CHAPTER 2

"WHERE ARE YOU TAKING me?" Lady Artemis Beaufort inquired as Lord Andrew dragged her through the terrace.

A tiger, indeed. The scoundrel certainly thought highly of himself. Although, to be fair, he had plenty of reasons to be cocky. His physique alone set him apart from most men. He stood tall and athletic, with an air of effortless elegance. His dark hair, a cascade of artfully disarranged locks, framed a face that was undeniably handsome, each feature perfectly chiseled. A strong jaw, straight nose, sculpted lips. And piercing dark blue eyes. He moved with the innate grace and confidence of someone used to getting his own way.

And she had to admit, he probably did. She would never admit it to another soul, but she had admired Lord Andrew from afar for two years now. It wasn't only his looks. She had fallen for him when she learned of his work in favor of women. He might act the indolent rake, but she knew different.

"Away from here. To a place where we can talk without being interrupted."

"Are you mad? I can't go anywhere with you! I'd be ruined."

"That was your mother's and my grandmother's intent, wasn't it? I'm just making a slight modification to their plans."

"Removing me from the ball altogether is not what I would call a slight modification." She pulled her hand free and crossed her arms. "I refuse to move until you tell me what you plan."

He sighed. For all the world, as if she were being an unreasonable burden. The nerve.

"I don't have any plans. I was minding my own business in the library when you burst into my retreat. Threatening me with scandal and mayhem."

She gasped at the inaccurate description of events. "I did no such thing! I warned you and gave you plenty of opportunity to escape. You simply had to slip through the terrace doors. When my mother arrived, she would have found me alone, reading in the library. Which is a perfectly respectable activity, albeit a bit odd in the middle of a ball, but everyone knows I'm odd. The point is, there would be no scandal, and it certainly wouldn't involve you!"

"Ah, but you managed a feat that no other marriageable young lady has managed. You piqued my curiosity. Ergo, I must further our acquaintance. To that matter, I'm Lord Andrew Radcliffe, at your service." He executed an elegant bow, as if they were being properly introduced in the ballroom, and not absconding through the terrace.

When she didn't bow or reveal her name, he sighed with exaggerated disappointment. "Is that how it's going to be? No matter. Before the night is out, I'll kiss your name out of your lips."

She gasped. Despite herself, her heart beat frantically at the prospect. But...no. The man seemed a veritable lunatic. And also to have no filter or notion of polite conversation.

"You will do no such thing, and our conversation is at an end. I'll return to the ballroom now." So saying, she turned to go back to the house, but before she could take a step, he grabbed her hand. The touch was so electrifying that it stopped her in her tracks more than his hold on her.

"Don't go. I really wish to further our acquaintance. You have intrigued me, and I haven't felt intrigued like this in a very long time."

"That is not possible. You know as well as I that I'd be ruined if I stepped off this terrace with you. Already being here is courting disaster."

"But didn't you say you had no intention of marrying?" he persisted.

"Yes, ergo, I avoid situations that might land me in the predicament of needing marriage."

"But if you were ‘ruined', your mother would leave you alone."

That was true. Her mother would have to concede defeat in her plan to marry her off. And wouldn't even be able to blame her, since it was she who placed her daughter in this predicament. Still...ruination seemed like such an extreme measure. "I don't wish to be a pariah in society."

"You would not be. Not unless your own mother raises the hue and cry. Come on. Don't you see how perfect this opportunity is to have a night of freedom?"

She must have hesitated, for he came in with the ultimate temptation. Drawing closer, he whispered. "Is there some place you'd like to visit, but were never allowed to? I could take you there."

Oh, he was a devil. Whispering temptation in her ear. Offering to fulfill her forbidden fantasies. Was it really too terrible to take what he offered? A night of complete freedom without consequences? It wouldn't be if she could trust him. Which she couldn't, because she knew little about him.

Ah, but what she knew made him a hero in her eyes. It might be her only opportunity in life to experience some excitement. To have a handsome rake like him shower attention on a wallflower such as her. She looked straight at him.

"I'll go with the condition that you promise not to take liberties. This is not an assignation, and I'm not interested in a dalliance with you."

"Understood, sweet. And I promise. I'm not in the habit of forcing myself on unwilling women." He made an exaggerated leer and continued. "Now, if you change your mind and wish me to kiss you...or more, I'd be more than happy to oblige."

She narrowed her eyes at him, but smiled despite herself. His irreverent approach of not trying to conceal his nature or intentions was refreshing. And in a world where wolves wore sheep's skin, it was also oddly reassuring.

"Fine. Let's go then. But don't hold your breath, hoping I'd change my mind."

He smiled a beautifully wicked smile and tucked her hand in his. Dragging her behind in his haste to be off.

"I'm delighted you accepted my invitation and will endeavor to make it an unforgettable night. Where to, my sweet?"

"The Black Swan."