Free Suzi Love by Embracing Scandal

need me, the Duke of Sherwyn. Now, agree to my terms so we may decide how to proceed.”
    “Oooh! You’re the most annoying, conceited — ”
    By covering her mouth with his lips, he cut off this tirade. Not a kiss of passion, or even desire, but a warning as to who owned control. For one pleasurable moment, she relinquished power and relaxed into him, clutching his lapels as he tugged her closer. Victory, however, was short lived. Her breath coming in small pants, she shoved him away, while his senses remained addled after her surrender to his body. Momentary as it had been.
    After gulping air, she launched into speech. “And remember one more thing, I don’t want you flirting with my sisters. Because they’re so beautiful — ”
    “Staggeringly beautiful.”
    Her shoulders hunched, as if protecting her sisters from a stampeding bull. She glared at him. “They learnt at an early age to recognise fawning behaviour from men.”
    “Do you also recognise it? Or are the compliments paid to you more sincere? As when they speak of your hair being the colour of sunrise or that — ”
    “Cease! Gentlemen don’t pay me such excessive compliments.”
    “Why not? You’re as beautiful as your sisters.” He stepped closer and appraised her face and hair. “With your vibrant colouring, you’re infinitely more dazzling than either Laura or Lottie.” She gave a telltale squeak. The little minx was not as immune to flattery as she’d like him to think. With each rising breath, her breasts brushed his clothing. How could she not know what she did to men? To him.
    “Don’t talk nonsense to me, Sherwyn.”
    “Ah, I’ve offended you. We’re back to Sherywn. Soon you’ll be Your Gracing me.” She stepped closer and her nipples rubbed his coat, heated him, and mocked his attempts at control. Her figure was too ripe, her energy too unbounded, for her to hide her attributes. “My sweet temptress.”
    He traced her décolletage with one finger.
    “I’m not offended, nor do I believe you,” she contradicted in anger, her arms now crossed under her breasts in a way that thrust them even further into his eyesight. His downward view allowed him full sight of lush breasts straining above what should have been a discreet neckline, although nothing would look demure on Becca’s curves, despite her attempts to dress circumspectly. The woman aimed to kill him.
    “So, when I tell you that every time I anger you, your eyes flash the most brilliant shade of green, you’ll not react.”
    “Nothing you can do or say will offend me.” Those amazing green eyes narrowed and the air between them sparked with emotion. “I refuse to respond to anything you say.”
    “Or, if I tell you that every time I watch your dainty little tongue poke out to wet your lips, I want to lick them again.”
    “I … I already know what gentlemen say of me. Even the women.”
    “And what is that?”
    Her expressive eyes clouded with pain.
    “They think me too much a bluestocking to be of any consequence.”
    “Your intelligence is a factor in your favour, sweetheart, not a drawback.”
    “It’s not my only drawback as far as men are concerned. Moreover, do not call me sweetheart. I loathe false endearments.”
    He ignored her reprimand. “What else have these gentlemen been telling you?”
    “I’m too headstrong.”
    “Only milksops want a woman without spirit. One who doesn’t challenge their manhood?”
    “Lord Ben … a certain gentleman informed me on more than one occasion that expressing passion was common. Only women of the night exhibit such emotions. Ones that are paid to appear exuberant.”
    “If Lord — whatever his name is — was a real man, he’d want a woman with heat. With passion.”
    “Well, he didn’t want me. He said he couldn’t risk marrying a woman who acted the harlot, as he would never know if she performed the same way with his friends.”
    “Hell! Lord what’s his name disgusts me. Any man would be proud