Free A Perfect Scandal by Tina Gabrielle Page A

be married.”
    All animation left her face. “Married! To whom?”
    “Lady Isabel Cameron.”
    “How could you? Not less than one week ago, you stood before me and said you would not marry—me or anyone . We had a terrible fight over it. And now you are telling me you want to end our affair because you are to marry?”
    “I’m sorry for misleading you.”
    Cold eyes sniped at him. “You’re sorry! What changed your mind?”
    “The gossip has been all over London. I’m surprised that you haven’t heard.”
    “I’ve been out of town visiting my sister and returned just this morning. What on earth have I missed?”
    For the second time that day, Marcus had to explain himself, a task that he did not relish and that he had sworn never to do again since Bridget’s suicide.
    At Simone’s thunderous expression, Marcus took a deep breath. In as few words as possible, he explained what had occurred at the Westley auction. He was careful to leave out the bargain he had struck with Isabel to remain married for only six months’ time. No one need know until the art thief was found and Isabel was in Paris with her unconventional Auntie Lil.
    At first he had initially contemplated continuing his liaison with Simone while he was married to Isabel, but the idea quickly vanished as it held little appeal. Simone Winston never could keep her mouth shut, and she would talk about her continued relationship with Marcus Hawksley to anyone with an open ear.
    An unnerving thought floated into his mind and took root, that after meeting Isabel, Simone’s feminine wiles seemed overtly contrived and jaded.
    He mentally shook himself. No, he would not put his marriage to Isabel—sham or not—at risk.
    At his staunch silence, Simone’s expression softened from fury to disappointment with the calculated efficiency of a chameleon.
    “So you are marrying this girl simply because her testimony makes you feel compelled to do the right thing?” Her full lips formed a pout, and she reached out to stroke his chest, her long fingers playing with the buttons of his waistcoat. “You don’t have to do this, Marcus. Marry me instead.”
    “And what of Isabel Cameron?”
    “The girl chose her own fate. Your defense is solid now. Let her suffer for her rash behavior.”
    Even knowing Simone’s selfish nature, he was struck by her coldness. “No, Simone. I gave my word.”
    He turned, but her hand shot out to clutch his arm.
    “Then nothing has to change between us. We can continue to be lovers. A man like you needs a real woman beneath him, an experienced lover who knows how to pleasure you. A blue-blooded virgin will never be anything but frigid in your bed.”
    An unbidden image of Isabel Cameron surrounded by erotic art flashed through Marcus’s mind. He had held Isabel in his arms, had kissed her, and knew firsthand she was anything but frigid.
    His gaze returned to Simone’s upturned face. Marcus knew that where Simone was as well practiced as any courtesan, Isabel would be innocent, yes, but as recklessly impulsive in bed as she was out of it.
    But you will never know Isabel Cameron intimately , Marcus thought. You made a bargain not to touch her, no matter how much you desire her.
    Marcus shook his head. “Nevertheless, Simone, I’ve come today to tell you of my decision to end our relationship.”
    Simone’s face twisted into a cruel mask. “You’ll be back,” she spat, “and you’ll beg me for scraps of affection.”
    “No. I won’t, Simone.”
    “Get out!”
    He was more than happy to oblige her, relieved really. He had never liked female entanglements and was well aware that Simone had wanted to marry. The problem was Marcus had never intended to marry after Bridget.
    Life had taught him a cruel, but valuable lesson: People could not be trusted; lovers and family were no exception.
    But Marcus did pay his debts. And he owed Isabel Cameron…
    If six months together would salvage her family from disgrace and give Isabel