Page 20 of The Rake Desires the Diamond

“I assumed as much, for why else would you consent to spend time with the blighter?”

Indeed. “If I do not agree to spend time with him, I will be ruined, and I despise the man.”

She fought her tears to no avail. They tumbled down her cheeks.

“Katrina, you can never be alone with him.” Staring into her eyes, he grasped her shoulders and gently shook. “Do you hear me?”

She heard him loud and clear, and his words attached to Aunt Justine’s warning.

“Evan, he will ruin me,” she said between sobs. “How could I have been so stupid as to allow you to do those things to me.” Those wonderful titillating things. “And if the world hears of it, nothing will happen to you. You will be seen as virile and charming. I will be despised and ruined. And Lord Greyson…” She whimpered.

“Shh.You are safe right now.” Evan’s thumbs gently dried her tears. “I will fix this, Katrina. I will escort Greyson to hell myself.”

“And what about Alexander?” she asked.

Evan swallowed. “Do you truly wish to court Springy?”

“Yes. He is my perfect match.” So why did it feel as if a sharp pin poked holes in her heart? “He is a fine gentleman. So kindand handsome. And he will be a doting husband and a loving father. William and Ethan are in agreement. We shall join our families.”

Evan closed his eyes and exhaled. When he opened them, he smiled at her. It wasn’t his usual smart-arse grin. It was kind and comforting.

“Alexander is the best sort of man. Katrina, I am sorry for teasing you when we were children. And for all the times I’ve been a shite-sack. I swear on my life I will not let Greyson threaten or bully you. Especially for something I did.”

Evan placed his hand on her back and walked her to the door. Meanwhile, she sniffled.

“Please go and dry your eyes.” He peeked into the hall, then gently nudged her out of his chamber. “Hurry so no one sees you.” Evan’s alluring baritone had become whispered concern. “And I promise, Greyson will cease tormenting you. As will I.”

Thereupon, he closed his door.

She didn’t have time to stand there contemplating his promise or her overwhelming emotions. So, instead, she swiped at her tear-soaked face as she hurried to her chamber.

Chapter eight

June 30th, 1818

Acheap doxie. An unfaithful strumpet. A loose whore. Society used harsh words to pass judgment on women who enjoyed sex.

A charming rake. A handsome rogue. A fun-loving scoundrel. So why did the phrases used for men such as him feel like compliments?

And why did he suddenly care about others’ opinions and meaningless words? His sister-in-law, Evangeline, had once told him that underneath his carefree exterior, she thought him introspective. Could it be true?

Nay. Probably not. A truly laughable notion.

However, Katrina Harrington was correct. While thetonmight find his antics acceptable, perchanceeven winsome, they’d cast disparaging accusations against her for their behavior in the gardens.

Somehow, he had to prevent Greyson from outing their secret and destroying Katrina’s reputation. But how to stop a man with no conscience who wanted her for himself?

The damn chit would be the death of him. She was so blasted infuriating. So damn beautiful. And he bloody desired her. Every time she came near him, his anger simmered, and he hummed with need. He was quite good at hiding his pique behind a smart-arse grin. His overwhelming desire was not as easy to conceal.

Her lingering smell of roses hung in the air. He inhaled deep, and his frigging cock hardened.

Well, there was no way he was solving problems with a damn tent in his trousers. He fell backward, landing in the center of his mattress. Placing a palm on his aching bulge, he squeezed.

“Fuck.” Hard as oak.

The blasted thing was painful, so ignoring it wasn’t a plausible solution. Reaching into his trousers, he fisted his tingling prick.

Sweat dripped, damping his shirt. A whirling sensation took hold in his belly. He moaned and stroked harder. Then faster. He was so damn close.