What a Reckless Rogue Needs (The Sinful Scoundrels, #2)(17)

“Well, that, too,” he said, grinning. “Do say you’ll agree.”

She narrowed her eyes. He was trying to charm her into doing his bidding. “Why should I help you?”

“Margaret said you took great pleasure in overseeing the renovations at Worthington Abbey. I thought you would enjoy lending your expertise.”

“Your glib responses tell me you really do not care about returning Sommerall to its former stately beauty.”

His smile faded. “If I did not care about the property, I wouldn’t be here.”

She didn’t want to involve herself in his concerns. “Colin, we have never gotten along. We are here only because of our families. To be frank, you are asking a great deal of me, but I have no incentive to help you. Furthermore, I’m not certain it is wise for me to involve myself in this venture. Your father has by no means approved the idea.”

“All I want for now is to make an inventory of the work that needs to be done. I think it is a reasonable plan that he will approve.”

He was a rake with plenty of experience enticing women to do his bidding. Granted, she did not think he was even remotely attracted to her, but he’d already tried to charm her. She’d fallen for a charming rake once before, and she was wary of Colin. He would likely take advantage of her knowledge and probably abandon the project as soon as he grew bored. When that happened, she would feel the weight of responsibility because she’d gotten involved.

“You are reluctant,” he said, “but I would appreciate any advice or assistance you’re willing to give. I don’t want the property to pass out of my family.”

She remained unconvinced. “Were you concerned about Sommerall a fortnight ago?”

“A fortnight ago I’d no idea my father intended to sell.”

“Do you plan to reside there?” She knew he wouldn’t give up his carousing in London, but if he tried to lie, she meant to call him on it.

“Eventually I will take possession, but at the moment, my pressing concern is to keep my father from selling.”

“Eventually sounds rather vague.”

“I’m a bachelor and intend to live in London until I decide to marry. What difference does it make?”

At least he’d been honest. “Are you set to inherit?”

“It was always understood,” he said.

“You assume it will be yours.” He was the sort of man who expected that everything would come easily, because no one had ever made him earn what he wanted. Then again, she could say the same about herself before this past year.

“I’m his only son. There is no one else to inherit. What else am I to think?”

“Perhaps you should turn that statement around. Given your reputation, what was your father supposed to think?”

He glared at her. “You imply I’m unworthy?”

“I did not mean—”

“Of course you did or else you would not have dared to question me.”

“You requested my assistance. I have every right to know the circumstances before making a decision.” If he truly cared about the property, he would have done something about it years ago. No doubt he’d not given a thought to Sommerall until he’d found out his father meant to sell it. Worse, he wasn’t likely to occupy the house. It would remain empty, perhaps for years. After all, she’d heard plenty of stories about him.

“If I thought you were sincere, I would offer my assistance,” she said. “But I have trouble believing you really mean to renovate Sommerall. You just don’t want to lose it on principle.”

His eyes narrowed. “You have missed an important point. The circumstances are clear. Unless I can prevent it, strangers will possess the land where my mother is buried.”

“Colin, I understand—”

“No, you do not. Apparently, I’m the only one who cares.”

Her heart beat rapidly. “Colin, I did not mean to insinuate—”

“I apologize for disturbing you. Rest assured I will not do so again.” He made a curt bow and strode past her with fisted hands.

He could storm off for all she cared.

His words rang in her ears. Unless I can prevent it, strangers will possess the land where my mother is buried. She shut her eyes and told herself to keep her distance. She could not afford even the slightest transgression, and getting involved in his concerns could lead to trouble.


She mustn’t fall for his emotional appeal. God help her, she’d done it once before. It had ruined her life and wounded her family. She clutched her sketchbook to her chest as if it were some sort of shield. Why was she even having second thoughts about helping him?

Apparently, I’m the only one who cares.

The truth dawned on her. He’d been embarrassed to ask for her help. Because they had never gotten along, he’d probably figured she would turn him down.

His mother was buried at Sommerall, and so he’d made himself ask, because he had no other choice. She knew more than a little about having few choices.

He thought no one cared.

She turned and ran after him. “Colin, wait!”

He strode onward, but she pumped her legs faster. By the time she caught up to him, she was so winded she could hardly speak. “I-I’m s-sorry.”

His nostrils flared. “I do not want your sympathy.”