Page 23 of A Rogue to Reform

“Should we continue our walk?”

Instead of turning to stroll, Sorcha lifted her arms and wrapped them around his neck, bringing him down for a kiss. Evan kissed her back, his body remaining disconnected.

The woman murmured, oblivious to the battle that raged in him. There was no comparison between this kiss as to what he’d felt when kissing Felicity. With Felicity, his entire being had reacted. Now with Sorcha, it was more numbness that came over him.

“Darling,” Sorcha murmured. “Stay the night.”

*

“I am planning a trip to Spain; you should consider coming with me.” Sorcha looked to him from the bed the following morning as Evan hurriedly dressed.

“Enticing offer. I have some business dealings that demand I remain here for a time.” Evan delivered the first hint to what would hopefully bring forth an offer of money. He had to act the part of not wishing for anything from Sorcha. “However,” he continued, “I will try to make haste and hopefully can do so.”

The fact he was in a hurry to leave that morning was not so much acting as it was that he could not stand to remain in the cloyingly perfumed room any longer. That and the fact he was not sure he would be able to continue the farce. Remaining with little money was not as daunting a task as it would be to continue to pretend to care for a woman who obviously expected men to do her bidding.

“Be a dear and pour my tea,” Sorcha called out. She slipped from the bed, her nakedness, although admittedly attractive, not enticing him at the moment.

However, as she expected it, he ensured to take her in, his gaze roaming over her and hesitating at the patch of hair between her legs. When he met her gaze, she smiled.

“We can always return to bed,” she purred.

“There is much for me to do, although the offer is very, very tempting.” He pulled his coat on, ignoring her request to pour tea. Nearing her, he pressed a lingering kiss to her lips and then gave her what he knew would come across as a promising look. “Thank you. I never imagined something like this.” He slid a look to the bed.

Delighted at his words, Sorcha placed a hand on his forearm. “Think about my offer.”

Evan nodded and saw himself out.

Outside, the morning was crisp and he pulled his scarf around his neck. Since the carriage had been taken by Grant the night before, he had to maneuver his way home on foot, or hail one for hire.

Needing to clear his head, Evan decided to walk for a while. He had to focus on the prize. In his estimation, another night or two and Sorcha would offer him anything to remain with her. It was then he’d make himself scarce, claiming to have to work to come up with the quantity needed for his portion of the sponsorship money.

A carriage slowed and then came to a stop. His brother’s face appeared through the door. “Are you headed home?”

Evan got in and sat across from Richard. “I needed a walk to clear my head about certain things.”

His brother gave him a questioning look. “You are quite far from home.”

It was obvious he expected a response. Never keeping secrets between them until his financial fall, Evan wanted nothing more at the moment than to be able to share what he was doing with his brother.

“I spent the night with Sorcha Robertson.” He waited for Richard’s disapproval.

“You should tread with care. She is not one to be toyed with.”

His brother’s reply was unexpected, and also perhaps true. “Why do you say that?”

Richard frowned. “An acquaintance of mine grew to know her very well. He claims that when crossed, Sorcha can be very vindictive.”

“What did she do?” Evan became wary. He had to proceed carefully so as not to bring out the ire of a woman who had as much money as Sorcha and could hire people to do her bidding.

The carriage wheels on the right dipped into a rivet and they were jarred sideways before continuing.

“He said that she hired men to beat him. The poor dolt ended up in the hospital for weeks.”

Evan swallowed. “I will have to take care then.”

As they approached the estate, his brother peered out the window. “The old beauty remains as such,” he said almost to himself.

“You should come inside,” Evan said.