Reckless Rules (Brambridge Novel 4) Read Online Free PDF Page B

lazy picnics on the beach, an idyllic summer curiously free from cares. That kiss.
    “Ah yes,” Miss Fanthorpe exclaimed. “I asked Lady Colchester to introduce us.”
    Victoria sighed with relief at the unexpected rescue. But Miss Fanthorpe had not finished. “My father is very interested in your story, Mr. Er...”
    “Mr. William Standish,” Bill said, sweeping his eyes over Miss Fanthorpe with obvious admiration. “And your father is?”
    “Magnus Fanthorpe.”
    “Of course, the iron manufacturer. Pleased to meet you, Miss Fanthorpe. Do let us find a quieter room where we can all speak more intimately.”
    Victoria rolled her eyes and Miss Fanthorpe blushed happily. The widows, giving up the attack for the time being, left in ones and twos to go back to the dancing in the main room. It was not long before only Victoria, Miss Fanthorpe, Martha and Bill were left.
    “Perhaps we could discuss my father another time,” Miss Fanthorpe said in an alluring voice.
    Victoria wanted to shout about Mr. Cryne, but watched helplessly as Bill pulled Miss Fanthorpe’s arm towards him and gallantly kissed the fingers of her glove.      
    “There is nothing I should like more,” he murmured seductively, muscles rippling as he let Miss Fanthorpe’s arm go.
    “Cooeee,” Martha whispered.
    “Cooee indeed,” Victoria huffed inwardly. She would have been more impressed if she hadn’t seen Bill act the same way a thousand times since he had joined the ton. Many times with other ecstatic ladies. And at least a hundred times unsuccessfully with her.
    Each time she had rebuffed him. She had known that the advances of an illegitimate former smith would have brought unwarranted attention to her activities . And she had been right. Bill did stand out like a zebra at a horse race. His entrance to the ton had been explosive. Most were scandalized by his appearance at the gatherings. But still, many ladies loved him, his massive form, and charm, and patent unsuitability for marriage held a dangerous allure. And the men, equally attracted to his athletic form, wanting to wrestle with him or pit their strength against his.
    Miss Fanthorpe giggled— the most girlish behavior Victoria had seen from her in the last hour— and drew Martha away, leaving Victoria and Bill alone.
    “I suppose you do have something to discuss with me?” Victoria said rather ungraciously.
    “Yes, but not here.” Bill took Victoria’s arm and drew her with surprising gentleness into a small blue room where a fire blazed merrily.
    “You should watch out for Miss Fanthorpe,” Victoria said before she could stop herself.
    Bill let go of her arm and shrugged off his coat before walking towards one of the sofas. It was as if he hadn’t heard what she had said.
    “She has an interest in Mr. Cryne and will only use you,” she said wildly, skirting the edge of the room.
    “Why, Victoria, it sounds as if you really do care.” Bill turned and smiled wolfishly at her. “Why don’t you come a little closer and tell me how you feel about that?”
    Damn the man. He was a liability. But so very, very persuasive.
    “I have told you before, Mr. Standish, that as Lady Colchester, I have no interest in a relationship with a… a man such as yourself.”
    Bill’s smile disappeared suddenly. “A bastard such as myself, you mean.”
    Victoria swallowed. Didn’t he realize how much it cost her to keep up appearances? That a liaison with him would destroy everything that she had worked so hard to build? That she was afraid that if she became involved with him she would lose herself again forever? She pushed her chin up.
    “Yes,” she said firmly, wincing as a shadow crossed Bill’s eyes.
    “A bastard, a smith, whatever I am, I could give you much pleasure, Lady Victoria Colchester. Do you not remember our kiss?” Bill stared at her. “I can see the attraction in your eyes. You still want me.”
    “The other ladies of the ton attest to your brilliance in