Sweetest Little Sin Read Online Free

at the ballroom. “You are quite the belle of the ball this evening.”
    Dryly, she said, “You flatter me, sir.”
    His gaze ran over her, not in a lascivious way, but coldly assessing. “Not at all, not at all. I notice one gentleman in particular has become particular in his attentions. Mr. Radleigh is smitten with your charms.”
    Smitten with her aristocratic connections, more like. But it was true. No doubt gossips’ tongues already wagged about Radleigh’s obvious preference for her company. And Millicent would make it her business to fan the flames of speculation. Nothing like societal pressure to help bring a man up to scratch.
    Or to make him turn tail and run.
    Still, she wasn’t prepared to discuss her marital prospects with Faulkner. “Mr. Radleigh has been kind. What of it?”
    “I believe he has invited you to spend some time at his estate. A singular honor.”
    How did Faulkner know that? A cold trickle of unease slipped down her spine.
    Slowly, Louisa said, “He has asked me. I have not said yes.”
    “Oh, but you will say yes,” rumbled Faulkner. “You will say, Lady Louisa, enough to encourage his hopes.”
    She blinked at Faulkner’s presumption. “And why on earth should I do any such thing?”
    Faulkner didn’t answer straightaway. He leaned back on the wrought-iron rail that guarded the small terrace, bracing his hands on either side of him.
    Intrigued, despite herself, Louisa waited, holding very still. Tension tinged with excitement hummed in her veins.
    Was he about to draw her further into the dangerous, precarious world Jardine had inhabited for so long?
    Why did the idea entice her?
    “What do you know about Radleigh?” said Faulkner. With the moon behind him, his face lay in shadow, but she knew she’d read no expression there even if she could see his features. He was a singularly unemotional man.
    Louisa searched her memory. “I don’t know much about him at all,” she said, surprised to find she spoke the truth, even after the many conversations she’d had with him.
    She wrinkled her brow in thought. “Radleigh told me his people originally came from the north. He has settled in Derbyshire. He has a sister, Beth, and they both lived abroad until recently. I am to meet her at this party.”
    Faulkner smiled, a gleam of teeth in the darkness, and she could have kicked herself for speaking as if her attendance was a fait accompli.
    “Radleigh is a very wealthy man. Do you know how his fortune was derived?” said Faulkner.
    Her eyes widened a little. “Of course not.” She paused. “Well, I suppose I assumed he’d inherited it. He told me his parents are dead.” Her brows drew together. “Are you saying he came by his fortune dishonestly?”
    Faulkner shrugged. “If I could prove anything, Radleigh wouldn’t be at liberty today. But make no mistake, Lady Louisa. He’s dangerous.”
    “And you wish me to encourage him? Won’t that put me in danger, too?”
    “There is a lot riding on your success. More than your safety. More than you could possibly dream.”
    She licked her lips. “And once I get close to him? What would I have to do?”
    “Accept the mission and then I’ll tell you.” He glanced back to the ballroom. “Now is not the time and here is not the place to talk at length. We must meet again.”
    Her breathing came a little faster. “And if I say no?”
    Faulkner huffed a soft laugh. “Are you expecting me to threaten you with dire consequences? I won’t do that. I will always find another way. Besides, I expect that after due consideration you will agree.” He eyed her silently for a few moments. “But if it matters to you, there are issues of national security and many lives—the lives of agents like your brother—at stake.”
    He pushed away from the railing and walked past her. “Think about it. If you want the assignment, send me word.”
    Reaching into his coat, he extracted a card case and flipped it open. “Here is my