The Accidental Mistress by Kate Harper Page A

atmosphere. Suddenly, it seemed charged with all the fizzing, breathless energy of a summer storm. Sophie’s certainly found herself breathless and she tried to suck in more air because there didn’t seem to be nearly enough of it in the room. A prickling excitement slid along her skin, charging her body a shocking awareness of the long, lean one in the bed before her. ‘I’m going back to my room, my lord,’ she managed, after the silence extended far too long, ‘And tomorrow, if you could be so kind, perhaps you can take me home.’
    ‘Well now little Sophie, that’s the one thing I cannot do.’ Roxburghe shook his dark head, ‘Unless you fancy life as a ruined woman.’
    ‘It need not come to that. My aunt has no idea where I’ve been and she has no need to know. I will say…’ Sophie wracked her brain, wondering what it was that she would say. Nothing could really explain her disappearance during the night or her continuing absence from the house. ‘No, I shall tell her the truth. There is no reason not to. She will surely not be displeased that I saved Alice from ruination.’
    ‘Don’t be too sure,’ Roxburghe said, voice dry, ‘Like Alice, she’ll think that you’ve tried to take me for yourself.’
    Sophie was shocked. ‘Of course they would not!’
    ‘Of course they will. I think a far better plan, until I can come up with something else, is that we arrange for you to return to Cumberland.’
    ‘A marvelous idea. I’m sure my mother will not think to ask any difficult questions.’
    Roxburghe grinned. ‘Little cat! But trust me, Sophie, I know the likes of your aunt. Spite will ensure that a scandal comes from this. If Alice can’t secure a marquis, then she’ll try and ensure that a little thing from the wilds of Cumberland does not and she’ll use any methods available. Women like that can be the very devil.’ He gave her a lazy smile. She could see that he was growing sleepy. The dark eyes certainly looked as if they were ready to close. ‘Do not let it worry you. I’ll make sure that you come to no harm. Now then… give me your hand.’
    Sophie shook her head. ‘You’re wrong about Aunt Felicia. And I am most certainly not giving you my hand.’
    ‘Scared, sweetheart?’
    Sophie narrowed dark blue eyes at him. ‘Certainly not.’
    ‘Then take me down a peg. You know I deserve it. I’m arrogant, conceited and far too used to getting my way. Women have always fallen over themselves to please me. Prove that you’re immune, sweet Sophie. Let me kiss that little hand goodnight.’
    The mocking tone was exasperating. And he was conceited, ridiculously so. ‘I am not in the least bit interested in you.’
    ‘So prove it. It’s only your hand. It’s not like I am going to strip that oh so proper gown from your body and explore the more intriguing places.’
    He was abominable, determined to make her feel as uncomfortable as possible. Sophie moved forward, thrusting out her hand defiantly. ‘Goodnight, my Lord!’
    Roxburghe took it and drew it slowly to his lips, turning it palm upwards at the last moment to press a kiss in the palm. A jolt of desire slammed through Sophie, so powerful that she gave a soft gasp, molten fire sliding along her veins. Roxburghe had been right; sparks really did fly whenever they touched. She’d never experienced anything like it before and it terrified her just as much as it aroused her.
    Abruptly, she dragged her hand away, the warmth of his lips lingering there. ‘G-goodnight, my Lord!’
    The amusement had disappeared from his face, leaving an expression that made her want to join him in the bed as much as run away. ‘Do you know?’ he said, eyes holding her own, ‘I have never felt that with anyone before?’
    Much as she might want to ask him questions, she was far too alarmed to stay any longer. Her body had taken leave of its senses. It was no longer just Roxburghe that terrified her and she turned quickly, hurrying towards the