Read Online A Certain Wolfish Charm by Lydia Dare - Free Book Online Page A

first thing about gambling.
       "Ah, there you are," Will's voice came from the doorway. "Looking for a good book?"
       Lily turned around and graced him with a smile. "I'd much rather be out of doors, but in this weather…"
       He strode further into the room. "How are you holding up?" he asked quietly.
       Lily wished Lord William had been made Oliver's guardian. He'd be so much easier to work with. Blast Daniel for leaving the boy to that obstinate ox instead! She shook her head. "What is the easiest card game to cheat at?"
       His blue eyes widened, and his mouth fell open. "Cheat?" he echoed.
       Lily shrugged. "I need to find some way to keep Oliver. I thought a game of chance…"
       "Where you held all the cards, so to speak?" he chuckled. "Simon will definitely have his hands full with you."
       "Have you a better idea?"
       A feminine giggle from somewhere close caught Will's attention, and he winced, his usual smile faded away. His reaction immediately piqued Lily's interest. "What's wrong?"
       "Not what. Who," he grumbled.
       With a world-weary sigh, he turned back toward the door and looked down the hallway, like a child checking for an escape route. Lily couldn't help but laugh. "Who then?"
       "A neighbor." A second later, he groaned. "It's too late. We could hide, but she'd still find us."
       Lily couldn't imagine Lord William Westfield hiding from anyone. She brushed past him and peeked around the corner of the door. The most beautiful woman Lily had ever seen was just a few feet away. Ebony hair, knotted at the base of her neck, draped over one shoulder. Violet eyes twinkled beneath a pair of slender brows. An expensive day dress peeked out from beneath a long coat.
       The striking woman smiled. "You must be Miss Rutledge. Please tell me William is cowering behind a bookcase."
       Lily choked on a laugh. Her guess was fairly close to accurate.
       Will stepped into the hallway, glowering. "My dear Prisca, you do suffer such delusions of grandeur."
       The beautiful woman's eyes narrowed to little violet slits. Then she stepped forward, focusing on Lily. "Uncivilized beast. Since his lordship is either incapable or unwilling to introduce us, allow me, Miss Rutledge. Prisca Hawthorne of Langley Downs."
       She unbuttoned her coat and then thrust it in Will's hands.
    "Oh, do let me take your coat," he said mordantly.
    Lily smiled. "A pleasure, Miss Hawthorne."
    "Ah, Prisca, please. I insist."
       "Prisca, then." She gestured to the library behind them, "Would you care for tea?"
       Prisca arched one perfect brow and pierced Will with a haughty stare. "Pretty and polite. I can't imagine why she would waste her time with you, William."
       Will looked past Prisca, down the hallway. "Where is Emory? Tell me he didn't turn you loose on Westfield property. I'll have to end our friendship."
       "Oh, please do," Prisca countered. "My brother would do well to end his association with you." Then she linked her arm with Lily's. "Tea does sound delightful, thank you very much, Miss Rutledge."
       "Lily," she offered quietly, slightly surprised by the whole interaction.
       As they stepped into the library, Will followed. "Tell me, Miss Hawthorne, do you sharpen your tongue at night, on the off chance you'll get to use it on me?"
       Prisca laughed, a sweet melodic sound that filled the room. "And I am the one who suffers delusions of grandeur? On the contrary, William, I hardly ever think of you. I heard a rumor in the village that one of Blackmoor's prodigal brothers had returned. I'd so hoped it was Benjamin."
       Will stopped dead in his tracks, a frown marring his handsome face.
       Prisca smiled beatifically at him, and Lily was certain she'd never met a more stunning woman. "Emory is visiting His Grace, if you're of a mind to find him."
       Will glared at her and then bowed to Lily. "We'll finish our discussion