Page 30 of The Rake Desires the Diamond

How disappointing. So much for enjoying Elizabeth’s company. Frederick Montague was probably sneaking out of the brightly lit theater to escort Miss Fletcher down a dark alley where he’d lift her skirts and fuck her senseless, spurred into a frenzy as the theatergoers clapped at the play. At least that is what Evan, randy bloke that he was, would do with an eager woman. So why had he passed on the amorous maid?

Mayhap he should forget about that encounter because analyzing it made his head ache.

Robbed of Elizabeth’s company, and with Katrina and Wellspring consumed in their awkward attempts at courting, all that was left was to enjoy the show. If only the bloody thing would start and save Evan from his misery.

Although… since Elizabeth was probably rutting in some hideaway, he could occupy her seat. The one right beside Katrina.

He slid ontothatchair and inhaled Katrina’s intoxicating scent.

Halting her discussion with Wellspring about “the most magical stage sets I’ve seen,” she peered over her shoulder at Evan.

He grinned at her.

She glared at him before again facing Wellspring. “I heard that the set for this show has over a thousand paper flowers, making you feel as if you are in a magical forest,” she said.

Evan could pout about being left out, or he could join their conversation.

He leaned across Katrina. “Springy, do you remember when we sawAs You Like Itat Cambridge?”

Before Wellspring could respond, Katrina whirled on Evan. “We are discussingthisset, andthatis Elizabeth’s seat.” She waved at Evan’s lap. “She will be returning any moment.”

What a termagant. Evan swallowed the obscenities tickling his tongue. First and foremost, her cousin was preoccupied with a man and probably wouldn’t be returning anytime soon. Second, he would get out of the chair when he was good and bloody ready.

“The show is starting.” Wellspring pointed to the rising curtain.

Katrina gasped. “How beautiful.”

Evan tore his gaze from Katrina to take in the stage. Dozens of trees had been crafted frompapier-mâché,the brightly painted leaves creating a canopy over the characters. And yes, thousands of colorful flowers dotted the stage.

Evan tried to concentrate on the show. Alas, it was no use. Not with her beside him, her rose and reticule ready to topple from her lap each time she sat forward.

He knew not a single thing happening on that stage, but he was aware of every breath Katrina took. He also knew she clasped her hands together when she was delighted. She bit her lip when she fretted. And when she gasped, he wanted to capture it in his mouth.

Needing to be closer to her, he scooted his chair until they almost touched. She would hardly notice or take offense since she was enthralled with Hermia and Lysander.

She giggled at something, as did the rest of the audience. Perchance one of Puck’s pranks?

She giggled again. A sweet, tinkling laugh. Hardly that of a spoiled lady. If only Evan could fill a bottle with that joyfulsound. He could open it anytime he wanted to warm himself. Or, perchance, he could entice her to spend time with him and make her laugh. Although he made her grimace, most people found him downright amusing.

Unable to control the ache coursing through him, he brushed his hip against hers.

Her breath hitched. He expected her to balk at his touch, move her leg, and glare. Instead, she closed her eyes and exhaled the breath she’d been holding.

This was all too bloody confusing. Did Katrina detest him or desire him?

He’d assumed she still hated him because of the cursed frog. But, maybe, just maybe, she feared her attraction to him, making her disagreeable in his presence. He, for one, was terrified of the feelings she elicited in him. Dare he test fate?

As if approaching a skittish bird that might fly away at the slightest movement, he slowly and gently pressed his hip against hers.

She did not flinch. Quite the opposite, she met his pressure. Her eyes closed, and her bosom heaved in time to her shallow breaths.

He nudged her ankle with his.

Never in his wildest dreams would he have guessed her response. But the arrogantly proper Lady Katrina Harrington gently tapped the side of her ankle against his. Heat shot from his hip to his toe.

Springy, the poor fool, sat unaware of Evan’s betrayal. Evan was doomed to the eternal flames of hell unless he did the right thing. He needed to tell his mate about his attraction to Katrina.

“I’m sorry, mate,” he could say. “Iknow you are courting Katrina Harrington and are considering asking her to be yourwife. But I find myself drawn to her. Since she so rarely smiles in my presence, I want to make her giggle. When we touch, I burn. I ache to kiss her. And I fantasize about fucking her. But no, I do not plan to marry her. For I do not plan to marry any chit until the hair on my head is good and gray and I’m a shriveled old prune. So, are you agreeable to me making love to your girl?” Mayhap he should soften the blow by adding, “I’m sure you would be happier in the end since you’d prefer to bugger a bloke.”