Free How to Capture a Countess (Duchess Diaries 1) by Karen Hawkins Page B

her face. “You’re going to seduce me?”
    “Oh yes, my little Rose. You’ve owed me that pleasure for six years, and the time has come for you to pay.”

Four
    From the Diary of the Duchess of Roxburghe
Charlotte and I oversaw the seating for dinner and are satisfied we’ve given Sin every advantage possible. I can tell that he believes he has the upper hand in this little game, but after meeting Miss Balfour, I have to wonder if his confidence might be misplaced.
    There’s something about her, a shimmer of independence and stubbornness. Most men would dislike that, but I believe Sin may find her independence captivating, and her stubbornness more than a match for his own. Time will tell . . .
    Sin had expected a flicker of fear at his threat. Instead, Miss Balfour arched a delicate eyebrow. “So you’ve decided to seduce me merely because people assume it’s already happened?”
    “You owe me what you promised with that damned kiss.” He trailed the back of his hand over her cheek and to the deliciously warm spot behind her ear.
    He was pleased when she caught her breath, her lashes fluttering as she gasped. Ah, so you do feel it, then. “We have three weeks together, Miss Balfour. During that time, I shall seduce you. And you—” He let his hand drift from her cheek to her neck, to the fascinating hollows that harbored the wild flutter of her heart. “You will make up for the mockery I’ve had to endure since our last meeting.”
    “So you feel that you are owed.” Her color high, Rose took a steadying breath before she met his gaze evenly. Finally, she gave a short nod. “Very well. You may attempt to seduce me. I can’t promise to succumb, but it’s only fair that you be allowed the attempt.”
    Sin didn’t know whether to laugh or—hell, he didn’t know what to do. “Miss Balfour, you seem to be suffering under the illusion that you have a say in the matter. I will not attempt to seduce you. I will do it.”
    She smiled kindly. “We will see, won’t we? Meanwhile, feel free to seduce away. At the least, it will give you something to do other than moan about the past, which you seem sadly given to.”
    Her audacity was like the icy strike of hail. Heedless of their precarious perch, he slipped his arm about her waist and pressed against her.
    She gasped and clung to the ladder rail, still clutching her small book. Yet her rapid breathing let him know she was instantly affected.
    He smirked. “My foolish, foolish Rose. I remember how passionately you reacted to that kiss. If I wish you in my bed, all I have to do is this . . . ” He bent to touch her cheek with his lips, feather-soft and gentle, more warm breath than else. A deep shiver wracked her and her eyes slid closed, her breath quickening. He moved his lips to her lashes where they trembled on her cheeks. Lightly, he traced them, and she swayed slightly.
    The wild beat of her pulse in her throat sent his own blood thrumming through his veins, and he bent to place his lips on that crazed beat, kissing it and then rubbing the edge of his teeth across it.
    “L-Lord Sinclair, that’s quite enough—”
    “Oh, I haven’t even begun, my sweet Rose.” He leaned close to whisper in her ear, his breath trailing across her skin as he brushed his fingers over her lips. “Are you certain you can refuse me?”
    She took a slow breath and opened her eyes, her gaze far steadier than he’d expected. “Your touch is quite intoxicating.” She pushed his hand away. “Does it feel the same for you?”
    He’d be damned if he’d put that arrow in her quiver. “I’ve had more experience than you.”
    “Yes. Of course.” She plastered a smile on her lips, though it trembled the tiniest bit. “Lord Sinclair, I’m no longer the child I was six years ago. My passions are more controlled now.”
    He laughed softly. “You think you can resist me?”
    “You think you can tempt me?” she snapped back, and then flushed at his lifted