His Lady Mistress

Elizabeth Rolls193snapped. ‘Listen to yourself! I may not have quite your reputationto live down to, but at least give me credit for enoughnous to pursue the seduction of your bride somewhere a littleless public!’ Fury harsh in his voice, he added, ‘That is, ifyou can’t credit me with the decency not to attempt it in thefirst place!’‘No, Ricky. I don’t think you would.’ A bitter smiletouched his mouth. ‘I know you wouldn’t. But she is anothermatter.’His savage gaze swung back to Verity, spearing her. ‘Tellme, madam wife—did you really think to seduce my brother?Did you think to persuade him to give you what I wouldnot?’She fought the redoubled churning of her stomach, the dizzinessas his disgust flayed her. What was he talking about?What had she done? She dragged in a breath, tried to speakhis name, but only a dry husk came out.His lip curled. ‘Perhaps Drury Lane might be the bestvenue for your manifold talents, Lady Blakehurst. They arequite out of place here. Spare us the impersonation ofwounded innocence. It’s worked on me twice. Three times isonce too often.’Understanding broke over her in icy waves as she realisedwhat he was thinking. And just how deeply he despised her,how little he trusted her. Shaking, she pulled away from Richard.She could deny it. Surely he would believe her...or, ifnot her, Richard.He went on, relentlessly tearing her apart. ‘You were quiteout in your calculations, madam, if you believed that myphysical pleasure in you would addle my brains. As far as Iam concerned our marriage has been consummated. I can seelittle point in any further congress between us.’Nausea turned her cold, clammy. ‘You...you mean...’ Hervoice shivered into silence.‘That I shall seek my amusements elsewhere in future.’Verity took several deep, careful breaths that threatened to