Duke of Scandal Read Online Free PDF

the ice.
    â€œSo you say,” he returned at once.
    That insult took her aback. “So I say?” It was her turn to look him up and down. “Are you always so dour, sir?”
    Clearly caught off guard by her audaciousness, he jerked his head back a little. Then he answered simply, “Usually. I’m nothing like Edmund.”
    â€œThat’s an understatement,” she agreed with a grunt.
    His eyes narrowed and he clasped his hands behind his back. “Knowing I’m nothing like Edmund, madam,” he said gravely, “is the only reason I’m here today.”
    In some very strange manner, that remark, no doubt posed to be intimidating, warmed her instead, though she would never let such a weakness to his rather mundane comment show in expression or voice.
    Smiling satisfactorily, she glanced down briefly to the sofa, running her fingertips gently along the cushioned back. “You look very much like him,” she admitted pleasantly, “though it only took me ten minutes or so to realize how different you are in personality.”
    At long last he began to take a few steps into the drawing room. “I wouldn’t know. I haven’t seen or spoken to Edmund in nearly a decade.”
    She almost gasped. Her head shot up abruptly as she looked back into his eyes. “I suppose that’s why he never mentioned he had a twin. I can only guess the two of you had some sort of falling out.”
    He didn’t answer her immediately, though he diddrop his gaze from her for the first time since entering Lady Abethnot’s home, continuing to walk slowly toward her as he grumbled, “When did you meet him?”
    His redirection of the path of their conversation didn’t slip by her. Of course she wanted—needed—to know what actually happened to split them into warring enemies all those years ago. But she reined in her curiosity for now. With this turn of events she had more important things to consider. This man wasn’t her husband, and Edmund had been the one to steal her money. Yesterday she thought she had answers; this afternoon she realized she could be as far as ever from getting her funds returned to her, or at least getting some sort of justice. And above everything else, she now had this man to contend with. What a nightmare.
    Olivia felt a sudden jolt of nervousness as he neared her. Instead of answering his question, she asked instead, “Why did you lie to me about your identity at the ball?”
    He snickered, the first sign from him of anything remotely resembling humor. “Because it was far too entertaining to watch you treat me, and think of me, as Edmund.”
    Incensed, Olivia couldn’t think of a reasonable thing to say to that. She took a step away from him as he took one nearer. He moved fairly next to her now, so close that the hem of her rose-colored skirts brushed his dark, polished shoes. She stood her ground this time, though, determined not to let him see how confused he made her just by his presence. She had the distinct feeling the man used intimidation on purpose because of his incredible height and very masculine build. Edmund had never done that, but then Edmund got his way by flirting, not intimidating. She suddenly had to wonder if this man had ever flirted with a woman in his life.
    â€œWhen did you meet my brother?” he asked again, more pointedly this time.
    She blinked, then ran her palms down her tightly corseted waist. “Wouldn’t you rather sit to discuss this?”
    His brows drew together fractionally, indicating to her that he hadn’t even thought about sitting.
    â€œVery well,” he said abruptly, turning and moving to the settee, “but my time is valuable, Lady Olivia.”
    â€œAs is mine, your grace,” she replied at once, her tone conveying a growing impatience. “I’m quite certain you won’t stay a minute longer than is necessary.”
    Her twist of