To Pleasure a Lady by Nicole Jordan Page A

it shouldn’t put your reputation at any real risk.”
    â€œTrue,” she said, striving to repress the edge of bitterness in her voice. Her reputation was already tainted beyond redemption because of her parents’ scandals, so it was pointless to question the propriety of her new guardian living in the same manor house with only a servant staff for chaperones. Besides, if she never planned to marry, it wouldn’t matter if her reputation was not entirely spotless, although she couldn’t afford a genuine scandal. She had her academy to think of, after all.
    Yet she had no doubt her pupils’ parents would be awed at her claiming such an illustrious connection as the Earl of Danvers. They wouldn’t look too closely at his living arrangements. Nor were the lower classes nearly as judgmental as the gentry, who considered themselves strict arbiters of society.
    â€œYou could always bring your sisters home,” his lordship suggested in prodding tones.
    The notion had already occurred to Arabella. Her sisters’ presence would offer her more protection from the devilish earl—but then who would protect her sisters from his machinations?
    â€œI am not that desperate,” she said sweetly.
    He studied her thoughtfully. “Perhaps it’s good that your sisters are away. It will allow us more opportunity to be alone together for our courtship.”
    The thought discomfited her for a moment, but then Arabella squared her shoulders. She ought to be able to handle Lord Danvers for two weeks. She had every intention of winning his blasted wager.
    He must have read the determination in her eyes, for he smiled. “I suspect our wager will prove enjoyable to us both.”
    To you perhaps,
Arabella thought in vexation. No doubt it would be a diverting game for him, trying to make her desire him for a husband.
    But perhaps she could play his game, as well….
    She was contemplating that intriguing possibility when the earl suddenly changed tacks again. “Come here, Arabella,” he murmured, his voice beguiling.
    Instinctively, she resisted. “Why?”
    â€œBecause I intend to claim another kiss to seal our pact.” When she stood stock-still, he prodded gently, “You agreed to let me woo you, remember?”
    â€œI did not agree to let you kiss me.”
    â€œBut kissing is part of wooing.”
    â€œYour sort of kisses are not! No proper suitor kisses the way you do.”
    The laughter lurking in his eyes was irresistible. “I don’t mean to assault you again, I promise. I had in mind something much more pleasurable.” His voice was warm, teasing, more seductive than it had any right to be. “Come now, a simple kiss, nothing more. I won’t even embrace you. You have my word.”
    But still Arabella hesitated. He had the most sensual, unsettling gaze of any man she had ever met, and it was supremely dangerous to go anywhere near him. “How can I trust you won’t take advantage of me?”
    â€œIf I try, I give you leave to darken my daylights.”
    â€œI will, you may be certain of it.”
    â€œI consider myself duly warned. Now, stop being so missish. It’s entirely beneath you.”
    His lazy, provocative grin made Arabella’s pulse quicken alarmingly. She couldn’t believe she had let herself be lured into this perilous situation. How was she supposed to resist so charming a rogue?
    â€œArabella…” he said leadingly.
    She forced her feet to move until she stood a few steps from him. His eyes were locked on hers; she couldn’t think.
    When she paused, he closed the distance between them, until they were almost touching. Arabella held herself rigid, caught between dread and anticipation. She couldn’t forget the way his muscular chest had felt pressed against her breasts, the strong arms that had crushed her to him, the firm, sensual lips that had taken hers with such fiery heat.
    But