Nicole Jordan by Lord of Seduction Page B

devious, is it not?”
    “Merely shrewd. I’ve been playing these amorous games since before Amy cut her eyeteeth, so I know what is most likely to be effective. Moreover, I have the distinct impression that simple logic and sage advice won’t work with her.”
    “No, they won’t,” Diana agreed.
    “I also think a measure of secrecy is in order where Amy is concerned. When we tell her of our betrothal, we need only say it’s a temporary arrangement to improve the odds of your being admitted to the Academy. I don’t want her knowing anything of our suspicions regarding her brother’s murder.”
    “That indeed would be wise.” Diana hesitated, searching Thorne’s face. “What do you intend to do about Nathaniel’s murder?”
    “I am devising a plan, I promise you.”
    “I want his killer found and punished.”
    “So do I, sweeting.”
    “I also wish I could help obtain justice for him. I would be pleased to contribute in any way I can.”
    Thorne shook his head. He didn’t want Diana involved in the slightest. He didn’t want her learning about the Guardians, and if his investigation turned dangerous, he didn’t want to put her at risk. Nor did he want the distraction of her interference, no matter how courageous or well intentioned. “I applaud your convictions, but I believe I can handle it.”
    She gave him a penetrating look. “Do
you
work for the Foreign Office?”
    If he lied, Thorne decided, he not only wouldn’t satisfy her curiosity, but would open himself up to further questions later.
    “Yes,” he replied honestly. “I do. As does John Yates.” He met her gaze levelly. “Discretion prevents me from revealing more. I’m afraid I must ask you to trust me on this, Diana.”
    Her brows drawing together in a frown, she studied him for a long moment. “I think you must be less of a rogue than you appear.”
    “Didn’t I try to tell you so?” he replied lightly.
    “Yes, but I didn’t believe you.”
    “What must I do to persuade you, my lovely lady?” he murmured.
    Reaching for her hand, he brought her fingers to his lips and brushed her knuckles in a provocative kiss.
    Abruptly Diana snatched her hand away, as if she’d been seared by the contact. “I promise you, seducing me is not the way.”
    Thorne bit back a self-deprecating laugh. He, too, had felt the scorching heat between them, and he couldn’t seem to help himself. He had needed to touch her, and kissing her hand was the only acceptable means if he intended to remain a gentleman.
    “I thought we agreed that I must be seen to fawn over you if we’re to make our pretense of a love match seem believable.”
    “Not in private, we don’t,” Diana replied firmly.
    “I beg to differ. We will have to diligently practice small intimacies if we’re to make our ruse second nature.”
    He took a step toward her, expecting her to retreat, but she froze, staring up at him as if unable to act on her own powers of reasoning.
    Thorne likewise went still. Her sweet scent rose to wreathe his senses; her womanly warmth teased him. He found himself staring at Diana’s tempting lips…and silently cursing under his breath.
    He couldn’t fathom the unreasonable attraction he felt for her. Nor could he fathom her determined resistance. Few women had proved so impervious to his charm.
    Admittedly he was piqued. Which was amusing in itself. How often had he politely discarded a woman for becoming overly amorous and making him feel like prey?
    But perhaps Diana was only feigning disinterest?
    He raised his hand to her mouth, gliding his thumb slowly over her lower lip, and was gratified when she gave a breathy little gasp.
    “Do you realize,” he murmured, “that indifference is irresistible to most men? It only makes them yearn to prove your interest can be aroused.”
    She drew in a shaky breath and stepped back, putting a safer distance between them. “Loath as I am to spoil your conceit, sir rogue,” she said sweetly, “my