To Pleasure a Prince by Sabrina Jeffries

Louisa won’t do it now that her brother has approved a formal courtship. And part of my agreement with his lordship was that the courtship would be entirely public and proper.”
    Simon’s eyes narrowed. “For how long?”
    “A month.”
    “Regina!” Cicely exclaimed. “You agreed to let that devil court you for a month?”
    “Devil?” Simon demanded. “Court who? What are you talking about?”
    Oh, dear, sometimes Cicely was entirely too overprotective. Regina shot her cousin an exasperated glance before turning to Simon. “His lordship and I made a bargain. In exchange for his agreeing to let you and Louisa court, I agreed to let him court me.”
    “Are you out of your mind?” he roared. “You agreed to let the Dragon Viscount court you? A man who’d ravish you as soon as look at you?”
    “Don’t be absurd. He may be gruff, but he’s a gentleman.” Assuming that one’s definition of “gentleman” was rather broad.
    “The man can’t get a woman even to look at him, yet you promise to endure his attentions for a month? Why, Regina?”
    “Because he practically dared me to do it, that’s why. He’s so sure that you—that we —are wicked creatures who will corrupt Louisa. I couldn’t refuse his challenge and confirm his opinion.”
    “Even if it means you’re banned from parties because you have the notorious Dragon Viscount in tow?”
    “Stuff and nonsense. I should hope my own standing is secure enough to allow me the occasional eccentric suitor. I might even reverse his outcast status, and think what a coup that would be. All of society would be talking about it.”
    “Is that what this is about? You’re bored with your volunteer work at Chelsea Hospital and need a new project? You think to tidy him up and teach him some social graces?”
    “Not exactly, but I do believe that with a little subtle persuasion—”
    Simon snorted. “Not likely. Draker isn’t like those poor saps who worship at your feet. You won’t train him to behave with just your icy reproofs.” He eyed her consideringly. “But it could be entertaining to watch you try. Very well, see if you can civilize his lordship. If anybody can force him to his knees, you can.”
    “I wish you wouldn’t put it like that.” Bad enough that the viscount and everyone else thought her a “haughty bitch.” Must her brother do so, too?
    “In fact, let’s make the endeavor more interesting. I’ll wager that even a month of your ‘subtle persuasions’ cannot turn his lordship into a gentleman suitable for society. And if I win the wager, you agree not to interfere anymore in my courtship with Louisa.”
    She’d been going to refuse his detestable wager, until his last words. Why wouldn’t he want her to help him in his courtship? He ought to be grateful.
    I’m not sure that marriage is his true intention.
    She stiffened. “If I win, then you agree to ask Lord Draker formally for Louisa’s hand. And to abide by his answer.”
    With indrawn breath, she waited for his response. If Simon accepted her terms, then he did mean to marry Louisa, and Lord Draker was wrong.
    Simon cocked one eyebrow. “Done. But you will not win. The man may take the chance to court you, but he will never become another of your toadying puppies to command.”
    She glowered at him. “Why do you assume that’s what I want from him? I might be interested in the man for himself, you know.”
    Simon laughed. “You’ve never shown interest in any man who wasn’t a blindingly handsome nitwit you could make dance to your tune.”
    True. But that was because clever men were liable to unveil her secret shame. At least the nitwits never guessed that she couldn’t read.
    But then they didn’t care either, which is probably why she never did more than let them squire her to parties. She couldn’t bring herself to marry a nitwit.
    Or anybody else. Even if her husband accepted her defect, she dared not risk having children. What if she passed it on to