Free Stolen Kisses by Suzanne Enoch

and leave, Wenford or not, but the rogue was not going to have the last word. “You will find that the gate is locked, my lord.”
    “I’ll jump the hedge.”
    Of all the things she had expected, Lilith had never imagined Dansbury could be silly. “I shall buy a large dog,” she answered shakily. Why was the blackguard being charming when he knew she despised him?
    He grinned. “Then I shall be bitten, whereas now I am but smitten.”
    “Smiting you would be my pleasure,” she returned, her voice faltering a little at the end.
    “Come now,” he chastised. “You want me dead for approaching you to ask a waltz?” He reached out again,gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
    Lilith took a ragged breath, trying to regain control of her senses. “You know what I mean,” she said, as soon as she regained control of her voice. If he would stop touching her and looking at her in that intense, heart-stopping manner, she would be able to give him the set-down he deserved.
    “Please, explain it to me. I wish to know your thoughts.”
    “Very well. I want you to leave William alone.”
    “I can’t do that,” he answered promptly. “I’m quite fond of the lad.”
    “You’re ruining him. And that will destroy my father, which will…” she faltered, not wanting to disclose something he didn’t already know. There was apparently little, though, that the marquis didn’t seem to know. “Which will…hurt me.” She met his gaze. “Unless that is your intention, I beg you to stop.”
    His eyes searched hers. In the cold night breeze a lock of dark hair had fallen across his forehead, making him look boyish and far more innocent than she knew him to be. Finally he smiled, less innocently and more sensuously than before. “Will you not sacrifice something to save your brother from such evil as I apparently represent?”
    She narrowed her eyes, thankful that she could rally her anger again. “You truly have no heart at all,” she stated hotly. “A gentleman, anyone possessing any kindness, would not do what you are doing.”
    He grinned crookedly. “But you’ve already informed me that I have no positive qualities whatsoever. So how could I possibly make use of them? Perhaps I have sought you out as my last chance of salvation. You are as beautiful as any of heaven’s angels, Lilith. Could you, would you, save me?”
    Lilith’s heart began to beat wildly in trepidation and something more as he leaned toward her, his gaze focusing on her lips. “I—”
    “Miss Benton,” a male voice called sharply, and she jumped again.
    The Earl of Nance fought his way through the shrubbery to face the marquis. Thank goodness it wasn’t Wenford, or any other of her suitors—Lionel Hendrick at least had some sense in his head.
    “Has Dansbury offended you?” Nance demanded, glaring at the marquis.
    Jack smiled lazily. “Yes, Miss Benton, have I offended you?”
    She wanted to slap him for nearly kissing her, and for making her wonder what it would be like. Lionel, though, looked aggravated enough to push for a fight. She certainly had no wish to be involved in one of Dansbury’s scandals, which he appeared to regard with such amusement.
    Lilith shook her head. “I simply no longer wish to converse with him.”
    “Allow me, then, to escort you back to your friends, whom I discovered looking for you a few moments ago.” Nance tucked her hand around his forearm.
    “Yes, by all means,” the marquis agreed easily. “But beware, Miss Benton. Your ice is melting.”
    She looked at him sharply. His gesture, though, was toward the strawberry ice she still clutched in one hand. She’d forgotten about it. Lilith glared at him for effect, then turned to Nance. “Thank you, my lord,” she smiled sweetly, “for your assistance.”
    As they emerged from the bushes, she looked about warily. The duke was nowhere in sight, and she had to wonder whether the marquis hadn’t made up the tale of Wenford’s continued