“Perhaps you should exhibit some of the character you are showing this evening in a more public forum,” he said. “I’ll admit you seem far more intriguing than I have ever given you credit for, my lady, and intrigue is the spark of desire.”
His words hit their mark, and she flushed again. Ralston was unable to deny the enjoyment he felt at this unexpected turn of events. Indeed, this was just the diversion he needed in the face of Juliana’s introduction into society.
Quickly on the heels of that thought came another.
Lady Calpurnia Hartwell was the answer to his problems. And she had been delivered to his doorstep—well…rather farther than his doorstep—on the same day as his long-lost sister. He felt a wave of satisfaction.
He would kiss her. For a price.
“I wonder if you would be willing to consider a trade?”
Callie turned skeptical. “A trade?” She stepped backward, putting more distance between them. “What kind of trade?”
“Nothing so awful as what you are clearly thinking. You see, it appears I have a sister.”
Her eyes widened. “A sister, my lord?”
“Yes, I was rather surprised by the fact myself.” He gave her a brief description of the day’s events—Juliana’s arrival, his decision to claim her as a sibling instead of a distant relative, his commitment to finding her a proper sponsor with an impeccable reputation to ease her entry into society.
“So, as you can see, it’s rather lucky that you are here tonight. You are the perfect solution. Assuming, that is, that you do not make it a habit to visit unmarried gentlemen in the dead of night.”
She gave a slight, self-conscious laugh. “No, my lord. You are the first.”
He’d known that was the case and made a mental note to discover at a later date what exactly had prompted her nocturnal visit. “And the last, I would hope, at least until Juliana is successfully introduced.”
“I haven’t agreed to your request, yet.”
“But you will.” His tone was arrogant. “And, as payment, you’ll get your kiss.”
“Forgive me,” she said with humor in her voice, “but you must place a rather high value on your kisses.”
He tipped his head, conceding the point. “Very well. Name your price.”
Callie looked up at the ceiling thoughtfully before replying. “The kiss will do for now, but I reserve the right to a favor in the future.”
“I’m to be indebted to you, then?”
She smiled. “Think of it as a business transaction.”
An eyebrow rose. “A business transaction that begins with a kiss.”
“A unique business transaction.” She blushed again.
“You seem shocked by your boldness,” he said.
She nodded. “I’m not quite sure what has come over me.”
Once more, her honesty surprised him. “Very well, my lady, you are a formidable negotiator. I accept your terms.” He approached her, his voice taking on a seductive tenor. “Shall we seal it with a kiss, then?”
Callie caught her breath and stiffened at the question. Ralston smiled at her obvious nerves. He ran a finger along the edge of her hairline, tucking a rogue lock of hair behind her ear gently. She looked up at him with her wide brown eyes, and he felt a burst of tenderness in his chest. He leaned close, moving slowly, as though she might scare at any moment, and his firm mouth brushed across hers, settling briefly, barely touching before she jumped back, one hand flying to her lips.
He leveled her with a frank gaze and waited for her to speak. When she didn’t, he asked, “Is there a problem?”
“N—No!” she said, a touch too loudly. “Not at all, my lord. That is—Thank you.”
His breath exhaled on a half laugh. “I’m afraid that you have mistaken the experience.” He paused, watching the confusion cross her face. “You see, when I agree to something, I do it wholeheartedly. That was not the kiss for which you came, little mouse.”
Callie wrinkled her nose at his words, and at the nickname he had used for her. “It wasn’t?”
“No.”
Her nervousness flared, and she resumed toying with her cloak tassel. “Oh, well. It was quite nice. I find I am quite satisfied that you have held up your end of our bargain.”
“Quite nice isn’t what you should be aiming for,” he said, taking her restless hands into his own and allowing his voice to deepen. “Neither should the kiss leave you satisfied.”