Wicked Beauty (Brazen Bluestockings #3)

Chapter 6: A Knight in Tarnished Armour

Adam stared out at the moonlit gardens, his knuckles white as he gripped the stone balustrade. The cool night air did little to calm the heat coursing through his veins. Alice's confession from their dance had surprised him. He hadn't been her target.

The knowledge should have brought relief. Instead, it stirred something darker, more primitive. The thought of her desperate to marry Montgomery made his jaw clench until pain shot through his temple.

The terrace doors opened behind him. He didn't need to turn to know who had followed him. Her light floral scent drifted to him on the night breeze, as distinctive as a signature. His body tensed in anticipation even as his mind warned him to maintain distance.

"Miss Burton." He kept his voice carefully neutral, though his pulse betrayed him, quickening traitorously. "I believe we've fulfilled our social obligation for the evening."

"I wanted to talk to you... about what happened last night."

He turned slowly, steeling himself, but the sight of her still nearly undid his resolve.

In the silver wash of moonlight, she looked almost otherworldly. Her pale blonde hair had been arranged in an intricate style, with tendrils artfully escaping to frame her face. Her birthday gown—a confection of pale blue silk that whispered with each movement—made her grey eyes appear almost luminous. The bodice hugged her bosom before flowing down her body, hiding curves he now knew from personal experience. It was enough to make his mouth go dry.

He forced his gaze back to her face. "I believe you made yourself quite clear. You intended to trap Montgomery and caught me instead." He couldn't keep the edge from his voice. "A simple case of mistaken identity."

"Yes." She stepped closer, the rustle of silk against the stone terrace oddly distracting. He had to fight the urge to step back. To flee. "But I wanted to... apologise. I've not handled this well, and you do not deserve to be saddled with me for a wife."

"It's a bit late for that." The scent of her was stronger now, making it difficult to think clearly.

"Not if I tell Ravenscroft everything." She lifted her chin in that defiant gesture that made his fingers itch to grasp it. "The truth about Montgomery, about my foolish plan... and how wrong it went. You shouldn't have to marry me because of my mistake."

He studied her face, searching for deception, but her eyes held a determination that seemed genuine. Her lower lip caught between her teeth, betraying her nervousness despite her words.

"And what exactly do you think telling Ravenscroft would accomplish?" he asked, genuinely curious.

"It would free you from this obligation." She lifted her chin higher. She swallowed visibly, drawing his gaze momentarily to her throat before he forced it back to her eyes. "You could find a more suitable bride, one with the proper background and connections your parents would approve of."

Her voice was steady, but he caught the slight tremor in her hands as she smoothed her skirts. She was offering him freedom—at her own expense. The realisation twisted something inside his chest.

"And what of you?" he asked quietly. "Have you considered what would happen to you?"

Her eyes flickered, and she glanced away. "That's my concern. I brought this upon myself."

He moved closer, against his better judgement. The silk of her gown caught the moonlight, shimmering as she breathed, her bosom pushing against the fabric of the dress as if trying to escape. "Your cousin would turn his attention to Montgomery, and he has proven that he will not marry you. Not after..."