Queen of Hearts: Lords of Scandal Read online

  “I’m also sorry I doubted Hart. Clearly he understood you were the right man for the job.”

  Her words sent a satisfied ripple of pleasure down his back. He was the right man. And for a wild moment, he thought he might be right for more than just the investigation. Which was ridiculous.

  He had a clear path: marry to finance his earldom and his sister’s future.

  But he didn’t want to think about marrying some other woman now.

  Because Arabella was staring up at him with admiration shining in her eyes and before he could think too much, he swept down and captured her lips with his own.

  They were everything he’d imagined they’d be. Soft, supple, and sweet, they clung to his with a hunger that stole his breath as he pressed their mouths together.

  He had to stop this sinful kiss, it was madness, but instead, he lifted up and then touched his mouth to hers again.

  It wasn’t mad, it was divine.

  Sliding his fingers along her neck and cheek, he held her jaw in his palm as he kissed her again and again.

  When he finally lifted his lips from hers, they were both panting for breath. Desire pulsed through him beating with his heart as her dark blue eyes stared up into his.

  “Edge?”

  The sound of her voice made him groan as he fought the urge to claim her lips again. He shouldn’t have done it the first time. She was just so damned tempting. “I’m going to catch your thief for you.”

  “And I’m going to see your sister launched.”

  He smiled. They understood each other. “And we’ll part friends.”

  She pulled back, just a bit. “No promises for a future then?”

  He heard the hard edge return to her voice, her words clipped.

  “Did you want one?”

  She shook her head. “No. But I also need you to know that you are never to kiss me again.”

  And then before he knew what had happened, there was a knife pressing into his throat. “Bella?”

  “Do I make myself clear?”

  “Yes,” he answered easing back. He actually admired her strength as much as he’d appreciated her vulnerability. She was a delicious mix, one he’d trade everything to explore. But that wasn’t a choice he got to make.

  CHAPTER SIX

  The next night, Arabella was still cursing herself for being seven times the fool. How had she allowed Edge to kiss her? She’d spent most of the night and all of the day, questioning herself for her slip in judgment.

  But in between her internal rants of anger, a small voice said something very different. She’d wanted that kiss. The memory of the firm press of his lips, slow and patient and yet somehow so erotic, sent a wave of heat pulsing through her.

  She’d revealed her real feelings to so few people and Edge, he was one of a very select group that she’d allowed to see her fear. Not that she’d been able to control her emotions last night. If anything, they’d completely taken over.

  She’d felt less in control of late. A bit like a house of cards threatening to tumble at any moment. Because while her dream of taking over the club was her likeliest chance of true success, it also reminded her of her place in this world. Alone.

  Although that was an emotion she’d grown accustomed to. What had made her lose her composure last night was when she’d been pressed to Edge’s side, she hadn’t felt lonely at all. Rather, she’d been free to loosen her grip on her emotions, knowing that he’d keep her safe. She had never felt that bond with anyone. Not even her best friends.

  And then there was the sizzling attraction. With each small touch, she’d wanted more of Edge.

  In the quiet of her office, she leaned against the door closing her eyes. She’d been an ass pulling that knife. He’d given her a simple kiss and he’d attempted to be honest with his intentions afterward.

  He was far more honorable than her last beau and she need not have responded with such force. But she’d been raw after allowing her emotions to run wild and it was a reflex to use her knives to put men in their place.

  Their place being away from her.

  Which she needed to remember.

  What was more, she owed him a debt of gratitude. What she’d been unable to accomplish in weeks, tracking down Sir Thomas, he’d manage in just a few hours.

  She needed Edge to complete his task, which meant being civil at the very least. And last she checked, placing a knife at a man’s throat was less than civil.

  With that in mind, she pushed off the door, and drew in a steadying breath before she turned to open it and step out onto the floor.

  Edge was surely there, prowling around the floor, watching the men.

  But the moment she opened the door, she nearly yelped. He stood just on the other side, hand raised as if he were about to knock.

  His hand dropped. “Arabella.”

  She attempted to slow her breathing as she waved him in. Was it the fear making her chest rise and fall so rapidly or was it the sight of him that had her heart thrumming in her ears?

  “Come in.”

  “I’m sorry to bother you,” he started as he looked down at her hands. “I’m glad to see that you don’t currently hold any sharp objects.”

  She didn’t bother to mention that her knife was at the ready in a hidden pocket of her gown as she stepped back. “We should talk. About last night.”

  “We should.”

  This time she gestured for him to take a seat, circling around to her desk to ensure there was space between them. “I owe you an apology,” she said as she sat. “The knife. I shouldn’t have…”

  He waved his hand. “I’m the one who should apologize. The kiss was my doing in the first place. I’m sorry.”

  She gave a nod of appreciation. “Clearly, we understand each other.”

  “We do.”

  “And how did the fitting go today?”

  A smile curled his lips. The gesture warmed his entire face, making him look younger and even more handsome. “Lizzie was ecstatic, and Daisy spent the entire afternoon coaching her on presentation.”

  Arabella nodded. “Good. Are you hoping that she receives a suitor from the few balls she attends?”

  Edge’s smile disappeared. “As of yet, I’ve no dowry for her. So no. I simply want her to get enough knowledge that we might accelerate her education in societal rules and decorum. When she does get a season, she’ll likely only have the one with which to make a match. With that in mind, she needs some experience prior to coming out.”

  Arabella tsked, thinking about all the complications proper ladies underwent in order to not work. “Makes me glad I run a gaming hell.”

  The lighthearted expression returned to his face. “Have you ever been to one of these events?”

  She shook her head. She’d been curious, of course. But she’d never thought to actually attend.

  His brows quirked. “And will you join us tomorrow night?”

  Arabella notched her chin to the side as she assessed him. What was he playing at?

  “Why?”

  He lifted a shoulder in response. “It might suit you more than you think.”

  She spread her hands out on the desk. “I already know how it suits me. I’m friends with a duke, marquess, and an earl. I nearly wed a baron. I—” She stopped, wondering what it was about this man that made her tongue and her emotions so loose?

  “You nearly wed?”

  She bit the inside of her cheek, irritated that she’d allowed that particular detail to leak out. “It was practically a lifetime ago. I was young and I thought I was in love.”

  “You weren’t?”

  She shrugged. “What I felt at the time doesn’t matter. It turned out that he was far more in love with money than he was with me.”

  Edge sucked in a breath. “He married for a dowry, didn’t he?”

  She looked down at her toes, not wishing to see the pity his expression would surely hold.

  “He did.”

  “Did you pull that kn
ife on me yesterday because I plan to do the same?” He leaned forward, his hands sliding toward hers on the desk.

  She pulled hers back. “Not precisely.”

  “Then why?”

  “Because.” She drew in a deep breath. “I was angry with myself. You were honest about your intentions and so I will be up front with mine. I don’t dally with men ever. And you won’t be an exception.”

  He gave a stiff nod. “I understand.”

  She rose, wishing for this meeting to be over. Her throat itched as she cleared it, swiping her fingertips over her temples. For some odd reason, she felt a bit like crying, which she hadn’t done in years. Not since her mother’s passing.

  “Any news from the floor?”

  He rose too. “Quiet tonight.”

  “Good.” She walked around to her desk, taking a seat as though she had work to complete and no more time to talk. “Good luck with Lizzie tomorrow. I wish her all the best.” And that she could say she honestly meant.

  But as he turned and walked away, she knew that she’d lied about one thing. She’d like to dance in his arms one time. Just to know how being held by him might feel.

  Edge stood on the outskirts of the ball as he watched Lizzie dance with yet another partner. Her natural grace coupled with Daisy’s sponsorship had made her a great success.

  She looked stunning in Daisy’s borrowed gown. The pink silk caught the candlelight, seeming to shimmer and glow as she moved.

  His own clothing stood out in stark contrast, not that he cared. Daisy had kindly offered him some of Hart’s castoffs but he’d not take any unnecessary charity. He still had his pride.

  He’d have to marry soon so that he could fund Lizzie’s dowry. She was ready for a season.

  If he hadn’t been so bloody distracted by Arabella, he would have been using this opportunity to also search for brides, to secure his sister’s future. But he just couldn’t bring himself to move from this spot.

  He’d imagine that Arabella would look like an angel sent from heaven if she were in a ballgown. Of course, there’d have to be a place in the skirts for a knife…

  He grinned to himself even as two debutantes passing by giggled, their simpering gazes making their intent clear.

  Silly girls with their fans flapping. Their smiles and their perfume overly sweet as they made eyes at him over the top of fans.

  He found their looks exhausting and mildly irritating.

  They held none of the confidence, strength, or beauty of Bella.

  Even picturing her face made his body clench in need.

  But Bella would not provide for Lizzie’s future and Edge needed to care for his sister first and foremost, no matter the consequences.

  He shifted as he noticed another man standing nearby. Clubs, as they called him, stood next to Chance, his gaze also trained on the dance floor. And if Edge wasn’t mistaken, it was Lizzie who’d captured his notice.

  Clubs’s eyes followed about the floor even as Chance spoke in soft whispers beside him.

  Edge’s chest swelled.

  Clubs was a baron, the exact sort of title he might choose for Lizzie but not from a man like Clubs.

  Though he didn’t know the man well, he knew the type. Hell, he was the type.

  Involved in a gaming hell, a rake, and a scoundrel dressed as a lord. He knew Clubs had his share of ladies. With his light brown hair and his penetrating stare, they likely flocked to him.

  And Lizzie was so innocent.

  Far too much so for a man so darkly stoic.

  Daisy came up on his right, smiling as she stood next to him. Several people stopped to stare. All of London must be wondering what had happened that they’d been caught kissing in the garden and now, here they were, all friends.

  “It’s going well,” she gushed. “Don’t you think?”

  “Exceedingly.”

  She gave him a sidelong glance. “Why don’t you look happier then?”

  He jerked his chin toward Clubs.

  Daisy peaked around him. “Chance? Is he bothering you?”

  “No.” He looked at her, his eyes widening in surprise. He’s been so focused on Clubs, he hadn’t even noticed the duke. “Look at the way Clubs is staring at Lizzie. I don’t like it.”

  Daisy lifted her brows. “I’ll ask Chance about him. But perhaps we should introduce ourselves to my husband’s friend.”

  “I’d like that, but I should point out, I already met the man when he came to my home to bully me out of Hart’s shares.”

  Daisy’s lips parted as she threaded her arm through his, leading him over to her husband.

  Chance gave them a fierce scowl as they approached. Apparently, the man still saw him as a threat, but he couldn’t be bothered to glare back. Instead, he narrowed his gaze and stared at Clubs.

  Chance seemed to notice the direction of Edge’s irritation because he looked first at Clubs and then out at Lizzie, a slow smile spreading across his face. “Isn’t this cozy?” he murmured.

  Clubs looked over at them, seeming to notice their presence for the first time. “What are you talking about?”

  Chance shook his head, but Edge stepped closer. He wasn’t about to marry a woman he didn’t even want in order for this man to swoop in and steal his sister. “You can keep your eyes to yourself.”

  Chance’s grin grew and Daisy also moved forward, standing next to Chance. “I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting your friend.”

  Chance ceased smiling as introductions were quickly made. Edge did not engage Clubs further but if he’d needed a reminder of what was at stake, he’d gotten it with this man’s presence.

  He had to forget Arabella and choose a proper bride quickly.

  He shook his head.

  The very idea of it made his stomach turn.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  The next day, Arabella sat in the carriage, rereading the note she’d received from Daisy, requesting a visit.

  The afternoon sun was waning and soon, Arabella would have to be at the club, but she had enough time for a quick visit with her friend.

  And truth be told, she could use Daisy’s calming presence now.

  Curiosity had gotten the best of her. She wanted to ask more questions about Edge and what had transpired between him and Daisy. How had he treated Daisy? Had they been in love?

  Arabella knew the answers didn’t really matter, there was no future for her and Edge and the past didn’t impact her need for Edge’s help with the club, but something inside her needed to know.

  Arabella knew she shouldn’t care. But that kiss…

  The longer she thought on it, the more she wished—

  She never allowed herself to finish that thought. What she wished for.

  But as her carriage arrived, she made her way inside and was shown to Daisy’s private rooms.

  The sound of feminine voices drifted from the open door as the butler held out his hand for Arabella to enter. “Her Grace is expecting you.”

  Arabella nodded as she entered.

  Daisy stood in the center of the room watching as another woman twirled in front of the mirror. “Oh Daisy, it’s beautiful.”

  Lizzie.

  Inwardly, Arabella cringed.

  She was trying to put some distance between her and Edge. Spending time with his sister hardly seemed like a good idea. But she couldn’t leave now. “It looks lovely on you,” Arabella said noting that the girl was a dark-haired beauty.

  “It does,” Daisy said, barely able to contain her enthusiasm. “That might be the one, but go try on the other.”

  Lizzie nodded, walking toward them rather than away. She approached Arabella with a shy smile. “My brother mentioned that you helped to create this opportunity for me, Miss White. I just wanted to express my gratitude.”

  Arabella nodded her head. “No thanks necessary. Your brother and I are helping one another.”

  Lizzie searched her face, her expression looking thoughtful in a way that also made her appear older,
wiser. “Still. Extending your help to me is appreciated. I’d like to marry as quickly as possible and without my brother having to wed first. His struggle has been enough to break a lesser man…” She stopped, putting on a large, somewhat false smile. “But enough about that. I’ve said my thanks and I’d like you to know that if there is ever anything I can do for you in the future, just ask.”

  Arabella gave a single nod as the girl turned and left again.

  “She has a very warm heart,” Daisy murmured. “And she’s beautiful too. I hope she gets her wish, and a good man offers for her despite her lack of funds.”

  Arabella pressed her lips together, just a bit of hope rising up in her chest too. Was it possible that Edge could marry whom he wanted? But then she chastised herself. She didn’t want a husband, and she didn’t wish to open herself up to anyone. Look at what had happened the other night when she did. She’d nearly fallen apart and she had come too far to put her life, her future in any man’s hand. “How likely is it?”

  Daisy shrugged. “I honestly don’t know. It wasn’t a problem I had. From experience, though, I’d say unlikely.”

  It was as Arabella suspected and she should be relieved. Knowing Edge would marry someone else meant that she never had to worry about the emotional toll of a relationship.

  But somehow, that victory felt hollow. “That’s what I thought.”

  “There is one opportunity, however, on which I hoped you might be able to shed some light.”

  Arabella turned to the other woman, surprise surely written all over her features. “Me?” How could she possibly help with a society match?

  Daisy cleared her throat as she leaned in. “Last night, Clubs was at the ball.”

  Arabella blinked, cocking her head to the side. “All right.”

  “His gaze.” Daisy stepped even closer. “He could hardly take his eyes from Lizzie.”

  “I see.” Surprise made her pause. He was quiet and serious and she supposed she’d made an assumption that he was the sort who was beyond redemption.

  “My question is…” Daisy licked her lips. “What sort of man is he?”