Simply Scandalous Read Online Free PDF Page B

been good at that. His unremarkable features allowed him the ability to change his appearance at will and play any character. The mild-mannered English squire was, of course, his specialty, and he was playing that role to the hilt for Jack Lennox.
    After their plates were removed, Adam stood and bowed. “Will you excuse me for a minute, gentlemen? I must speak to Lord Brookstone about the bill he is proposing to take before the House next month.”
    Richard filled his glass with some of the excellent port that Keyes insisted be kept at the club, and eyed his fellow diner. Jack Lennox wore a dark blue coat that brought out the blue in his eyes, and a black waistcoat and trousers. Although his attire wasn’t particularly fashionable, it fitted him like a glove. Briefly, Richard wondered who his tailor was.
    â€œI assume you don’t have an answer for me yet, Mr. Ross?” Richard raised his gaze from Jack Lennox’s waistcoat to find Jack staring expectantly at him.
    â€œNot yet, Mr. Lennox. These things take time.”
    â€œI know that.” He sipped at his port. “I must say that the pleasure house proved worthy of its reputation.”
    â€œI’m glad to hear it. I’ll pass on your compliments to Mr. Delornay.”
    â€œWho is your half brother, I understand.”
    â€œThat is correct.”
    â€œYou have the same father, Lord Philip Knowles.”
    â€œAlso correct.” Richard paused. “Have you been researching my family tree, Mr. Lennox? It certainly is an interesting one, but I cannot see why you bothered.”
    Jack shrugged; the gesture far more French than English. “I am interested in you, Mr. Ross, and it pays to be careful.”
    â€œAnd why do I interest you?”
    â€œBecause you seem quite different from the rest of your family; far more—how do you say it? Conventional.”
    There it was again, the assumption that he was a boring, dull man. Richard sat forward. “All families have their black sheep, Mr. Lennox.”
    â€œBut you are whiter than white.”
    â€œYou don’t know me well enough to make that assumption.”
    His companion inclined his head a bare inch. “That is true, sir, but I doubt I am mistaken. I’m considered an excellent judge of character. Please excuse me while I visit the necessary.”
    The smile he gave Richard was almost pitying. Richard watched him walk through to the back of the club and remained in his seat, fuming. Lennox didn’t know him at all! No one in London did apart from a select few members of the Sinners’ Club. How juvenile was it that Richard wanted to run after Jack Lennox and tell him just how dangerous and unconventional he really was? Something about the man unsettled him. Richard wasn’t sure if it was his resemblance to Violet or his brazen effrontery.
    He realized that he needed to use the necessary himself and followed Jack Lennox’s path to the facilities at the back of the house. There was no sign of his dining companion as he completed his business, readjusted his clothing, and turned back toward the comforting low hum of conversation in the dining room.
    Just as he reached the end of the quiet corridor that connected to the deserted hallway, someone stepped in front of him.
    â€œDid you come after me to prove a point, Mr. Ross?” Jack Lennox inquired.
    â€œNo, I came to take a piss.” Richard glared at his nemesis. “I have nothing to prove to you.” He tried to push past, but for a slender shorter man, Jack Lennox held his ground pretty well.
    â€œAre you sure about that? You seem a little angry.” Richard shoved Lennox back against the wall and held him there with one arm across his throat.
    â€œI’m not angry, Lennox.” He deliberately licked his lips. “What is it you really want from me? Are you that desperate for a man that you think to goad me into touching you?”
    Lennox slowly exhaled.