Read Online The Millionaire Rogue by Jessica Peterson - Free Book Online Page B

paused. She felt the heat of his gaze as a stifling silence filled the carriage. She hadn’t meant to insult him; heavens, he’d shown her a grand time, and a goodly bit of his rather delectable body besides. It wasn’t as if Hope had any intentions toward her, the interest in his eyes and the warmth of his touch notwithstanding.
    So why did Sophia feel as if she’d just delivered a ringing blow to his handsome cheek? That she’d hurt him in some unknown, but still visceral, way?
    â€œThe sort of gentleman you
need
to marry?” Hope carefully released her hands. He sat back and placed his palms on his knees.
    Sophia shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “You know my family’s circumstances. I don’t have much choice. A good marriage will go far to repair our fortunes, and our reputation.”
    â€œBut you do have a choice. Your family is in the care of Lady Violet’s capable hands. She is a savvy investor, Sophia, and sees to your family’s fortunes most ably.”
    Sophia looked out the window. She swallowed. “It’s not that I don’t trust Violet. It’s just—”
    The words caught at a sudden, ominous swell in her throat. Good Lord, how many times was she going to weep tonight?
    Only this time she wasn’t trying to make a scene.
    â€œIt’s just?” Thomas said softly.
    Sophia waved a hand through the air. “Nothing.” She pulled a long breath through her nose, hoping to still her wildly beating heart. Across the carriage she met Hope’s eyes and managed a tight smile. “I’m sorry, Thomas. I don’t mean to burden you with my. Ahem. Dramatics. Most unseemly of me, isn’t it?”
    To her very great relief, a smile broke out on Mr. Hope’s face. “Let us not forget it was your dramatics that saved our arses tonight. Begging your pardon, Sophia.” He patted the lacquered box beside him.
    Sophia nodded in the French Blue’s direction. “So. What’s next for you and Mr. Lake?”
    â€œWell.” Mr. Hope sighed, an exhausted sound. “London is crawling with old Boney’s spies, so it shouldn’t be difficult to turn him on to our scent. The more people who learn of the diamond’s discovery, the better chance we’ll have of getting the highest price from that blackhearted scrum.”
    â€œPerhaps you should host one of your balls.” Sophia tapped a finger to her lips. “They are the most famous event of the season. Last year’s was one of the few events mama allowed me to attend, and I’ll never forget the crush. Or how ridiculous you looked dressed up as that Borgia pope. Almost as ridiculous as Violet in the guise of Lucrezia. She drank so much wine that night she fell down the stairs, do you remember?”
    They laughed at that, Hope slowly shaking his head. “How could I forget? If I hadn’t been there to catch her, I daresay she’d have a very different nose than the one she has now.” He took the box from the seat and held it in his lap. “But I do believe you’re on to something, Sophia. Perhaps this year’s theme could be ‘Great Jewels of the World.’” He paused, a small smile creeping across his lips. “Though there might be some confusion as to what sort of jewels I’m referring to.”
    With startling clarity, Sophia recalled the scratch of her quill against a half-empty page, recording in badly translated English La Reinette’s tale of a smuggler’s jewels. Their great size, a “treasure trove the likes of which she’d never seen.”
    Sophia suddenly understood the madam was not talking about rubies or emeralds.
    Her face flooded with a violent rush of heat, and she was grateful for the blurring darkness that hung between her and Thomas.
    â€œYes. Well.” Sophia swallowed. “I’m sure you’ll think of something.”
    She turned her head and nearly