Seducing the Viscount by Alexandra Ivy Page A

was a pity that the two men were both so opposite. Unless one counted their stubborn belief that they were always right.
    To make matters even worse, Ian had been naturally blessed with all the traits that had been admired by Norry’s own father. He was an envied sportsman, a charming rake, a hardened gamester, and a favorite among society. All the things that Norry had lacked.
    Perhaps it was inevitable that the older man would nurture a deep resentment.
    â€œYes, I recall your promise, and I believe you, Norry.”
    â€œThen what?”
    Ella drained her glass and set it aside, her fingers absently toying with the ribbon at the waist of her green crepe de chine gown.
    â€œHe has begun to ask rather difficult questions.”
    Norry’s wariness deepened. “What sort of questions?”
    â€œQuestions about his past.” She arched her brow in a significant motion. “About you and his mother.”
    â€œAnd what did you tell him?”
    â€œI merely repeated the story we have told for years.”
    â€œThen what is the problem?”
    â€œI do not believe he was satisfied.”
    The dark eyes hardened. “A pity, of course, but there is nothing to be done. He will simply have to accept what you have offered.”
    She gently cleared her throat, as her fingers nearly ripped the ribbon to shreds. “Unless . . .”
    â€œUnless what?”
    â€œUnless we reveal the truth.”
    There was a thunderous silence as Norry regarded her as if she had grown a second head. She was not surprised. She had known before she approached her brother that he would be far from happy with her desire to answer Ian’s questions.
    â€œGood God, Ella, have you taken leave of your senses?” he at last managed to rasp. “If the truth were to be known, I would be ruined, and you—”
    â€œIan could be trusted to keep our secrets,” she interrupted, her tone urgent.
    Rather than the anger that she had been expecting, Norry’s thin features softened, and without warning he stepped forward to stroke her cheek with a gentle, sympathetic hand.
    â€œNo, Ella,” he said, genuine regret in his voice. “You know as well as I that any confession would merely hurt Ian. He would naturally feel betrayed by the both of us, and his first thought would be to strike back at those who had lied to him. We cannot take such a risk.”
    The brief flare of hope that had burned in her heart began to fade, replaced by the familiar ache of regret she had carried for so long.
    She had been foolish to believe that fate could be changed at this late date. And even more of a fool to believe that she could somehow make amends for the past.
    Norry was right. To confess the truth now would only hurt Ian further. That was the last thing she desired.
    She heaved a sorrowful sigh. “I hate to see him so hard and cynical.”
    With care not to muss her attire, Norry pulled her into his arms. “I promise I will do my best to heal the wounds that I unwittingly caused, Ella. But Ian can never, ever know the truth of his past.”

Chapter 6
    Rather than following his fleeing wood sprite to the house, Ian turned on his heel and made his way to the door that led to the inner courtyard. He was still fully aroused and in no condition to cross paths with his aunt. Hell, he was in no condition to cross anyone’s path.
    Besides, he had a task awaiting him that had been interrupted by Mercy’s unexpected arrival in the conservatory.
    Marching with a grim purpose toward the distant stables, Ian refused to recall the delectable if wrenchingly frustrating encounter. What was the purpose? Nothing could alter his brutal, near-consuming desire for the chit. Or the fact that she was the one woman he could not have.
    With enough sense to choose the path that would take him to the gate rather than vaulting the low stone fence, Ian managed to contain his urge to snap and snarl before reaching the