Read Online Seducing Mr Storm by Poppy Summers - Free Book Online Page B

was turned and another woman claimed him? Men like Elijah Storm came along once in a lifetime, Susanna was sure of that.
    The final party of their stay was at a mansion in the Surrey countryside that belonged to an old friend of Georgina’s. The three women were ensconced in rooms for the evening on their arrival and, on their descent, were greeted by Lady Yvette Mario and her husband, Thomas. Georgina had murmured something salacious about her relationship with Yvette and Thomas in the carriage on the way there and Susanna wondered if she had misheard.
    The house bustled with finely dressed guests, ladies dripping in jewels and men in their smartest frock coats and cravats. Waiters in livery moved smoothly between the bodies with trays of champagne and canapés. Lucy gaped around her with wide eyes while Susanna was more subtle, demurely watching men from beneath her lashes. She wore a new gown of white silk with a broad black sash and intricate corsetry at the back. Lucy was radiant in sapphire blue.
    The three women chatted with some of Georgina’s friends before moving into the grand ballroom and taking a table near the floor. Georgina tossed back champagne like it was going out of style and Susanna felt a little tipsy too, despite trying to keep her self-control. Lucy chattered excitedly about a man in uniform watching her and then she gave a gasp, put her hand over her mouth. Susanna followed her gaze.
    Standing with a blond-haired man against the wall, wearing black and white evening attire, was Elijah Storm. Susanna’s heart leapt and thudded wildly against her ribs as Elijah spotted her and leant close to his companion’s ear to say something above the music.
    ‘That blackguard,’ Lucy said darkly as Elijah pushed himself lazily off the wall and strolled around the edge of the dance floor like a nonchalant cat stalking its prey.
    ‘Hush, Lucy,’ Susanna scolded. ‘There is no need for rudeness.’
    ‘Just because Mr Storm has you by your heart, or indeed other parts, is no reason for me to like him,’ Lucy replied snottily.
    Susanna kicked her hard under the table. Lucy gave a little cry and sank miserably into her chair.
    Elijah reached the table. He regarded the three ladies with blue eyes dazzlingly bright. ‘Miss Seymour and Miss Seymour.’ He bowed low.
    ‘Mr Storm,’ Susanna said with a coolness she didn’t feel. ‘If I may present my Aunt Georgina.’
    Georgina held out a hand eagerly, all heaving bosom and fluttering lashes, and Elijah smiled and took it, barely sweeping her knuckles with his lips. ‘Charmed.’
    There was an uncomfortable silence as Elijah stood looking at Susanna like there was no one else in the room.
    ‘Mr Storm,’ Georgina piped up. ‘Why don’t you put us all out of our misery and ask Susanna to dance?’
    Elijah gave a rueful, almost shy grin. ‘Miss Seymour.’ He held his hand out. ‘May I have this dance?’
    Susanna rose to her feet, gathering her skirts. ‘You may, Mr Storm.’
    His large hand closed around hers, palm warm and intimate. He led her to the dance floor on quaking legs while she asked herself if this had been the best idea.
    Elijah wrapped a firm arm around her waist and pulled her close to his hard body. He swept her expertly around the floor to a fast waltz.
    ‘How is your mother?’ Susanna asked nervously.
    ‘Much recovered, thank you,’ he replied, looking down into her eyes from his lofty height. ‘I’m not sure I expressed my gratitude adequately enough last time …’
    Susanna regarded him questioningly. Was he serious? She remembered the ardent, eloquent thanks and praise he had bestowed on her. She searched his stunning eyes and found both tenderness and passion. She shook her head.
    ‘I’m persona non grata with your family now,’ he observed.
    Thrown by the sudden change of subject, she fumbled for words. ‘It has been a difficult time. Lucy has accepted your lack of interest and moved on. As for my mother –’ Susanna