Read Online Rogue Countess by Amy Sandas - Free Book Online Page B

being a flaw, the jaunty little mark made her look even sexier and more mysterious. Especially when she smiled and the pert arches of her upper lip lengthened as if holding back some delicious secret.
    As if sensing his stare, she turned her head to glance over her bare shoulder in his direction. Her smile was subtle and confident and told him she was fully aware of how her presence in the gentlemen’s establishment frustrated him. She was enjoying every second of it.
    It was spite then, he realized with a stab of vexation. Often that was the only reason a woman needed to wreak havoc in a man’s life.
    Maybe he should rethink his strategy. Anger was getting him nowhere and likely only strengthened her resolve to resist him. It might be far more effective to simply show her that he wasn’t going away, that he would be dogging her every move until she agreed that dissolving their union was the only way they would both get any peace.
    He smiled back at his wife, feeling as if he may actually have a little fun with this unusual situation. When her smile slipped just a little in response to his obvious change in mood, he grinned even wider. Yes, he thought, time for a fresh approach.
    He turned back to Rutherford.
    “Now, tell me about those men over there making fools of themselves hanging on her every word.”
    “If I had wanted to spend my evening going over old gossip involving people I don’t give a wit about, I would have gone to visit my grandmother,” Rutherford retorted.
    “Consider it a favor to a friend who will be held in your debt.”
    Rutherford smiled with roguish charm. “That sounds better. I do like it when people owe me.” He puffed up his chest in an exaggerated fashion. “It makes me feel powerful.”
    Jude’s smile was slow in forming. “Glad to be able to feed your ego, old man.”
    It was only an hour later when Jude seized an opportunity to approach his wayward wife. After saying her goodbyes, she left the main parlor of the club and Jude rose from his seat to follow her. She was left standing alone in the vestibule as a footman went to fetch her cloak.
    Jude stood in the doorway, watching her for a brief moment. She was beautiful and calm and displayed resolute confidence in the regal lift of her chin and the unabashed presentation of her more feminine charms. Jude’s gaze slid down over the rounded curves of her figure. Though she wasn’t wearing the overly corseted costume of the masquerade, her gown was still well suited to display her full yet graceful figure.
    He was certain he hadn’t made a sound, but she turned then as if alerted to his presence. By the widening of her eyes and sharp intake of her breath, he guessed she correctly interpreted the sensual interest in his eyes. But in the next second, she recovered herself and arched one of her fine black brows.
    “Still following me, I see.”
    Jude smiled, though there was nothing pleasant in the act. “It seems someone must ensure that you do not cause any trouble.”
    “And you have taken the distasteful job upon yourself? How dutiful of you,” she sneered with polite delicacy.
    “Unfortunately, as long as you remain my legal wife, you are my responsibility.”
    Anna laughed, but there was no amusement in her expression.
    “You have got to be joking. You wouldn’t know the meaning of responsibility if it kicked you in the arse.” He scowled at her crude turn of phrase. She turned to face him more fully, her lovely face clouded with growing annoyance. “Let me make something very clear to you, my lord husband. I have absolutely no need for your dutiful attention. I have come a long way without you and I intend to continue upon my chosen course whether you like it or not. I would suggest you step aside and stay out of my way.”
    “Now, that is something I cannot do.” Jude came forward then. The two of them faced off against each other in the center of the small room. Neither of them were going to back down. “Since you