Page 41 of Cruel Hearts

Orlando tilted his head to the side and raised his eyebrows in a don’t-lie-to-me look.

With a scowl, Kendrick dipped his head. The horny fucker.

I clapped my hands together. “Why would a girl who stood to win three-hundred grand on the horses steal from the church? Those boys probably have the answer or a clue that will lead us to what Elizabeth is trying to hide. As soon as term starts, I want you to put pressure on those boys and find out what they know.”

“Fine.” Orlando stood. “I’ll also do some digging around and find out who owns Lady Chatterly.” He turned to Kendrick, who remained seated. “Are you coming?”

“One minute.”

Understanding flashed in Orlando’s eyes, and he left the room. Not wanting to endure an interrogation about Mr. Burgh’s attack on Father Neapolitan, I slid the betting slip back into my pocket and headed for the door to see him out. Kendrick would follow when he realized I wouldn’t tolerate his snooping.

“Alright, I admit it.” Kendrick’s voice filled my ear.

I turned around, nearly bumping into his broad chest. His seawater and rosemary scent filled my nostrils, and the muscles of my core fluttered. How had he moved so quietly?

“What are you talking about?”

“I find the thought of you kissing another girl arousing.”

It took every ounce of my willpower to drag my eyes upward instead of letting it drop to the promised erection. “Good for you.”

I continued toward the door, my gaze skimming over Mr. Burgh’s crystal tumblers of malt whiskey. Maybe a shot or two would blot out my impure thoughts about Kendrick’s cock.

“Well?” he snapped.

I glanced over my shoulder and cast him a withering look. “Do you want a round of applause?”

“What are you going to do about it?”

As I reached the doorway, a harsh laugh bubbled up to my throat. “Are you looking to have your first kiss, Kendrick? Is that what this is?”

He stiffened. “Of course not.”

My nostrils flared with annoyance. He wasn’t leaving the bloody room. This had to be a twin thing—my brother got to shag you and now I’m entitled to the same. Clenching his teeth, Kendrick glowered down at me with anticipation in his hard eyes.

The pulse between my legs pounded. It wasn’t fair that this dickhead could rock gorgeousness with being uptight and skittish. If I got within arm’s reach, would Kendrick grind me against the wall and give me a feel of that sweet dick? Curiosity-tinged lust burned through my core.

I took a step toward Kendrick. “Go back to the academy.”

He stepped closer, his breaths quickening and that sculpted chest straining over his cream sweater. A kaleidoscope of emotions glinted in his gray eyes. Resentment. Desire. Hunger. I wanted him to unleash all that pent-up frustration in a kiss that would curl my toes. But I wouldn’t give Kendrick the satisfaction of my making the first move.

With my next step, Kendrick’s chest heaved, and his hands curled into fists. “You want me.”

“Do I?” I edged close enough to feel the heat of his blood.

A ghost of his erection skimmed against my belly, and he sucked in a sharp breath through his teeth.

“You’re the one crawling over to me.”

My teeth clenched hard enough to crack the enamel. Shit. Why hadn’t I made the asshole walk over to me? Now Kendrick thought he had the upper hand.

“I know what you did with my brother and I know your type,” he growled. “You’re never satisfied.”

“What would you know about satisfying a woman?” My libido thrummed between my legs and urged me to throw him down and teach this not-so-little virgin not to play games. “Apart from what you learned from wanking over your brother’s conquests?”

His face twisted into a scowl. “I wouldn’t touch you if you were on fire.”

My gaze dropped down to the oversized erection straining through his pants. It was long and thick and straight, just like Maxwell’s. “But your dick would.”