Page 14 of Too Wicked for Heaven

“If I were another woman who didn’t know so much about your reputation, perhaps I would be fooled, but I know too well that the Fox⁠—”

“—will never marry,” he finished in a sharp tone that confused her. With cool nonchalance, he stood and held out a hand to her. “I think we’ve exhausted this tedious subject. So, how would you like a little refreshment?” He glanced at the hall clock. “It’s nearly two a.m., and you’ve a few more hours to endure my company. Do you want some tea?”

Confused by his abrupt change of subject, she mumbled, “Tea would be lovely,” and stood.

But as she followed him to the kitchen, she couldn’t help wondering about his peculiar reaction. Was it possible he really did want to marry?

No indeed. Not by all accounts.

And yet ...

The thought roused too many confusing emotions in her, so she put it out of her mind.

Chapter Four

I’m a bloody coward. Neville sat at the kitchen table with Althea, watching her polish off three rolls spread with butter, then wash them down with half a pot of tea. He liked her unabashed appetite. He liked her fresh smiles and her frank responses.

He liked her.

When she’d spoken of marriage, he should have asked her if she’d marry him. He should have simply told her what he wanted. Why hadn’t he?

Because she’d made it clear she wouldn’t marry him if her life depended on it. She might not have meant it . . . but he couldn’t take the chance that she did.

It was easier to deceive her and play on her trust until he could get her uncle’s consent. In essence, it was easier to force her into marriage.

I’m worse than a coward. I’m a bloody bastard.

Yet he couldn’t bring himself even now to tell her what he wanted. The thought of watching her stiffen in disgust, then walk out of his house, taking all his hopes with him, was unbearable. Especially now that he’d had a taste of her.

Yes, he was being unscrupulous. But what else could he do? Leave the choice to her? She didn’t know her own mind. She didn’t really know him, for God’s sake, so any decision she made based on the gossip about him wouldn’t be wise.

No, he must go on as planned. Once they were married, he’d make it up to her. He’d shower her with everything she deserved.

Unfortunately, that thought didn’t ease his conscience.

“Don’t you want anything to eat?” she asked.

“What?” he said, jerking himself from his unpleasant thoughts.

“Rolls. Butter. What I am shamelessly gorging myself on. Don’t you want any?”

Her expression, teasing and a little flirtatious, made him forget all his doubts, all his uncertainties. It made him salivate, and not for food either.

He reached across the table and caught her hand. Before she could stop him, he lifted it to his mouth, swirling his tongue around the tip of one of her buttery fingers. “I am hungry, now that you mention it.” He sucked another fingertip, watching as her eyes turned a molten amber. Then he added wickedly, “But what I want isn’t a meal.”

She yanked her hand away, her breath coming in staccato gasps as she stared at him. “You’re very naughty, you know.”

He leaned back in his chair to cross his arms over his chest. “I thought you claimed I was a hypocrite and quite honorable.”

Frowning, she wiped her fingers on a kitchen cloth. “I don’t know what to make of you. But I wish you would stop . . . well . . . ”

“Trying to seduce you?”

She nodded and stood to flash him a defiant look. “You told me this was my stolen night to do what I wanted, but we always end up doing what you want.”

With a laugh, he rose to offer her his arm. “Guilty as charged, madam. I shall try to behave from now on. So, what else would you like to do? Climb a tree? Shoot a pistol? Ride a tiger?”

“As if you could find a tiger around here,” she said with a snort, but took his arm and let him lead her toward the door.