Page 17 of The Rake Desires the Diamond

“Bloody hell, Springy, I don’t fuck livestock. I am talking about you.”

“Well, I do not fuck livestock either. I have no idea what you are going on about. Unless you are comparing Katrina to an animal. I know you do not like the woman, but still….”

This conversation was going nowhere. Perchance Wellspring wasn’t ready to come to terms with his predilections. And obviously, Evan was no good at this problem-solving shite. He needed to stick with cards, painting, and tupping.

The earl stood, clasped his hands behind his back, and paced. “I know men of our station marry for duty, not for love. But I will love my wife.” He halted in front of Evan. “And Harrington’s methods may be questionable, but his motive is pure. Will you give me art lessons so that I can complete Katrina’s painting myself? That shall solve all my problems.” He pulled his shoulders back triumphantly.

Well, not all of his problems. But who was Evan to point out that learning to paint and sketch was difficult? Or that Wellspring should stop denying his attraction to his own sex? Or that life with Katrina Harrington would be utter hell?

Unless it would be heavenly bliss. Days spent stealing kisses? Nights spent fucking her senseless.

Nay! It would be hell with her always demanding her own way.

Evan sighed. “Of course, I will give you lessons. Let us start by sketching the ocean. We shall leave in an hour.”

Wellspring grinned and clapped Evan on the back. “You are always there for me. I will make this up to you. I promise.”

His courting Katrina Harrington so that Evan rid her from his system would be a fair trade indeed.

Chapter seven

June 30th, 1818

What was taking Evan so long? He and the earl had been in the library forever. If Evan were in there telling Alexander about their kisses, Katrina would never forgive him. And if he did not help her deal with Greyson, she’d…. Well, she would tell him exactly what she thought of him.

Ticking off his deplorable traits, she crossed her thumb over her palm. Number one. He was insufferable. Down came her index finger.

Two. He was arrogant.

Three. He was immature.

Four. He never took anything seriously.

Five. He’d put a frog in her tea andruined her favorite pink dress.

She held up her other hand and continued her tally.

Six. He smirked all of the time.

Seven….Hmm.

Seven, he smelled like citrus and mint. Eight, when naked, he had the physique of a carved-from-marble god. Nine, he was a superior kisser. Ten, his deep voice sent shivers up her spine. Eleven…she’d run out of fingers. But she needed one more.Sigh. Eleven, he had such a fine arse.

Angry at herself, she stomped her foot. “Bah!”

The door to the library opened, and Alexander and Evan exited. Smushing into an alcove, she tried to make herself invisible and waited before following them. To avoid detection, she kept her distance and tread lightly.

Alexander entered his room first.

Once Evan disappeared into his chamber, she made sure no one bore witness. She dashed down the hall, opened Evan’s door, and entered.

He stood looking out his window. Thecrackof the door slamming closed made them both jump. He whirled to face her.

The daft fool had the nerve to grin at her. That crooked smile may have worked on other women, but it would not melt her heart. However, her tingling girl parts had a mind of their own.

“Katrina,” he said, “please come in.”

“I am already in.”