Free The Temptation of a Gentleman by Jenna Petersen Page A

London.” His smile broadened. “She was also one of the best spies the Crown ever had the privilege to employ.”
    Marion shook her head in mute shock. What was there to say?
    He sat back down next to her and touched the top of her hand. All her fears fled instantly at the gentle gesture, replaced by a strange warmth that curled in her belly.
    “ Marion, I’ll help you. You won’t be in danger.” He brushed a few loose curls away from her face with the back of his hand. “Will you be my partner in exchange for your freedom?”
    She shut her eyes and hoped that by breaking visual contact with him, she could form words. His touch certainly wasn’t helping. Finally, after a few short breaths she managed, “Yes. What will I need to do?”
    Noah stared at her before answering. It had been a long time since he’d wanted a woman so much. He couldn’t help but remember what his mother had said about the lack of passion in convenient matches. He had no doubt a joining with Marion would be passionate.
    “ Noah?”
    She opened her eyes and stared at him. He pulled his hand away to rake it through his hair. He had to focus, focus on the plan. Not on the way her stare heated him. Not on the way the tip of her tongue darted out to wet her lips.
    “ Uh,” he stammered, hoping the proof of his desire wasn’t as evident to her as it was to him. “You would obtain information about Georgina.”
    She nodded. “Yes.”
    “ You’d keep your eyes open for anything you see or hear that could be incriminating,” he continued. “And you’d become friendly with the servants to ascertain if they have any information involving Georgina’s life here at Toppleton Square and her death. And you can help me get access into the house.”
    She frowned. “Is that all?”
    He nodded. She didn’t seem to be concerned by what he was asking for, even though any one of those requests could put her in danger. If Josiah Lucas really had killed his wife, he wouldn’t want his houseguest asking too many questions.
    “ I don’t know if you fully comprehend what I’m asking you to do.”
    She shrugged. “But I do. And all those things should be fairly simple.”
    He arched a brow. “Are they?”
    She nodded. “There are reminders of Georgina in all corners of the estate, from all those massive portraits Lucas has hung up everywhere, to the lady’s sitting room we were in last night. I believe it may have been hers. If I asked about those things it wouldn’t seem out of the ordinary, especially since my father is so desperately trying to get me to show an interest in Lucas. They hope I won’t fight them when they announce their plans to me.”
    Her face twisted in disgust and horror at the thought of her upcoming nuptials to the older man. Noah again felt the urge to comfort her, but he used every ounce of strength in him to keep from doing so.
    “ What about the other tasks?” he asked. “They might be more difficult for you.”
    She glared at him with a snort of derision. “Very unlikely. I’ve always got my eyes open, Noah, so I’m sure to notice what you call ‘incriminating items’. I’m already friendly with the young lady who tidies my quarters. And as for helping you obtain access to the house.” She smiled. “You don’t seem to have any trouble with that, but I’ll leave my chamber window open if it would be of assistance.”
    She was teasing him, but the thought of climbing into her bedroom window gave Noah another jolt of awareness. The last thing he needed was a constant reminder that he had access to her bedchamber night and day.
    “ Yes, it might help.” He edged closer to her. “But there may be one part to your plans you haven’t truly prepared for.”
    Her eyes widened. “What’s that?”
    “ If we’re ultimately forced to pretend I’ve ruined you, will you be ready for that?” He raised his hand to wrap one loose strand of chestnut hair around his finger in slow, steady circles.
    “ I believe