Devil's Cub (Alastair-Audley, #2)

by Georgette Heyer

As for Avon, I truly think he does not care at all what happens to Dominic.’ ‘After all,’ Hugh said slowly, ‘Dominic is so very like him.’

I’ll stake my reputation Avon was never such a – yes, Hugh, such a devil as Vidal.

People literally called him Satanas babe

What chance had cool grey eyes when the most limpid blue ones peeped between preposterously long eyelashes? She had, moreover, grave disadvantages. Those fine eyes of hers had a disconcertingly direct gaze, and very often twinkled in a manner disturbing to male egotism.

‘In my eyes,’ declared Joshua, ‘you are the prettier.’ Miss Challoner seemed to consider this. ‘Yes?’ she said interestedly. ‘But then, you chose puce.’ She shook her head, and it was apparent she set no store by the compliment.

‘I’m not saying Avon’s mean, but he’s devilish unpleasant over these little affairs.’ The Marquis glanced down at him with a glint in his eyes. ‘Sir, I am constrained to remind you that his grace has the honour to be my sire.’

‘Don’t do it,’ roared his uncle. ‘Look’ee, Vidal, if you’re going to look down your nose, and turn into the living spit of Justin, you’ve one friend the less. I’m done with you.’ ‘My God, could I survive?’ mocked the Marquis.

He held out his hands to her, and before she could lay her fingers on his arm, caught her round the waist, and swung her lightly down. She had a momentary sensation of complete helplessness, and was annoyed to find that she liked it.

‘If you call me a respectable young female again, my lord, you will induce a fit of the vapours in me,’ interrupted Miss Challoner with asperity.

Miss Challoner looked at him with a faint smile. ‘My lord,’ she said frankly, ‘you become dangerous immediately your will is crossed. I find you spoiled, impetuous, and shockingly overbearing.’

To elope with a woman: it is scandalous! Bien entendu, but you, you could not persuade even a blind woman to elope with you, which I find not scandalous, but tragic.’

All she wanted was to be treated to a display of ruthless and possessive manhood. If Mr Comyn, later, had seized her in his arms in a decently romantic fashion there would have been an end to the Vicomte’s flirtation.

Dominic, and I – well, flirted, if you must use that horrid word – with another man: what would you do?’ ‘Kill him,’ said the Marquis flippantly. She shook his arm. ‘You don’t mean it, but I think perhaps you would. Vidal, you’d not let another man steal the lady you loved, would you? Do answer soberly!’ The smile still lingered on his lips, but she saw his teeth shut hard. ‘Soberly, Ju, I would not.’