The Rakes Bride
"I thought that I
had made it clear that I could not be bought, my lord."
There was a cynical light in Jack's eyes. "Come
now, Miss Shaw. Your price may be above rubies but any
commodity can be bought - even innocence! It is a
question of finding the right currency."
Thea's eyes turned a stormy blue. "And am I to
understand that you think you will find my...currency, my
lord?"
Jack laughed. "It should not be so difficult!
Bertie has told me something of your circumstances and
how much you would do for your family. There is your
brother...Ned, isn't it? The one who wishes to be a
soldier... A commission for him in a good regiment would
be a fine thing, and such matters take influence as well
as money. With my connections I could arrange such a
thing as easily as breathing!" His blue eyes mocked
her. "You see, Miss Shaw, it is not very hard to
find a weakness to exploit..."
Thea pressed her hands together, then put them behind
her back to ensure that she did not hit an injured man.
"That is just bribery by another name, Lord
Merlin! It does not impress me. Nor do I believe that you
will find breathing so easy when I smother you with a
pillow!"
Jack's wicked grin deepened. He leaned forward. "Very
well then, Miss Shaw. How about an old-fashioned wager?
No bribery or blackmail involved. Just my...expertise...against
your virtue. What do you say?"
