Bad Boys Ahoy!

Amanda smiled with triumph. 'Am I not always?'

The duke grunted and bent to kiss her upraised cheek. 'I must depart. Carolyn is having some sort of soiree this weekend, and I'm expected to attend.'

'Of course,' she replied, showing no sign of hurt or dismay at the mention of the Duchess of Glasser. After all their years together, she was confident in the extent of the duke's love for her and was aware that after the birth of Charles, the heir, he had never touched his wife again. 'Return to me at your soonest.'

'Never doubt it.' Magnus kissed her again.

Lucien watched the exchange as he had often done over the years, but today the scene held new poignancy. It was a harsh reminder that people did not marry below their class. If he were honest with himself, he would admit that the most he could hope for would be to become Julienne's lover after her marriage. The arrangement could almost be perfect. He would not have to marry, and Julienne could have the title she deserved. But Lucien knew he could never share her with another man, and Julienne would never consent to such an arrangement in any case. She took her responsibilities seriously and would never betray her husband, even if that husband were unfaithful to her.

After the duke left, his mother returned her attention to him. 'Do you intend to allow Lady Julienne to marry Fontaine?'

'I have no choice.'

'Why not?'

'I offered to marry her, and she refused.'

'Lucien!' Amanda's brow creased with a frown, something she never allowed herself to do because she feared it would cause wrinkles. 'You love her.' It was a statement, not a question.

Lucien lifted his cup. 'I lust for her.'

She sighed. 'For heaven's sake, darling, I am your mother. You cannot lie to me.'

'That's not a lie.'

'Surely there's more to it than that.'

'Such as?' he muttered. First Marchant, now his mother. Was everyone determined to meddle in his life?

Amanda set her clasped hands on the edge of the table. 'Such as why she was so quick to rush to your defense? Against her brother, no less. And one hundred thousand quid, Lucien? You would never have allowed Montrose to become so far in your debt without a motive.' Her eyes lit with discovery. 'Are you planning to use the earl's misfortune to obtain his sister? Something so underhanded sounds just like you.'

'Thank you for the glowing estimation of my character, Mother.' But what an interesting idea. He was surprised he hadn't come up with it himself.

Amanda pounced on his telltale smile. 'What is your plan?' she queried eagerly.

'I don't have a plan. I was biding my time until one presented itself.'

'Come now. You always have a plan. 'Tis how you acquired greater wealth than your brother.'

'Mother,' Lucien began with quiet emphasis, 'I'm not certain what impression you received from Julienne last evening, but I can assure you, she is not in charity with me at the moment.'

His mother frowned again. 'Do you want her?'

'Of course,' he admitted. 'I just don't know in what way I want her. Or for how long, which is why she refused my suit.' Of course, he'd botched the entire affair by accusing her of things she wasn't capable of and then storming out…

'Tell me what was said, and I'll tell you where you erred.'

He laughed. 'Why is the mistake assumed to be mine?'

She leaned forward, and Lucien was caught by the earnest intensity of her voice. 'You deserve to be happy. If Lady Julienne makes you happy, you should fight to the death for her. You are worthy of a highborn bride. Never doubt that.'

'I'm not worthy of Julienne.' There was no bitterness in his voice, just quiet resignation.

Raw hurt glittered in his mother's eyes. 'I am the only difference between you and Fontaine. You are wealthier, you are more handsome, and your blood is almost as blue. Are you ashamed of me, Lucien? Is it because your mother is a courtesan that you feel unworthy of Julienne La Coeur?'

'No.' He reached across the table for her delicate hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. 'It has nothing to do with you. I've never been a good man, never aspired to be one, and I've been perfectly content. I have no desire to change. Julienne is an angel, the purest thing I've ever known. Agreeing to my suit would alienate her from the only life she's ever known. Eventually she would grow to hate me for that.'

'I think you underestimate her strength, Lucien. You may find that you won't make her a lesser woman. Instead she may make you a better man.' Amanda shot him a quizzical glance. 'Does your bastardy offend her?'

'No.' Lucien smiled. 'She thinks your affair is 'romantic.''

'And so it is,' she said, with a smug smile. 'I liked the girl last night. I like her even more now. She seems a very practical sort.'

Lucien arched a brow. 'I recognize that look. Stay out of my private affairs, Mother. I do an excellent job of botching them up on my own. I don't require any assistance.' He stood. 'I have to go now. I have work to do.'

'And a lot to think about as well.'

He grinned affectionately and ignored her comment. 'I shall see you next week.'

As her son left, Amanda Remington sat back in her chair and contemplated her next course of action. She knew what her son needed, even if he didn't.

And she would see that he got it.

Chapter Nine

Hugh La Coeur, the sixth Earl of Montrose, paused on the step of his carriage and grimaced at the imposing three-story, columned entrance to Remington's. The morning sun shone brightly on the white facade as various members of the peerage exited and entered the popular gentlemen's club. Behind him, traffic was heavy on St. James. The steady clatter of rolling carriage wheels, horses' hooves, and harnesses reminded him that life was still bustling forward for the rest of London, while he prepared to face his largest and most ruthless creditor.

With a deep, fortifying breath, Hugh climbed the steps to the watered-glass, double-door entrance. A footman in black-and-silver livery welcomed him inside, and Hugh handed his hat, gloves, and cane to one of two waiting attendants. He stepped into the round entrance foyer, with its black-and-white marbled floors, and again admired the massive chandelier that hung three stories up, with a large round table centered below it. A gigantic floral arrangement dominated the center of the table, its heady fragrance permeating every corner of the foyer.

Straight ahead was the gaming area. From there, one could find either the staircases that led to the upper floors-where the fencing studio, courtesans, and private rooms were located-or to the lower floors, where the pugilist rings were kept. To the left was the kitchen. To the right were the offices of Lucien Remington.

Hugh took one last, wistful look at the gaming rooms and then turned to his right. He walked through the huge wooden door, with its oval glass center, and handed his card to the secretary, expecting to wait. He was surprised when he was announced without delay.

Nervous trepidation plagued him as he entered the sanctum of Lucien Remington. He'd never been in the offices before, and he took in his surroundings with a curious eye. The first thing he noticed was the carved mahogany desk, which directly faced the door. The massive piece of furniture was flanked on either side by floor- to-ceiling windows, and the desktop was littered with paperwork, silent confirmation of the strength and breadth of Remington's empire.

The room was done in masculine shades of deep green, cream, and gold. An immense fireplace to the left was the focal point of a conversation area holding a settee and two leather wingback chairs. Floor-to-ceiling bookcases took up all the available wall space. To the right, sunlit windows afforded views of the street below.

'Good afternoon, Lord Montrose. I trust your trip to the country was pleasant.'

Hugh turned toward the deep voice and saw Remington standing behind his desk, his famous blue eyes lit with amusement as he waved a hand toward one of the chairs that faced him.