Page 64 of Seduced By a Scoundrel

“Sybil Taunton.”

“Keir Montgomery.”

He was growling again. “Explain.”

“Oh, I thought we were just saying each other’s names.”

The urge to toss her over his shoulder and take her away was very nearly overwhelming. He exhaled through his nose. Someone had once told him it was calming. That someone was used to dealing with the aftereffects of war and street riots. Not Miss Sybil Taunton.

A little deep breathing was not enough. Not nearly enough.

“Sybil, what is this house, really?”

“Just a house.”

“Try again.”

“It’s a… finishing school.”

“Sybil.” He pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Yes?”

“Exactly how daft do you think I am?” She opened her mouth to reply, then snapped it shut when he tilted his head. “Careful.”

She sniffed. “Well, you did ask.”

“My mistake.”

“Just so long as we are clear on that point.”

He had never wanted to spank someone and kiss them senseless at the same time. Strangling was also not out of the question. “Are you going to tell me the truth?”

“I don’t know,” she admitted.

He sighed. “Well, I suppose that’s something.”

“That’s it?” She looked up at him suspiciously. The firelight glimmered in her hair. And over the plain dress he wanted to strip from her body. She ought to wear only the very best silks, muslins, velvets. Or better yet, nothing at all.

“If we’ve established that I am not so daft as to believe this is a finishing school, then let us also assume that I am not so daft as to think Sybil Taunton can be forced into anything.”

“What a lovely thing to say,” she beamed.

“I think you might be the daft one.”

“That’s less lovely of you.” She shrugged one shoulder. “But also very likely.”

The footman returned with snow in his hair and a disgruntled expression, and a second footman carrying a plank of wood. “No luck,” he said. “Footprints got lost in the mess out there.”

“As expected,” Sybil said. “It’s not your fault.”

“I’ll send word to Mr. Gallagher.”

“It can wait until morning.”

“With respect, Miss Taunton, he would string me from the nearest lamppost by my insides.”

“Fair enough.”