Read A Kiss With Scandal (Scandals & Secrets 4) for Free Online Page A

“That’s absurd. You’ve known me for years, and there’s been nothing between us.”
    She was right. He had known her for years, but he’d never truly seen her. He hadn’t let himself. “Things change.”
    “Not everything.” She glanced across the floor as the chatter increased in the room. “Don’t you see you’re causing problems for me?”
    “How so?”
    “I have suitors. They might decide to give up if they think you’re interested.”
    He scoffed. “Why would they? Any self-respecting man would welcome the competition. It sweetens the victory.”
    “They’ll only pursue if they have a chance.”
    “Do they not?” He tensed for her answer.
    She laughed. Full, heartfelt joy. It was a breath of fresh air in the stale room, a light more brilliant than thousands of candles. It came from somewhere deep inside, somewhere so pure, so innocent, that he was entranced. How could anyone remain so untouched in the world? “What is it?”
    She chuckled again. “You’re Viscount Lawrence. I’ve heard talk that you’re the catch of the season. Any woman would be lucky to snag you.”
    He absorbed her joy, hungering for more. “That can’t be true.”
    She nodded. “It is true. I heard it just the other night. A large group was discussing it, and your name was unanimous.”
    “Unanimous, huh? You agree?”
    “I’m the one who suggested you.”
    He edged the room and pulled her behind a potted plant so quickly she squeaked. “What are you doing? Everyone was watching us. They’ll know we’re here.”
    He gripped her shoulders, and heat poured through him. The need to pull her closer overwhelmed, but he suppressed both. He had a job to do. And time was running out. “Listen very carefully to me. After this dance I want you to walk to the lady’s retiring room. Powder your nose, adjust your hair. Linger only long enough to pacify other ladies present. I want you to head down the hall away from the ballroom and meet me on your second left.”
    Her eyes widened as she shuffled back a step. His grip held her in place. “I don’t think that’s wise.”
    “Your life is in danger. I can help you.”
    Her eyes widened. Recognition flared, removing all doubt as she understood precisely the circumstances he referred to. “How do I know I can trust you?” she whispered, her gaze darting around the room.
    “Because you know me. Because you know I’m someone you can count on.”
    Haunted eyes met his. “Not everyone I know is trustworthy.”
    “Bradford trusts me.”
    “He does.”
    “And you trust him, don’t you?”
    She bit her lip, then nodded. After weighing his words for a moment, she eased into the crowd without looking back, weaving, greeting, smiling as if she hadn’t a care in the world. She must be terrified, but by the looks of her, no one would ever suspect.
    Charlotte Langston was smart. It took strong character to maintain composure. Then again, years in the ton trained women in such a way. Behave too eager, a lady will lose a suitor. Act demure, they’re dull. Appear vibrant, and they’re scandal worthy. Young ladies walked a fine line in society. It bred qualities he loathed in most women. Pettiness, intrigue, infidelity. But others, such as Charlotte, honed qualities he admired.
    He cursed.
    He needed to stop thinking of her as a woman. His objective was to gain information on the Black Dahlia and keep his witness alive.
    There wasn’t a moment to lose.

Chapter 6
    C harlotte had ignored propriety at the Leatherbys’ ball and overheard the dangerous discussion of murder.
    Now, here she was, making the same decision to head away from the safety of the crowd. Except this time, she wouldn’t be alone. She shivered.
    Your life is in danger.
    She was afraid to be alone. Afraid to go out in the daylight, let alone at night. She didn’t want to live this way for the rest of her life, hiding a secret she didn’t want to keep. She wanted to be free.
    Freedom. She snorted. It always