Read Twice the Temptation for Free Online Page B

method of courting,” she said instead, “I would have to dispute that. I am not impressed.”
    â€œYou will be.”
    He said it with such conviction that it startled her. Goodness, did he mean to court her, then? Why? She’d been as rude to him as possible, because earning his affection was utterly pointless, and because having him about was very flustering. She didn’t like being flustered.
    Any female entered a marriage at a disadvantage—the money was the husband’s, as were all of the rights and rules and properties. Her choice would allow her to even those odds, and perhaps even come out in the lead. Anything else, any one else, was unacceptable. Period.

Chapter 4
    â€œWho was that I saw you walking with, my darling?” Lady Munroe trilled as she swept into the library. Halfway to the chairs arranged in a semicircle before the fireplace, she stopped. “Oh, he’s still here.” She smiled, dipping into a curtsy. “You’re still here, my lord. How wonderful.”
    â€œYes, he won’t leave,” Evangeline commented, leaning against the back of one of the chairs and folding her arms. “I have asked him to go. Several times.”
    â€œI’m perusing your library, my lady,” Lord Rawley contributed, running his fingers along the titles stacked in the grand bookcase. “No Wollstonecraft?” he queried, pausing in his viewing only long enough to nod at the viscountess. “What about Swift? He’s progressive, for an Irishman and a male.”
    â€œWe are not a household of anarchists, my lord.” The viscountess put a hand over her heart. “What in the world makes you think us so?”
    Drat . Evangeline frowned, pasting an affronted look on her face when the marquis glanced at her. Advertisingto males how much she knew of female rights rather defeated the goal of having unexpected information to use to her advantage. “I have begun to realize,” she said carefully, “that Lord Rawley is very difficult to decipher.”
    â€œYes, I am.” He set a book back on the shelf as he faced her. “Abominably so. But Miss Munroe is too kind. I’ve been called much worse than difficult.” He inclined his head in the viscountess’s direction. “I did not mean to offend.”
    â€œNo offense taken, my lord. Shall I send for tea?”
    â€œNo, though I thank you for the offer.” His sensuous lips curved into a smile that reminded Evangeline abruptly of kissing. “And despite Miss Munroe’s reluctance to let me leave,” he continued, “I do have an appointment.”
    â€œI did not—”
    â€œDo you attend Almack’s tonight?” he cut in, as though Gilly hadn’t spoken.
    â€œWe do, Lord Rawley,” her mother supplied when Evangeline clamped her own lips shut.
    â€œThen I shall, as well.” Rawley crossed the room to Evangeline and reached down for her hand. Slowly he lifted her fingers, brushing her knuckles with his lips. “Until tonight.”
    â€œI will not dance with you,” she grated, before she remembered she should probably be grateful that he hadn’t mentioned kissing her.
    â€œI haven’t asked you to. Yet.” With a last, fleeting smile he strolled out of the room.
    Belatedly realizing that she still had her hand held up in the empty air, Evangeline clenched her fist and lowered it again. Impossible, distracting, arrogant man. Thank goodness he’d finally left.
    â€œWell, this is unexpected,” her mother said, looking at the closed door. “We crossed him off the list.”
    â€œHe doesn’t signify,” Evangeline returned feelingly. “I think he enjoys aggravating and provoking people, and I’m merely his latest target—all thanks to an unfortunate carriage mishap. He certainly doesn’t do anything I ask of him.”
    The viscountess pursed her lips. “It’s actually a