In Bed With the Devil (Scoundrels of St. James, #1)

by Lorraine Heath

“I doubt I shall ever marry. But if I should, I’ll not give a man control over me.”

Catherine stepped into the room, wondering why in the world Claybourne would want a mouse for a wife.

Why was everyone so concerned with her marital status? “There is no law as to when one must marry.”

If she weren’t so pale with a fine sheen of sweat across her brow, if she hadn’t been so damned brave, he might have lashed out at her.

She thought of all the warnings he’d given her that first night. She risked more than her reputation with him; she risked her heart.

Good God, he hadn’t even taken advantage of her being in his bed, and that gentlemanly behavior, to her everlasting shame, disappointed her.

“Of course I care. To a certain extent we all care, but we can’t care to the point that we live in fear of others’ opinions, that we allow them to change who we are.

“Does it make me a scoundrel to enjoy your company?”

“Why should I go through that bother when you’re the only one I care to dance with? I assumed sooner or later you’d step outside, so I’ve been waiting.”

“You have an inordinate amount of confidence in my ability to win them over.” “I do.” She touched her gloved hand to his cheek. “You’ve won me over.”

If she’d not come to know him so well, she’d have not realized what this moment was costing him. Nearly every ounce of his pride. He was not a man to bow down, and yet for her, he almost had.

“You looked so young and innocent that night, dressed in white. Who would have thought you were such a hellion?”

“You think you know what I desire in a woman?” “I credit myself for knowing what you deserve from a woman.

“I’m not doing this for Frannie. I’m doing it because of you. When I see my reflection in your eyes, I don’t want to see it tainted by deception and as long as I’m the Earl of Claybourne, I’m not a man worthy of any woman.”

“I know of no man more worthy.”

Luke chuckled low. “Where do you find your faith in me, Catherine?” “From coming to know you.”