The Bachelor Bargain (Secrets, Scandals, and Spies) by Michaels, Maddison (short books to read TXT) 📕

It was a rare occurrence for a lady, particularly one dressed anywhere near as finely as Lady Olivia, to ever visit the Rookeries, and especially not the Red Arena. It was called such not so much for the red chairs and curtains within the space, but more because of the blood regularly spilled in and around the ring’s surface. Seb doubted most of the people here had ever seen someone from her lofty station in Society set foot in Bethnal Green before.

But like the masses, his eyes, too, were powerless to do anything but track the path she took as she followed his men while they weaved through the bodies below.

The woman seemed determined to not only invade his dreams and his thoughts, but his goddamn sporting space, too. A pain in his backside is what his new business partner was fast becoming, even if his pulse had quickened upon seeing her again.

Weren’t damn duke’s daughters meant to be more timid and demure than this one was? Her father and brothers must let her run wild if she was showing up to such an arena without a chaperone. Though it was doubtful that anyone from the Rookeries would know who she was, even if it appeared as if every single person there was eager to know. His men included.

They’d most likely assume she was his mistress, which would offer her protection, but also place a target on her back. The idea of her being hurt or being used to get to him, for some reason bothered him greatly.

The sound of footsteps climbing the stairs echoed in the space, the distinct click from the heels of Lady Olivia’s boots and the muted thud of her cane against the wooden floor as she made her way up the stairway, escorted by only one other. One of his men, no doubt, from the heavy thud of his boots against the wooden steps.

“Sorry to bother ya, boss,” the man said a moment later from behind Seb, “but the lady insisted on seeing you. She said you was expecting her.”

Seb didn’t turn around but instead kept his face to the crowd and nodded. “Thank you, Croucher. See we’re not interrupted.”

“Aye, sir.”

The sound of Croucher retreating was overshadowed by an almighty roar from the crowd as another punch was occasioned upon the challenger, who toppled to the ground. But Seb found his entire attention focused on the lady behind him instead of the entertainment in front.

“You have a distinct way of getting past my men.” Slowly, he swiveled around to face Lady Olivia, who he could see straightaway looked quietly confident standing there, a black veil pulled over her face.

“Getting past them? Or recognizing them? You could have told me you’d sent some of your men to protect me.”

Seb shrugged. “I didn’t want to scare you.”

“I don’t scare easily.”

“So I’m beginning to see. Tell me this, Livie, you carry a pistol, your cane has a hidden weapon in its shaft… How experienced are you in games of intrigue? From my point of view, it would seem to be very experienced, and it does stir my curiosity. I do wonder what else you are experienced in? Or perhaps inexperienced in?”

All he could suddenly think of was the kiss they shared, and whether if he kissed her again in the cold light of day, would it still feel as ridiculously addictive as their first kiss had? He crossed the floor over to her, but she didn’t budge an inch as he towered above her. Nor did she lift her veil.

Unable to help himself, Seb slowly reached out and rolled up the darn thing. He knew it was a mistake as soon as the crystal blue of her eyes struck him, scorching him with their intensity.

Reflexively, he sucked in a deep breath, his eyes locking upon her own. He suddenly felt at a loss. This woman was having such a bizarre effect on his equilibrium to the point where he was beginning to feel the vestiges of his tightly maintained self-control begin to slip, something he could not afford to let happen.

He was capable of too many horrendous things if it did.

Pivoting away from her, he slammed his hands into his pockets while pretending to stare back toward the match. It would do no good to let her see how she was affecting him and how much he wanted to kiss her again. He took in a steadying breath and then another, before he plastered on a sardonic smile and slowly twisted around to face her again.

The chit was brazen enough to arch an eyebrow at him in a sort of silent question over his behavior. But even he couldn’t articulate the strange feeling that had nearly overcome him.

It was dangerous, and he had to put a stop to it. Put a stop to it before he wasn’t able to stop himself.

Chapter Sixteen

It was an unusual situation Livie found herself in. Standing facing Sebastian in his private box, with a bare-knuckle boxing match being wagered on below, blood splattering everyone in the immediate vicinity of the ring, and people cheering like lunatics.

Not the usual sort of venue she attended. But once again, she had to speak with him.

And wasn’t he behaving strangely, too?

On one hand acting aloof and cold, but on the other, little glimpses of heat and desire flashing in his eyes. Rather disconcerting, but also compelling in the extreme. Although the man had just potentially insulted her by discussing her experience or lack thereof, and somehow Livie didn’t think it was her general life experience as a duke’s daughter he had been referring to. Perhaps he’d been referring to their kiss, and her inexperience had been plain.

“I’m experienced in turning a conversation back around to its original purpose, Sebastian,” she eventually replied. “I have important matters to discuss.”

“Oh, by all means, my lady, let us discuss those important matters,” he practically purred. “But first tell me how did you know to find me