A Lady's Guide to Kiss A Rake: Misadventures of the heart by Tanya Wilde Page B

shoulders, much like St. Aldwyn’s, although on St. Aldwyn the look appeared more savage than handsome. Ironic really, since Damien’s eyes were never cold, but always warm. Even so, both men symbolized sin, temptation, and wickedness combined in one irresistible package. Funnily enough, unlike St. Aldwyn, Craven would never hold her interest. She may exhibit wicked thoughts in Craven’s presence but when she looked at Damien… she felt them.
    Perhaps because she’d met St. Aldwyn first, perhaps even because of the warmth in his eyes. She did not know. It may even be because his presence had always been there, reminding her of his allure. Or perhaps the quandary lay not with the men, but her heart. Gah, stop it, Jo!
    “Lady Jo?”
    “Really, Lucien,” Jo murmured on a breathless whisper, but not from desire.  “Must you lurk about like that, frightening unsuspecting ladies?”
    “My apologies,” his lips twitched. “I did not mean to startle you.”
    “You didn’t,” she returned with a snort. “But you meant to do precisely that. Why else would you skulk in the shadows, not making a sound, allowing me to believe I was alone?”
    “Why else indeed.”
    His voice, a soothing rumble, never failed to cause a shiver. He possessed one of those voices you could listen hours to, lulling you into a comfortable, relaxed state of mind. Goodness, wine did indeed loosen ones thoughts, Jo mused.
    “You are not following me, are you?” she asked, her eyes narrowing on him, St. Aldwyn’s proneness coming to mind.
    “So suspicious for a lady,” he murmured.  “But I suppose with your beau nothing short of stalking your every step, you have every reason to be suspicious. Alas, I happened to be here when you came out.”
    “Yes well, perhaps I should return inside.”
    Aware James would show up at any moment, she turned to leave. It was bad enough Craven thought Damien stalked her, if he learned she met with another man alone on a terrace he may presume her to be some light skirt, prone to disappearing with men in dark places.
    “Wait.”  He caught her arm in a gentle grip, his body so close his breath touched her skin. When had he moved so close?
    “I am sorry, my lady. I did not mean to upset you.”
    Upset. He thought her upset? Inside the drawing room the music fell away and laughter floated out onto the terrace. If James did not make an appearance soon, another couple might.
    “You did not upset me. I merely wished to be alone for a moment,” Jo said, turning to go.
    “Then perhaps,” he persisted, drawing her near, “the drawing room is not the best place to be at the moment. Besides, St. Aldwyn may loiter inside and then you will have lost your chance at a small reprieve.”
    A bubble of laughter spilled from her lips. True, but if he or her brother caught them alone together, Jo would not be the one who would be in need of a small reprieve. She spared a glance over her shoulder at the drawing room and took note of James, who had caught sight of her company. Oh bother!
    She turned her green eyes back to Craven and saw that he’d noted her exchange.
    She stepped away from him and he let her go, yet she did not retreat to the doors again. Instead, she took a step away from them, out of view from anyone else wondering by. Curious as to Craven’s persistence, she stared at him with innocent expectance.   “I take it you have something on your mind.”
    His eyes widened in appraisal. She had been right.
    “You are perceptive, my lady.”
    “Or just smart,” she pointed out, enjoying another sip of her wine.
    His eyes thoughtful as he assessed her, they drifted over her face, and then lower, over her bodice before returning her stare.  “My, my,” he commented with a humorless voice.  “No more flirtation, I suppose?”
    “You suppose correct.” Jo tilted her head and studied him over the rim of her glass. He did not seem to care if that was the case or not. She got the impression of him being