A Dangerous Game Read Online Free PDF Page A

luckier one. Though you may have been brought up in wealth, and I in poverty, at least I am free to choose whom I so please.”
    “Then you are most fortunate.”
    She nodded. “Indeed, I am.”
    Darian glanced past her shoulder and frowned. “Look, here comes your lover now.”
    Before she could respond, Salvatore was at her side, sliding an arm around her waist. Though she would never admit it to him, she was relieved he’d interrupted. He then turned and fixed her necklace, making sure the clasp fell to the back of her neck. The gesture was an intimate one, and Nicolette noted Darian’s scowl as he watched them.
    “We must have a rematch, my dear,” Salvatore said, the hand that had been adjusting her necklace, now caressing her jaw, clearly in an effort to irritate his brother. “She is positively wicked at croquet, Kedgwick. You must play with her sometime.”
    The words held a double entendre that the earl did not miss.
    “I have every intention of doing just that,” Darian said, his words implying something other than playing croquet.
    Salvatore straightened at his words, and lifted a dark brow. “Where is that little bride of yours?”
    “Elizabeth is resting.”
    “Sorry to hear that,” Salvatore answered, casually picking an imaginary string from the bodice of Nicolette’s gown.
    Darian appeared ready to come out of his skin. The nerve in his jaw jerked. “I’m sure Elizabeth will be delighted to see you both—if she decides to leave her room.” His voice dripped with sarcasm.
    Salvatore looked at the manor. “One can hardly blame her for holding up in her quarters in a home as grand as yours. You are a lucky man to have both a beautiful home and a beautiful fiancée.”
    “I am fortunate,” Darian said, though his voice lacked conviction.
    Salvatore nodded. “Fortunate—now that is an understatement.” He looked down at Nicolette once again and they shared a smile. “Well, Nic, I suppose we should mingle with the other guests. There is a certain viscount who desires to meet you.” He winked at her before he turned his attention to Darian. “It is good to see you again, Kedgwick. We look forward to the days ahead.”
    “As do I,” Darian replied, his gaze fastening on Nicolette.
    That dark stare said more than words ever could. He wanted her. Feeling sick to her stomach, Nicolette gladly took the hand Salvatore offered and walked away.

Chapter Three

    It was early evening when Nicolette saw Darian again.
    He stood outside on the veranda. It was a quiet night, the sky a dark gray. The light from a flickering flame cast a glow on the earl, who appeared completely at ease in the solitude.
    For a moment Nicolette considered letting him be, but realizing it was a rare opportunity to be alone with him, she took a deep breath, pushed open the double doors and walked out.
    Darian turned abruptly, his gaze sliding slowly down her body, reminding her yet again of his dangerous reputation as a rakehell. The earl’s lovers were reported to be in the hundreds. How could one man who was still young, have made love to so many women? No wonder every time she saw him, he seemed to undress her with his eyes. Did that mean her attempt at seduction was working thus far?
    “Nicolette, you are stunning as always.”
    At least he noticed her efforts, especially since the maid had worked tirelessly on styling her too-wavy hair, and the silk gown she wore had cost her a week’s pay. “And you look handsome.”
    He seemed pleased by the compliment. “I was wondering if you would make it down for dinner tonight.” His gaze slipped from hers, to the diamond necklace that rested near the swell of her breasts.
    Did the man not realize how rude he was being, staring at her in such a way? He could at least attempt to be discreet, for goodness sake. “Why would I not attend?”
    He shrugged. “I thought perhaps you would be too tired from your journey.”
    Despite the fact his gaze stayed riveted on her