Page 26 of When a Duke Desires a Lass

“That is true.” He rubbed his jaw. “But it is also true that scandals abound amongst the upper ten thousand, and I’ll guarantee ye that something more salacious than your bare legs or Avery nearly trampling ye will arise.”

“I suppose your confidence is admirable.” Doubt tinged the half-compliment.

“I’d wager I’m right.” Tobias rolled his shoulder and helped himself to another sandwich. A wicked urge overcame him. “Ye wouldn’t care to wager on it, would ye?”

The forfeit when he won could be another kiss.

“Certainly not!” Her affront was genuine. “I do not gamble.”

Because she’d needed every half-penny to keep a roof over her and Justina’s heads and food in their bellies.

San Sebastian had been helpful in imparting information in that regard.

“I but teased, Emily.”

Emily’s brow cleared, and she gave him a considering look before nibbling her almond biscuit. “I suppose we shall see and pray you are correct. My main concern is Avery. I don’t wish to see her hurt.”

“Any more than I do.” Tobias sobered, staring into his teacup. “I promised her parents that she would have at least one Season. If she wants to return to Scotland afterward or stay in London, I’ll support her.”

“Tobias?” Emily notched her impertinent chin upward.

Sudden wariness overtook him. “Aye?”

“About our kiss.” She brought her gaze up to meet his. “I must apologize for asking you to kiss me. I said our relationship would be strictly professional, and I overstepped. It was beyond the pale of me.”

She would take all of the responsibility upon her small shoulders?

“I didn’t mind, lass.”

“Well, that was obvious,” she retorted with more heat than he’d have expected.

What really went on?

She had regrets. But why?

They shared a pleasurable kiss. Tobias heartily hoped they’d share more in due time.

“Nonetheless, it mustn’t happen again. I want to fulfill my commitment to Avery, but I shall have to renege if you cannot promise me that it will not happen again.”

Giving her a side-eyed glance, Tobias scratched his forehead.

“Ye want me to promise that ye will never ask me to kiss ye again?”

“No, you obtuse buffoon.” Emily dragged in a breath, and something near panic shone in her fern-green eyes. “I want your assurance that you will not kiss me again. That our time together will focus strictly on Avery’s Season.”

“What are ye afraid of, lass? What has kept ye a prisoner, afraid to live your life?”

“You cross the mark, Tobias,” she snapped.

He took her hand in his, cradling it in his palm. “Don’t ye ken that I would never hurt ye or let anyone else do so either?”

Mouth slightly parted, she stared at him, vulnerability and distrust fighting for dominance in her eyes.

“I…” She swallowed, the delicate column of her throat working. “I…”

Tobias leaned back against the couch, gently drawing her with him.

She didn’t resist.