Free The Earl's Scandalous Wife by Ruth Ann Nordin Page B

her take the lead, thinking it would make her more comfortable with him.  And fortunately, she had no problem initiating it.  She didn’t seem to mind the arrangement, but he wondered if she’d mind it if he took the lead once in awhile.  If he had the courage to ask, he would.  However, with things going as well as they were, he thought it best to keep quiet in case he inadvertently said something wrong.
    When the kiss ended, her eyes sparkled.  “You’re a good gentleman, Perry.  I’m honored to be your wife.”
    Christopher returned with something wrapped in brown paper.  “I thought it best to be discrete.” He glanced at Paula.  “Agatha would be horrified if she saw what I was carrying when I left the townhouse.” Turning back to Perry, he held it out to him.  “This is for your wife.”
    Perry frowned and stared at it.  “If it’s for Paula, why are you giving it to me?”
    “When you unwrap it, you’ll find out.” He winked at her.  “You, of all ladies, need something like this.”
    Uncertain o f whether or not he’d like his cousin’s gift, Perry reluctantly took it.  “Is this a debt you owe to someone that you expect me to pay?” He’d done that a couple times in the past, though not since Nate made him a stable boy.
    “I don’t have any debts,” Christopher replied, indignation in his voice.  “I can’t believe you’d even think such a thing.”
    Rolling his eyes, he stepped away from Paula, thinking it best that she not see whatever the “gift” was.  She didn’t need to be included in his cousin’s antics.  He unwrapped the object, acutely aware that his cousin was smirking at him as if this was the funniest thing that had ever happened.  That right there proved Perry had every reason to be concerned.
    When he saw it was a book, his gaze lowered to the title and his jaw dropped.  Spinning on his heel, he placed the book behind his back so Paula wouldn’t see it.  Avoiding eye contact with his cousin, he asked, “Paula, would you please leave me and my errant cousin alone for a few minutes?”
    Though her eyebrows furrowed, she nodded and left the room.
    “Close the door,” Perry told Christopher.
    This time it was Christopher who rolled his eyes as he obeyed him, though the way his lips curled up told Perry that he was enjoying his discomfort.  Of course, Christopher was enjoying his discomfort.  From the moment Perry took over as his ward, he took fiendish delight in getting a reaction out of him.
    Christopher returned to him, his expression intentionally clear of any mischief.  “You wish to thank me for making your wife’s bed something she can look forward to?”
    “Take it back.” Perry thrust the book at him.  “I’m not amused.”
    “I would take it back if it was for you, but it’s not your gift.  It’s Paula’s.” He thrust the book back at him and he almost dropped it.  “If you want me to take it, you’ll have to get her permission.”
    His face grew warm.  “I can’t show her this.” He looked at the title again and shuddered.  How to Pleasure a Lady .  What kind of gentleman would give such an inappropriate book to Christopher anyway?  Then the answer dawned on him.  “Is this from Lord Edon?”
    “Technically, it’s from me.  But I did ask him to give me a copy to give to your wife.”
    “Take it back.” He shoved it at him, but Christopher refused to take it so it fell to the floor.  Groaning, he knelt down, leaning on his cane as he did so, and picked it up.  “Why do you insist on being so difficult?”
    “I w as about to ask you the same thing.  Do you not want your wife to receive pleasure in bed?”
    “Of course I want her to receive pleasure in bed.” He stopped, his face growing even warmer when he realized he was discussing h is private life with his cousin of all people!  “Not that what I do or don’t do with her is your concern.”
    “You’re right.  It’s not my concern.  Bu t I like