Wickeds Scandal (The Wickeds) Read Online Free PDF Page A

for both a wife and
the large mirror which you undoubtedly use to study yourself!” 
      
Sutton opened his mouth to defend himself but thought it wiser not to interfere
with the most fantastic set down he ever received.    And he
found it enjoyable.  His status as Satan Reynolds, evil despoiler of
women, seemed to have no effect on this girl.  The tiny tempest intrigued
him.
    “I am a
guest of Lady Dobson’s.  Had I known the sordid display that I
would be forced to witness I would have stayed at home!  Strange as it may
seem to you, my lord , I was actually looking at the books. 
My toad of an uncle doesn’t have a library.  I love books.  In fact,
I find I like them much more than people, especially the ones I have met so
far!   Books are not rude, they do not insult a person and accuse
them,” she nearly yelled at him, “nor do they seduce dull witted women on
couches during balls!  You likely wouldn’t know anything about books, my lord , since I am doubtful you have ever picked up anything to read
except the racing papers or the betting sheets at White’s.” 
    Sutton
actually read a great deal more than the racing papers, he was in fact
finishing a book on philosophy, but he didn’t wish to interrupt
her.   Another curl sprung free and hung unnoticed by her ear. He
resisted the urge to tweak it.
    She
continued in a shaky voice.  “I just wanted to be somewhere peaceful
– just for a moment.  Away from all of you .” Her voice
caught. “I just wanted to look at the books.”  Her magnificent bosom
heaved back and forth and her face flushed a becoming shade of rose as she
finished her tirade.  She looked away, and one small, gloved hand flew to
her mouth in embarrassment.
    Sutton
watched her for a moment, wanting to be sure the eruption was over.  Her
reddened face and the clutching of her hands assured him it was.  
The gray eyes were watching him warily.  She was adorable. 
Fierce.  He wanted to put her in his pocket. 
    “What a
ferocious little thing you are.  Like a tiny badger.  A bookish little badger.” He laughed softly.  This was the most amusing thing that
had happened to him since his return from Macao.  Where had this girl been
hiding?
    She stomped
her foot, indignant again.   “You compare me to an ill tempered
rodent?”  Her nose scrunched in the loveliest manner.
      “Did
you enjoy watching Caro and me?”  How incredibly mean of him to continue to
goad her, but he couldn’t help himself.  Especially now that he knew she
had not been spying on him intentionally.  “Why did you not make your
presence known?  Or scream in offended outrage?” 
    Emotions
played across her face. Her fingers plucked at her gown.  She turned her
face slightly and looked away.  His question managed to stop her
cold. 
    She didn’t
raise her head. “I don’t know what you mean.   I didn’t watch your
sordid display. I covered my eyes. The shock of what I witnessed has but me in
a state of shock.  I am leaving now.  I bid you a good evening, my
lord.”
    “Liar.
Pretty little liar.” 
    “I find your
accusations disgusting.  I find you disgusting.” 
    And she
did.  He could tell by the look on her face.  But something else
shone in her features as well.  Something he intended to draw out.
    “Too
bad.”  He leaned in.  “I find you utterly adorable.  Not the
least disgusting.”
    The Badger
was discomfited at his words.  She backed away from him, not looking at
him directly but at the toes of his polished black boots.   This was
much more fun, Sutton thought, than all the jaded flirtations of the women that
filled Lady Dobson’s ballroom.  He took another step forward.
    She retreated.
    Damnation!  
    He heard her
say it under her breath as she realized she was cornered against the library
wall.  Neatly trapped, the Badger stared at him in defiance.  A tiny
Amazon attempting to face down an ill-mannered giant.  No doubt she
expected him to