Read Online Seductive as Flame by Susan Johnson - Free Book Online Page B

Alec’s wife’s direction. “In case she forgets her manners.”
    “Oh Lord,” Zelda murmured. “Was it that obvious this morning?”
    “The look that passed between you two could have powered London for a week. Also your absence at the hunt was noticed.” He shrugged. “Violetta may have heard.”
    “But does she care?”
    His smile was droll. “Seriously? With someone as beautiful as you? Even if she didn’t care, she’d make sure to mark her territory just for the hell of it.”
    “I probably can deal with her if necessary.”
    “But why should you have to when I’m more than willing to be boorish in your stead?” he cheerfully said. “By the way, I’ve never met a witch.”
    She smiled. “Nor have I.”
    “What about this?” He ran a finger over the rough-cut emeralds circling her neck, clearly an artifact of some ancient culture with the beaten-gold pendants dangling from each jewel.
    “It was a gift from one of the Amazon headmen.”
    His brows rose. “He thought you were a witch, too.”
    “I think my height impressed everyone—and perhaps my hair.”
    “You should touch my little Ceci and Raj for good luck.”
    “I’d be happy to, although I’m not sure it would do much good.”
    “Perhaps you don’t know your powers, my dear. Ah, here’s your real protection,” he murmured. Dalgliesh had abruptly left the group of women surrounding him right after Oz had touched the emeralds at Zelda’s throat. He was shouldering his way through the crowd now, looking grim.
    Zelda turned to look and, against all prudence and reason, felt breathless with delight.
    “I was guarding Miss MacKenzie, in case you were wondering,” Oz said as Alec reached them, full of affront.
    The earl’s frown vanished. “Thank you. I appreciate your kindness.”
    Oz grinned. “Miss MacKenzie thought she’d do well enough on her own.”
    “Did she now?”
    “I’m sure you’d know best in that regard. Au revoir, my dears.” And Lennox strolled away.
    “You shouldn’t be talking to me,” Zelda said.
    “You shouldn’t be blushing.”
    “It would be much easier for you not to talk to me.”
    One dark brow rose very slightly. “If only that were easy. I almost didn’t come down. I tried not to.”
    “I debated coming down to dinner as well. So many people,” she murmured. “All interested in scandal.”
    He glanced around as if in assent, when in fact, he was marking Violetta’s location; good, she was in conversation with Mytton. “You’re safe enough for a minute. Don’t move,” he brusquely said. “I’ll be right back.”
    But perhaps his wife had her eye on him as well, because the moment he walked away from Zelda, Violetta excused herself and began moving toward her newest rival. She had heard of her husband’s absence from the hunt with this woman.
    Jamie smoothly stepped into Violetta’s path, intercepting her progress. “Are you enjoying your weekend?” he politely inquired.
    “Well enough. And you?” Her eyes were hostile. “I see Bella’s here.” Jamie had been Bella’s favorite lover before his marriage.
    “Is she? I didn’t notice.”
    Violetta sniffed. “Men—you’re all alike.” She began moving around him.
    “I don’t believe you’ve met my wife,” Jamie smoothly murmured, moving a half step to obstruct her advance. “Come, let me introduce you.” A bodyguard to a prince prior to his retirement to Scotland, Jamie Blackwood was more capable than most of protecting people. Taking Violetta by the hand, he ignored her stiff-backed reluctance and, asking her a question about Mytton’s new yacht, drew her away.
    His wife had been apprised of the situation, and after she and Violetta had been introduced, Sofia immediately mentioned their many common acquaintances. She further engaged Violetta’s interest by confining her comments to several men about town both women knew. Ignoring Jamie’s faint scowl since she was comparing notes on young bucks only as a