Read Online To Catch a Countess by Patricia Grasso - Free Book Online Page B

played out.”
    Alexander offered her his hand, and Victoria did what he least expected. She gave him a tentative smile and placed her hand in his.
    Everyone watched in silence when they returned to the drawing room. Victoria saw their surprised expressions at the change in her demeanor and then dropped her gaze.
    Reaching the card table, Victoria knelt on the floor and collected the discarded cards. She didn’t utter a word, nor did anyone speak to her.
    Alexander helped her and then set the cards on the table. He looked at her and nodded.
    “I would apologize to Alex for losing my temper,” Victoria said. “I also apologize for making everyone uncomfortable.”
    “I would apologize to Tory for baiting her during the card game,” Alexander said. “I also apologize for failing to court her properly.”
    Alexander put his arm around her and guided her toward the doorway. “Remain in your chamber until I send for you.” He tilted her chin up and waited for her to meet his gaze. “I apologize for embarrassing you.”
    “I forgive you.” Victoria walked out the door.

Chapter 4
    “Congratulations on your accomplishment,” Prince Stepan said.
    Alexander slanted an amused glance at the youngest prince. “To what accomplishment do you refer?” he asked, lining up his next shot on the billiard table.
    “Taming Lady Victoria, of course.”
    Alexander and the other men laughed at the prince. “I haven’t tamed Victoria; merely won the first skirmish,” he said. “She will do my bidding, but gentling her will take time.”
    He couldn’t predict how long that would take. The chit had hammered a croquet ball at him. Fortunately, she hadn’t thought of using the mallet.
    “Life with Tory will never bore you,” Robert said.
    “She’ll make you fight for every gain,” Rudolf agreed.
    “Nothing worth having is easily won,” Alexander said. With that fiery red hair and the passion he had glimpsed the previous evening, Victoria would be well worth the fight. “Struggling to win her obedience is one thing. Being bowled over by her is quite another.”
    “What do you mean?” Prince Stepan asked.
    “We know you agreed to escort Victoria to Drury Lane,” Alexander said.
    “She threatened to ask someone else to take her,” Stepan defended himself. “Another man might not have protected her.”
    “Stepan, did you ever consider that Tory did not know any other gentleman to take her there?” Rudolf asked his brother.
    Prince Stepan flushed. “I never considered that.”
    If he had taken Victoria to Drury Lane, Alexander thought, he would be enjoying her body by now instead of fighting her. How could he have known the little virgin would be so passionate?
    “Stepan, you had better stick with the debutantes being put in your way,” Prince Viktor said, entering the conversation.
    “Controlling a spirited woman might be beyond your capability,” said Prince Mikhail.
    Tinker, the duke’s majordomo, walked into the game room. Alexander watched the man heading straight for him.
    “Lord Emerson.”
    “Yes?”
    “Lady Victoria demands to be released from prison,” Tinker announced in a voice that brooked no refusal.
    Alexander cocked a brow at the older man. He couldn’t credit the retainer’s insolence.
    “Do not be offended,” Rudolf said. “Tinker told me once to fetch my own coffee.”
    Tinker turned to the prince and looked down his nose at him. “As I recall, you deserved that set down for making Lady Samantha weep.” The majordomo looked at the earl. “This matter is entirely different. Lady Victoria instructed me to repeat her words with emotion.”
    All the men laughed, including Alexander. Tinker’s lips twitched with amusement.
    “Gentlemen, place your bets,” Alexander said, smiling. “Skirmish two is about to begin.” He turned to the majordomo. “Tell Lady Victoria my answer is no.”
    “Yes, my lord.”
    “Who would you bet on if you were a gambling man?” Alexander asked.
    Tinker