Page 55 of A Relentless Rake

“The woman.” His lips grazed her earlobe and curled a heated shiver along her spine. He slid his hand down to rest on her shoulder, his fingers spread across her throat. Could he feel her racing pulse beneath his fingertips? “Who is she?”

Through the tangled branches, they both watched as her brother gestured angrily at the baroness, who in turn had become just as upset as Henry. Olivia whispered, “Lady Rowland.”

Alec stiffened.

Olivia couldn’t prevent a prick of jealousy. Of course Alec personally knew the baroness, given the social circles they both moved within. She was also a wealthy widow, beautiful, intelligent…the perfect companion for an earl. But did Alec know her intimately as well as socially?

Olivia gathered her courage. “Have you and she—”

“Shh.” His fingers returned to her mouth. But this time, instead of silencing her, he brushed over her lips in a delicate caress. “Can you hear what they’re saying?”

She shook her head. “We can move closer—”

“No.” His arm tightened around her. “I won’t risk your life.”

Risk her life?Her brother was having a lovers’ spat. That was all this was…

Wasn’t it? Her suspicious attention fixed on Henry as he said something to Lady Rowland that made the baroness shake her head and start away from him. But he grabbed her arm and angrily pulled her back—

A commotion rose from the path.

Henry’s head snapped up. He growled some last word to the baroness, then pushed her away.

Henry stormed away and quickly vanished into the darkness.

Lady Rowland remained behind for a moment, breathing deeply to settle herself. Then she squared her slender shoulders and walked toward the path, back toward the light and noise of the party grounds.

Olivia stepped forward to follow—

Alec stopped her. In the privacy of the shadows, he turned her in his arms and guided her backward against a large chestnut tree. He captured her between the tree and his body, but she had no intention of fleeing. She’d never truly feared him, not even when he’d worn a mask, and now, in this strange wonderland of the pleasure gardens, the magnetic pull of him was undeniable.

She dropped her hands to her sides to keep from untying the mask and revealing his face to her. “Shouldn’t you follow him?”

“No.” Even in the shadows, his eyes flickered brightly. “My job is to follow you.”

A tingle blossomed inside her. “Why?”

“Usually, to stay close to your brother.” He reached to caress a stray curl that had come loose when she’d darted into the bushes. “But tonight, it’s to protect you.”

“I don’t need protecting.” Whatever determination she’d hoped to convey was undercut by a tremor in her voice.

“You walked alone into the dark gardens. It’s just as dangerous here as it is in the City.” He raised a brow over the top edge of his mask. “Unless you brought your carving knife with you.”

Her lips twisted ruefully. “It didn’t help against you.”

“Because I’m special,” he said, deadpan.

She bit back a soft laugh.Yes, you are…although she was reluctant to admit to herself just how special he’d become to her. He’d saved her life, had given her a ball gown—well, all right,thatwas only so he could get her alone and ask about her brother’s work. But she couldn’t deny that he was dedicated to his family, to crown and country, and that perhaps the rumors she’d heard about his scandalous behavior had been greatly exaggerated.

If he had been anyone else but the Earl of St James, she might have even said that she was falling for him.

But hewasthe earl. Anything more enduring than fleeting kisses was impossible.

Still, she couldn’t resist the temptation he presented. Surrendering to the urge itching at her fingertips, she reached up and caressed his firm jaw.

“I put on a mask when I left the box.” She was mesmerized by the warmth of his skin and his evening beard that scraped provocatively against her fingertips. What would it feel like to brush her mouth across his jaw and feel that same scratch across her lips…or against her inner thigh? “How did you know it was me?”

“I would know you anywhere.” He turned his head and placed a light kiss to her palm.