Free London's Perfect Scoundrel by Suzanne Enoch Page B

for the wheres and hows.”
    Talirand favored her with a smile as the board seated themselves once more. “How delightful. Please tell us your plans, Miss Ruddick.”
    At that she launched into a presentation concerning education, clothing, food, building improvements, and several vast social issues. Saint didn’t note much of it. Instead, he caught himself studying the way her hands moved, the turn of her head, and the earnest, enthusiasticexpression on her mobile face. Whatever she was after, she seemed to think this was how she would achieve it.
    He didn’t doubt that he could wear her down, bring her to the point where she would beg for his caress, for his kiss, for his hands on her bare skin. The question was why he seemed to be obsessed with her. Fatima, among others of his former lovers, would laugh if she knew he was hard for a virginal chit.
    At the sound of polite applause, he shook himself. Whatever she’d said, his fellow board members had liked it—though they’d probably decided to give over their support as soon as she’d mentioned donating money.
    â€œI find your enthusiasm quite admirable,” Willsley said. “If you need any assistance or advice in managing your project, I hope you’ll feel free to come to me.”
    Rutledge nodded, as well. “You’ll no doubt find this management business far too dull and complicated for someone of your tender sensibilities. I am at your service.”
    Scavengers , Saint thought. Let them have the remains; he wanted the main course.
    Evelyn smiled with the smooth expression he’d often seen her use to charm her dance partners, angelic and a little aloof. “Thank you very much, gentlemen. Does this mean I have your approval?”
    Even Talirand was standing now, the scent of a weak-witted female with funds practically making him salivate. “Shall we take a vote? All in favor say aye.”
    The eager chorus of ayes was nauseating.
    â€œWell, St. Aubyn, what about you?” Rutledge asked. “Surely you have no objection to Miss Ruddick’s proposal. Aye or nay?”
    Saint remained in his relaxed slouch, deciding his own position. He could refuse; he didn’t need her meddling while he was trying to dispose of the place. Evelyn would be angry and stomp home and slight him at soirees for the remainder of his life. That was well and good, except for one thing—he’d never have her spread beneath him, moaning his name.
    He pursed his lips, gazing at the object of his interest. “I assume this little experiment will remain under my supervision?”
    Evelyn’s confident smile faltered just a little. No doubt she didn’t know what to do with a male who didn’t fall to his knees at the sight of her smile. “If you insist,” she hedged.
    â€œI do insist.”
    She lifted her chin, the fine blush of her cheeks deepening. “Then yes, my project may be placed under your supervision.”
    He gave her a slow smile. “Then my answer is aye.”

Chapter 6
    Though the day of my destiny’s over ,
    And the star of my fate hath declined ,
    Thy soft heart refused to discover
    The faults which so many could find .
    â€”Lord Byron, “Stanzas to Augusta”
    â€œE velyn!”
    Evie froze halfway out the front door of Ruddick House. Before she could decide whether to risk a dash out to the waiting coach or not, Victor stomped down the last flight of stairs. Crossing his arms and glowering, he came to a stop in front of her.
    â€œGood morning,” she said, favoring him with a bright smile.
    â€œI stopped by Aunt Houton’s yesterday,” he snapped. “She hasn’t seen you in over a week.”
    â€œThat’s where—”
    â€œYou missed the Tuesday West Sussex Ladies’ Tea.”
    â€œI didn’t mean—”
    â€œAnd you have failed to explain to me why you agreed to waltz with St. Aubyn.”
    â€œVictor,