Scandalous Intentions Read Online Free Page B

FOUR
    Julian stood as if he were a statue carved from stone with his gaze trained on the entrance to the saloon. Elegant ladies and gentlemen surrounded him in a flurry of silks and satins. Their laughter and conversation permeated the air around him, but none of them interested him.
    Why had Lady Sarah yet to arrive? He stifled down a rush of impatience. She would not refuse his invitation. Would she?
    “Luvington, fancy running into you here.”
    Julian turned and smirked. “Shillington. Lady Jane” He nodded his head to the siblings.
    Lady Jane batted her lashes. “Good evening, Lord Luvington.”
    “Indeed.” Julian turned his attention back to the entrance. It would be if Lady Sarah were here. Damn and blast, would she ever arrive? His cravat seemed to squeeze his throat. He reached up to readjust it before returning his attention to the siblings.
    Lord Shillington patted his sister’s hand. “Lady Jane insisted on coming out tonight. It fell on me to provide an escort. What brings you to the opera? I have not seen you here this season.” He angled his head. “Nor last, come to think of it.”
    Julian snuck another glance at the entrance. “I hear tonight’s show is worth watching.”
    Lady Jane giggled. “It is all the ton talks about of late. By all accounts, it is marvelously entertaining.”
    Julian glance back at the entrance. Lady Sarah stepped into the room on her father’s arm. A grin broke out on his face. Draped in violet silk and lace, she was a vision. Amethysts sparkled from her earlobes, and one hung dangerously low to her décolletage, drawing his eye. He drank in the sight of her, luxuriating in everything from her fashionably styled hair to the sway of her skirts on the marble floor.
    Their gazes met for a moment, but then she turned to her father, effectively snubbing him. The little minx must be vexed. A small thing, considering she showed up. It would not take much to sway her in a more pleasing direction. At least he hoped it would not.
    Julian turned his attention back to the siblings. “If you will excuse me, my party has arrived.”
    “Yes, of course, enjoy the opera.” Lord Shillington nodded.
    “A pleasure, my lord.” Lady Jane said. She motioned toward the entrance with her fan then glanced at her brother. “Lady Sarah has arrived. Do let us greet her.”
    “Of course.” Shillington smiled at his sister before turning back to the marquess. “Enjoy your evening, Lord Luvington.”
    Splendid, the pair would be staying with him and encroaching on his time with her. Julian swallowed back his irritation. “As it happens the Havenshire’s are my guests.”
    “Let us walk together then, Lord Luvington.” Lady Jane took her brother’s arm.
    Julian studied Sarah as they approached. Her eyes shone a splendid violet shade, and the swell of her creamy breasts peeked out from the neckline of her gown. His insides twitched at the display. Would she allow him to hold her? To kiss her passionately? He swallowed hard knowing there would be none of that.
    The Marquess of Havenshire bowed as Julian approached. “Good evening, Lord Luvington.”
    “That it is.” Julian grinned. “I am honored you accepted my invitation.”
    “There is no place we would rather be.” The Marchioness of Havenshire smiled.
    Julian glanced at Lady Sarah. She stood to his left, deep in conversation with Lord Shillington and Lady Jane. A pang of something unwelcome hit him, and he frowned. He returned his attention to the Marquess and Marchioness of Havenshire. “Shall we move to my box? The opera will be underway shortly.”
    “Very good.” Lord Havenshire offered his arm to Lady Havenshire. “Sarah, come along.”
    Lady Sarah smiled at her father, then added one for Lady Jane. “It seems I must be going.” She glanced at Julian, pouting her full pink lips. “It is a pity we cannot enjoy the show together.” She tossed the words at him as she passed.
    Bloody hell, she clearly wished for him to