Free His Courtesan Bride (Brides of Mayfair 3) by Michelle McMaster Page A

I to understand, Lord Kane…that you think I am afraid to take a ride in your phaeton?” Serena demanded.
    “There is only one way to find out.” He turned to Havelock. “Get out, Price.”
    “Hmm? Oh, you mean me .” Havelock had been off in another world, gazing at the beautiful Lady Sterling. He stepped down from the phaeton and quickly took on the role of competent major. “Miss Ransom, may I assist you into Lord Kane’s vehicle?”
    Serena paused while Lady Devlyn whispered something in her ear. She gave her benefactress a meaningful look, then stood up in the landau. “Yes, Major Price, you may.”
    Havelock made his way through the crowd to the landau, opened the hitch on the door and pulled down the step, reaching up to take Serena’s gloved hand. He helped her down, and in moments she alighted into the vehicle. Darius sat down on the leather seat beside Serena, taking in the delicate floral scent of her, which had a heady effect on his senses.
    Lady Devlyn graciously invited Havelock into the landau while he waited for Darius’s return. His friend seemed more than pleased to be sitting next to Lady Sterling. Darius gave him a nod and turned the horses away from the crowd, steering the phaeton back toward Rotten Row.
    “Your companions are safe with Major Price,” Darius said. “But the question is, is he safe with them?”
    Serena glared at him. “And what about me? Am I safe with you this time?”
    He gave a wicked smile and asked, “What do you think, Serena? Are you brave enough to find out?”

Chapter 5

    “Some women compare men to snakes; But the consummate courtesan must remember that while their poison can kill, a snake can also be charmed.”
    –from Memoirs of a Courtesan by Lady Night

    Serena kept her temper in check as the phaeton rolled along Rotten Row at a moderate pace. There were still too many other vehicles on the roads to go much faster, which was fine with her. Darius obviously thought to take her on a fast-paced ride, which would require her to hang onto him or risk falling out. It was an old trick men sometimes employed to get close to a lady, but she didn’t want to get any closer to Darius Manning than was absolutely necessary. She scooted closer to the far edge of the seat.
    “I’ve had no reply to my offer,” Darius said.
    “And?” she replied.
    “And, I should like to know when you plan to give me your answer.”
    Serena glanced sideways at him, and replied casually, “There is more than one offer on the table, Darius. When I decide which one I intend to accept, I will let you know.”
    “That is all you have to say?” Darius said impatiently.
    “Yes, that is all I have to say. What were you expecting, a passionate reunion with me in the middle of Hyde Park? I am a courtesan, not an exhibitionist.”
    He chuckled. “Unfortunately for me. I remember how nervous you were in the gardens that night. But you soon forgot about the dangers of being discovered when I took you into my arms.”
    Serena shot him a warning look.
    “What—you don’t want to reminisce about our past?” Darius asked. “I must say, for a courtesan you’re awfully squeamish.”
    “You, sir, are a snake,” she stated.
    “Ah yes, a snake…in a Garden of Eden, perhaps?” Darius said. “He tempted Eve and introduced her to original sin, much like I did to you, and for that, I apologize. But since there is no going back to right a wrong, I put forth that Eve quite enjoyed her taste of forbidden pleasure while she had it. It was only after the fact that she let her mind run rampant with pointless feelings of shame and regret. I know you better than you think I do, Serena. I know how you’ve tortured yourself for what occurred between us that night, but I also know that you want to taste that passion again.”
    Serena couldn’t believe her ears. The man was so arrogant. It mattered not that he was right, of course…she did want to taste that kind of pleasure again.
    But how dare he