How to Seduce a Scoundrel Read Online Free PDF Page A

try not to tread on their prostrate bodies on the way to the dance floor.”
    Hawk chuckled. She was the same merry Julianne he’d always known. “That’s my girl.”
    My girl
. His words echoed in Julianne’s mind all during the carriage ride. She continued to savor them as they walked inside the Beresford’s Palladian mansion and made their slow way upstairs. While they filed through the receiving line, Hawk smiled at her, making her heart melt. Afterward, Hester claimed weariness and ambled toward the chairs occupied by the matrons and wallflowers.
    As Hawk led Julianne along the perimeter of the ballroom, dozens of people marked their progress. A sidelong glance assured her more than a few ladies were watching with curled lips. Let the jealous cats scowl. Tonight she was on the arm of the most handsome gentleman in the ballroom. And before this night ended, she hoped to make him yearn for her as much as she yearned for him.
    She glanced at him. In profile, his dark brows and prominent cheekbones gave him a roguish appearance. She knew his face so well, and yet each time she looked at him, she found herself mesmerized.
    As he returned her gaze, his full lips curved with the hint of amusement, and then he looked out at the crowd once more.
    She’d attended more balls than she could count, but tonight, magic filled the air. Usually she paid scant attentionto the décor, but now she noticed every detail. A row of rising shelves covered in crimson serge held dozens and dozens of crystal vases filled with hothouse flowers. Yards of scarlet draperies floated across the mantel and fell in a waterfall across the gold wall sconces. She vowed always to remember the romantic ambience.
    Julianne tightened her fingers on his arm. The heat of his body seeped into her. She felt all warm and wobbly inside.
    Please let him propose soon
.
    As they neared the dance floor, she caught her breath, hoping he would request her hand for the next set. An enormous gilt mirror reflected the couples twirling and parting in intricate patterns. Above them, candlelight twinkled starlike among the teardrop crystals in the enormous chandelier. She hoped he would stop to watch the dancers, but he led her over to an alcove displaying a large bust of Lord Beresford.
    Hawk glanced at a lanky young man passing by. The skinny boy looked at her and almost tripped over his huge feet.
    “There’s a perfectly harmless cub,” Hawk said. “Let me take you to him. I’ll hint he should ask you to dance.”
    Her face heated. “I do not need your assistance.”
    “You do not wish to dance?” he asked in a teasing tone.
    Clearly he had no intention of asking. Offended, she released his arm. “I’m off to find my friends.”
    She’d taken only a single step when he caught her arm and pulled her back to him.
    “Not so fast,” he said. “Tell me what I’ve done to vex you.”
    She refused to look at him. “Obviously you think no one but clumsy boys will dance with me.”
    He scoffed. “From the moment we entered the ballroom, I’ve seen dozens of gentlemen looking at you. Some of those men have bad reputations. Stay away from them.”
    He’d spoken in a gruff manner. Perhaps he was jealous of those other men. “I will,” she said.
    “What? No argument?” He released her and pretended to stagger.
    His antics confused her. He’d sounded perfectly serious earlier. Then all of a sudden, he’d made a jest. Of course, he always made a joke of everything. She told herself it was his nature and part of his charm, but an uneasy sensation settled in her chest.
    Someone called her name. Her friends Amy Hardwick and Lady Georgette Danforth were approaching. Georgette’s eldest brother, Lord Ramsey, followed close behind. Julianne inhaled. She would ask her friends for their opinions as soon as she could speak to them in private.
    When her friends reached her, she kissed the air by their cheeks. “Oh, it’s been ages since last I saw you.”
    “I’ve