Read Twice the Temptation for Free Online

if you’ll excuse me, I’m late for my morning walk.”
    â€œI’ll join you.”
    She took another step toward the morning room door. “That isn’t necessary, my lord. You owe me nothing.”
    â€œI’m not offering anything but my presence and my wit, both of which are reputed to be quite pleasant. After you.” He gestured her toward the foyer.
    Evangeline frowned, then covered the expression again. “Very well. I do walk quite briskly, though.”
    â€œDuly noted.”
    Not troubling to hide his amusement, mostly because that seemed to baffle her, Connoll collected his greatcoat, gloves, and hat before he followed her out the front door. Moving up between the chit and her maid, he offered his arm.
    â€œI prefer to keep my hands free,” she said, and struck off in the direction of Hyde Park.
    He fell in behind her. “I like mine full,” he commented.
    â€œAnd your brain addled.”
    Connoll sighed. “You likely won’t believe me, but while I do drink socially, the state you found me in yesterday was quite unusual for me.”
    â€œYou’re correct. I don’t believe you. You seemed perfectly at ease sprawled in the street and kissing me as though we were both naked. Or you and this Daisy were, rather.”
    He flinched. “I would consider it a favor if you would not mention her name in conjunction with mine again.”If he needed another reminder about what an unhelpful thing it was to be as intoxicated as he’d been, that provided it.
    Gilly shot him a sideways glance. “Why, are you worried about your so-called reputation?”
    â€œNo, I’m worried about hers.” He drew a breath. “She had the bad taste to fall in love with some gentleman who will be far too adoring toward her. I did not receive the homecoming I expected, and instead spent the night at a very ungentlemanly club known as Jezebel’s. We—you and I, that is—ran into one another shortly after my driver dragged me out.”
    â€œI see.” They walked in silence for several moments. “Were you in love with her?”
    A surprising question from a seemingly practical chit. “No. But I was fond of her. I still am. And so I shall stay away from her.”
    â€œThen I wish you were fond of me, so you would do me the same courtesy.”
    Connoll laughed. God, she was witty. “Unfortunately, I must remain in your company.”
    Her pace increased as they reached the park. “And why is that?”
    â€œBecause we kissed. You’ve infatuated me.”
    This time Miss Munroe snorted. “If I infatuated you, you would do as I ask and leave me be.”
    â€œIs that how you generally dispose of infatuated males?” he asked, tipping his hat as the Duke of Monmouth trotted by on his morning ride. “An odd method of courtship, Gilly.”
    Evangeline didn’t seem to notice what he’d said. Rather, her gaze followed the path of the retreating duke. “You showed him respect,” she noted. “Who is he?”
    Mild annoyance touched Connell, and he brushed it away. Women found him charming; he knew that, because he’d seen ample proof. In spite of what had happened with Daisy, he was the one who generally broke off relations with a chit rather than the other way around. “That is the Duke of Monmouth,” he said, “an altogether unpleasant and overly opinionated fellow.”
    â€œI see. He’s quite distinguished-looking. Is he married?”
    â€œExtremely so.” Connoll put a hand on her shoulder, stopping her forward progress and in the same motion turning her to face him. “You’re walking with me , Miss Munroe.”
    â€œNot by choice. You invited yourself along.” She returned her gaze, and apparently most of her attention, to the passersby around them. The well-dressed ones, at least—and the men, specifically.
    He eyed her. “Are you