When Tempting a Rogue Read Online Free Page B

exotic beauty standing next to her, dressed in a spicy-colored costume of English design that only served to highlight her Indian heritage. Her eyes were like bright jewels, indicating English blood even more strongly than her surname.
    Trystan bowed to the lady. “A pleasure, Miss Ferrars.” Archer, he noticed, was a little slower; couldn’t quite seem to take his gaze off the young woman. But his interest didn’t appear to be totally physical—for the slightest bit from his earlier danger had crept back into Archer’s expression. What the devil?
    “Would you ladies care to join us?” Trystan inquired. It was propriety that made him ask. As Jack’s partner, he felt somewhat responsible for his woman, in his absence, especially since Jack had indeed asked him to watch out for her.
    The women exchanged a silent glance, communicating in that strange telepathic way only women seemed to master.
    “We would love to,” Sadie replied. “Thank you very much.”
    Trystan snapped his fingers and two more chairs instantly appeared, each held by an obliging member of his staff who also assisted the ladies in sitting at the table. Waiting until they were settled, Trystan and Archer then flipped the tails of their morning coats in almost perfect unison, and sat themselves.
    The waiter appeared immediately with cups and more coffee. Miss Ferrars enthusiastically accepted the offered beverage in an English accent touched with a hint of India. It made her voice as intriguing and exotic as her face. Sadie asked for tea.
    And additionally requested toast brought with her tea, while Miss Ferrars, taking one look at Archer’s half-finished meal, said, “ I would like the same, please.”
    Archer smiled. “I must admit, Miss Ferrars, to having an appreciation for ladies with a healthy appetite.”
    Trystan almost choked on his coffee at the innuendo in his brother’s voice.
    Miss Ferrars, however, seemed unbothered. She returned Archer’s smile. “So I have heard, Lord Archer.”
    Turning to Sadie for something of an explanation, Trystan found her looking as surprised as he was. She shrugged at him.
    “I heard there was some excitement at Saint’s Row last night, Madame Moon,” he said, hoping to distract both his brother and Miss Ferrars from wherever their strange flirtation/provocation might lead. “I do hope your friend Madame La Rieux is quite all right.” Even though he’d gotten the news from Archer, Sadie would be a much more reliable source.
    “Indeed,” she replied, casting him a hesitant glance. “She is quite well. Thank you, Lord Trystan.” Wonderful . She knew about his past with Vienne, it was obvious from the way she tried not to avoid his gaze. Was there anyone in London who didn’t know that that he’d gotten his heart broken? Would any of them believe he was over it?
    “I believe my friend was going to visit the site of her emporium this morning.” She didn’t look at him as she spoke, but it was as broad a hint as he had ever experienced.
    “She has raised enough blunt for the scheme?” Pretending ignorance was something he’d learned to excel at. “As an investor I must admit I’m pleased.”
    “As is she,” Sadie replied, turning those strangely colored eyes of hers on him. He couldn’t tell if they were blue or green or even brown. “Perhaps you would like to see the site as well? I planned to visit after breakfast.”
    What is she up to? Trying to push him and La Rieux together, was she? Playing matchmaker? He wished her luck.
    “Capital idea,” Archer joined in. “Why don’t we all go?”
    Trystan tried very hard not to let his surprise show. He fixed his brother with a questioning gaze but said, “Yes, why don’t we?”
    Archer turned to the beauty sitting to his left. “Miss Ferrars, I trust you will accompany us?”
    She smiled sweetly. “I would be delighted, Lord Archer.”
    Stifling a groan, Trystan hid his annoyance behind his coffee cup. So much for his speaking to