A Dash of Scandal(33)
She smiled cunningly at him and slowly batted her long lashes. She was beautiful, with large, expressive blue eyes that seemed always to be beckoning. Curls of shiny blond hair framed her round face.
“My, but you are so delightful when you’re cruel. You used to call me Olivia, Chandler. Why so formal?”
“I want it that way.”
“I’ll have to change your mind. I’ve missed your charm.”
“I doubt that.”
She stepped closer to him. “What a devil you are. You wound me with your words.”
“Has your husband died again this Season, or perhaps Paris is too hot for you this time of year?”
“Nothing could be as hot as your arms, dearest Chandler.” She smiled seductively. “And, yes, it just so happens I am a widow—this time. Truly.”
Chandler looked around to see if anyone could see him talking to her. Thankfully there was no one else near the front door but the Runner he had just left.
“My condolences,” he said with no concern in his voice.
“I know you have no reason to believe me, but it’s true. My husband was killed in a carriage accident shortly after we returned to Paris last year. I’m surprised you haven’t heard.”
“That is of no concern to me. If you’ve come back to create more mischief, you’ll have to find some other willing soul. This one is not available.”
She breathed deeply, lifting her ample breasts, which showed from the low-cut gown she wore. “Tsk, tsk. You’re still angry with me for lying to you.”
“I don’t care enough to be angry.”
“My but you’ve grown a hard edge, Chandler.” She reached up and pretended to straighten his neckcloth. “I like it. It could prove interesting in bed.”
Chandler stepped away from her and said, “Excuse me, I’m meeting someone.”
He started to pass her, but she grabbed his arm and stopped him. She gave him a beguiling smile, showing beautiful white teeth. Chandler was reminded of why he once wanted to possess her. Her skin was soft, her body beautiful, and she adored being touched and worshipped by a man. She was a skilled lover… and a practiced liar.
Chandler forced his gaze to slide past her face, down her slender neck, over her full breasts to the long feminine fingers that gripped his arm like a vise. Animosity caused his muscles to work involuntarily beneath her hand. He stared down at her firm grip and then up to her lascivious expression.
His eyes narrowed and his mouth tightened.
Slowly she relented and let go of him. “How distasteful of you to hold a grudge, Chandler. We’ll kiss and make up.” She lifted her face toward his.
He never had been downright rude to a lady, but tonight he was tempted to tread those uncharted waters, for surely no other woman deserved it more. It was on his mind to tell Lady Lambsbeth what he thought of her, but the last thing he wanted was to be seen talking to her.
“You are beautiful, Lady Lambsbeth, but your mind and your heart are deceitful. I no longer have an interest in you.”
Her eyes narrowed. An attractive pout formed on her full lips, puckering the corners. She should have been furious about his nasty remark, but she didn’t even blink an eye. She was a coldhearted woman.
“I know you think I’m the one who let it slip to the gossip sheets about our love affair, but I swear it wasn’t me. I don’t know who found out about us. I was going to tell you the truth before my husband came to Town. It was not my desire for him to catch us in bed. Henry would have killed us both had you not escaped in time.”
He didn’t even like to hear the word love come out of her mouth. “So whoever told him wanted to see only me dead? That’s comforting. I don’t care if it was your personal maid who betrayed you. What’s done is done. My affair with you is over.”
“If that must be so, I will accept it, but dance with me and let’s show everyone there are no hard feelings between us.”
“Oh, but there are. You no longer captivate me, Lady Lambsbeth. Find someone else to believe you are a lonely widow. I’m not a taker this time. Accept it, I’ve had my fill of you and I’m no longer interested.” He turned and walked away.
Chandler realized that he felt damn good as he eased back into the crowd gathered in the front parlor. He picked up a glass of champagne from a tray and took a sip as he kept walking. He had wanted to tell Lady Lambsbeth what he thought of her since he found out she had lied to him about being a widow.