Free A Dangerous Game by Julia Templeton Page B

given he had been chased by more than one entertainer in his life.
    “Perhaps they should leave,” she interjected, steering him back toward the staircase.
    “That won’t be necessary,” he replied, intent on finding out the truth for himself. He had no intention of telling the two to leave...at least not until he had Nicolette in his bed.
    She nodded. “Good, then I expect you to abide by my wishes and play the gracious host and groom-to-be. I know marriage is not an easy thing to accept, but it will benefit you and future generations of Kedgwicks. It is a matter of family honor that you do this.”
    “There are many women out there who want you simply on the merits of your title. Elizabeth is not one of those women. She will be a good wife, and the least you can do is be a faithful husband. Remember that her father will stand for nothing else. It is not like you have not had time to take your fill of women.” Without another word she smiled tightly, then turned toward her quarters.
    As he watched his mother go, he pondered her words. True, he had had a lot of women in his time, but none that could compare with Nicolette. None had her fire, or her spirit—a quality he found very appealing. The emotions she evoked in him were altogether too intense, particularly to a man who was to be married.

Chapter Six

    Nicolette had just finished breakfast when Darian walked into the dining room. To her right, Charlotte sat up straighter, a knowing smile on her lips as she glanced at Kedgwick, who completely ignored her.
    Darian took a seat at the head of the table, nodded toward a servant and waited until he’d been served before meeting her gaze. Nicolette smiled, then lifted the china cup to her lips.
    “How are you this morning, Nicolette?” he asked, his voice low, his eyes coming to rest on the low bodice of her gown.
    Nicolette could see Charlotte bristle beside her. The woman lifted her chin a fraction and arched her back, her ample bosom near spilling from the tight confines of her amazing yellow gown. Darian glanced at the other woman and nodded. “Lady Mariweather.”
    Charlotte smiled prettily and nodded in return, her look so smoldering even the footman blushed.
    Salvatore walked in a moment later. Wearing navy breeches, a white shirt and Hessian boots that were splattered with mud, it was obvious where he’d been. His long hair had been tied back in a queue, but a lock had come loose from the ribbon and fell against his neck and shoulders in lush waves.
    Nicolette swallowed hard. He had never looked so desirable.
    He went straight to the sideboard where he grabbed a plate and picked out a slice of ham and a few pieces of fresh fruit before taking the seat directly across from her.
    “You were riding?” she asked, wondering why he had not woken her. He knew she loved to ride just as much as he did.
    He looked up from his plate and stared at her. “Indeed, I did go for a ride.”
    She pursed her lips as he pierced the ham with his fork and lifted it to his lips—those soft full lips that she yearned to feel against her own.
    He was male perfection. Tall, dark, beautiful, and with a talent that made women weep.
    A buxom servant poured Salvatore a cup of tea, brushing up against him as she did so. Beside Nicolette, Charlotte chuckled under her breath.
    Nicolette gave her a sidelong glance and Charlotte lifted her brows. “He is gorgeous,” she whispered, and Nicolette nodded in agreement, not at all liking the way the widow’s eyes settled on Salvatore.
    “Are you finished riding for the day?” Darian asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence.
    Salvatore looked up, his gaze meeting his brother’s. He shrugged. “I am growing restless, I fear.”
    Darian looked like he’d been struck. “Indeed? Well, I would hate to think I had not done my duty by you. Why do we not go for a ride this afternoon.”
    “That would be wonderful,” Nicolette said, ignoring Salvatore’s displeasure.
    “I would love