A Kiss With Scandal (Scandals & Secrets 4) Read Online Free Page B

plenty of girls.”
    Derek chuckled. Bradford was taken with his wife. No doubt the man would love any child they made together. Besides, why wouldn’t a man love a daughter as much as a son? If he had a daughter…
    He whistled under his breath. Dangerous thoughts. If he so desired, there would be plenty of time for that as soon as this case was closed.
    “I hope that for them as well. Shall we toast them?” He signaled a footman over. “Please bring us two lemonades.” It was the drink of choice for a debutante, and although he did not favor the sickly sweet beverage, he would drink it quickly and move on.
    “Forgive me, my lord, but lemonade is not being served tonight. Lady Leatherby is serving punch and champagne. Would either of those be acceptable to you?”
    Lady Charlotte’s eyes widened before they returned to normal.
    “Punch, then,” Derek said. “Would you mind bringing them out on the terrace?”
    The servant bowed before leaving.
    Charlotte glanced sideways for an escape, but Derek did not allow her the chance. The minx had lied to him! And worse, he hadn’t known. Lemonade on her gloves, indeed. “Care for a breath of fresh air?” He took her arm and led her through the crush of guests.
    Her hand trembled, but he didn’t release her. His mind pieced facts together, reevaluating everything she’d said that evening.
    If it had not been for that blasted footman, he would have moved on and perhaps lost this opportunity. Astonishing, really. This had to be the only ball where lemonade was not served.
    He could only imagine what Charlotte was thinking.
    It couldn’t matter to him that she was his best friend’s sister-in-law. He had a job to do.
    They stepped out into the cloudless night. The air was crisp, but the heat from the ballroom kept the flagstone terrace warm enough to linger. He released her, remaining silent. Watching. Observing. Waiting.
    Had his fascination with her prevented him from noticing other details? Nerves, agitation, darting eyes. Classic signs. All indications she had something to hide. He was a damned fool.
    She didn’t speak as he expected her too. Most ladies would have broken down by this point, confessed their lie, perhaps unburdened themselves with what they had seen or done. But not Charlotte. Although she appeared nervous, her chin notched up, her shoulders squared.
    She’s a fighter. Admiration warred with frustration.
    He’d dealt with more filth in the ton than he cared to think about. As a culture, they praised modesty and control, but underneath they were just like other humans with vices, demons, and cravings. Everyone had their secrets. In the end, most people were cowards. Loyalty fell by the wayside, partners turned on one another, and people ultimately only cared for themselves. Unfortunately, very few people garnered his respect.
    He eyed her determined stance a moment before leaning against the rail, his eyes piercing hers. “It’s a shame they aren’t serving lemonade tonight.”

Chapter 4
    C harlotte gulped , the moisture in the air mixing with a salty tang in her mouth as Derek’s gaze scorched her. He knew she lied about spilling lemonade on her gloves, but he didn’t know more than that. Sweat pricked her neck, and she took several shallow breaths, hoping to calm herself without him noticing. “It is a shame.” She shrugged, hoping it looked casual enough. “I must have been so dehydrated earlier I didn’t realize I drank punch instead of lemonade.”
    “Yes. That can happen at balls. I’m surprised you did not remember the color though. A punch stain is much more noticeable than lemonade.”
    “Exactly,” she rushed. “There was no way to conceal it on my gloves. Lady Leatherby is an angel.”
    “She is, indeed.” He smiled at the footman, and he and Charlotte each took a glass off his tray. “To Lady Leatherby, and of course, the Duke and Duchess of Wathersby.”
    She murmured her agreement and clinked glasses, relieved he’d