To Surrender to a Rogue Read Online Free PDF Page B

man's mettle, tested his resolve, challenged his courage. It was a force that created nations, protected traditions, preserved civilization from chaos.
    Jack didn't disagree. He just didn't think that a man should be measured solely by the steel in his spine. A wry twitch pulled at his mouth. In his view, paint was as potent a force as gunpowder in shaping a better society...
    "Why the black face, Lord Giacomo? Don't you approve of ancient Roman art?"
    Jack recognized the drawling voice. Giovanni Marco Musto della Ghiradelli—the Conte of Como—was scion of one of the oldest titled families in all of Italy. He was also an insufferable prick.
    "Perhaps you've joined our Society simply to admire the military achievements of my ancestors," continued the conte. "We do have a small room devoted entirely to the history of the empire's wars."
    The teasing barb hit uncomfortably close to the truth. The only reason Jack had felt free to join the Julius Caesar Society was because he knew his father would assume it was a group devoted to the discussion of the Emperor's military exploits. But he was not about to admit it to the Milanese macaroni.
    "I'm surprised to see you here, Ghiradelli," he countered. "Did you think that the ancient Roman name implied you would find an orgy of bacchanalian pleasures taking place within these walls?" The conte—who preferred the moniker Marco—had not been in London long, but he had already earned quite a reputation as a rake. "For wine and women you will have to look elsewhere."
    "If I want those two things, amico, I know exactly where to find them," replied Marco with a smug smile. "Occasionally I do like to stimulate my mind, rather than some other part of my anatomy."
    "I doubt your brain expands to any sizable dimension," growled Jack.
    Marco laughed. "My mind may not be as well endowed as the rest of my body, but I daresay I won't come up short when measured against the other scholars in this room."
    "You, a scholar?" Jack let out a low snort. "Don't make me laugh."
    Ignoring the barb, Marco tapped a finger to the glass display case, where a selection of exquisite bronze portrait medallions were laid out on a length of black velvet "Virgil, Livy, Horace," he murmured, identifying the ancient writers.
    As Marco added a few knowledgeable comments on their work Jack's sneer became a touch less pronounced.
    "Ah, but I have heard that you favor architecture over literature," continued Marco. "So tell me, what is your opinion of the Basilica Porcia?"
    The conte might be an arrogant ass, but he did appear to know something about antiquities.
    "Do you feel that such early works compare favorably with the Baths of Agrippa?" added Marco.
    Jack so rarely had a chance to discuss classical architecture with someone who knew a Trajan column from a column of Trojans that the opportunity was too good to pass up. In spite of his dislike for the fellow, he found himself giving a grudging answer.
    And to his surprise, Marco responded with a serious commentary on symmetry and proportion instead of his usual sarcasm.
    "The stylistic development of mosaics and frescoes is, of course, a whole other field of study," finished Jack as he added his thoughts on the design of the Baths. "The decorative arts are not my specialty."
    "Nor mine" said Marco. "It is the Marchesa della Giamatti who is considered one of the foremost experts on Roman art antiquities, especially bronzework." He paused for a fraction. "Perhaps I should invite her to join the Society. I wonder, is there any rule against female members?"
    The thought of Alessandra della Giamatti intruding on the one sanctuary where he was able to enjoy a civilized exchange of scholarly ideas was not a happy one. "Not that I know of," replied Jack slowly. "However, I don't think it's a very good idea."
    "No?" Marco cocked a questioning brow. "Have you something against intelligent women? I have noticed that the English tend to be a little intimidated by a beauty with