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Miles stared through the darkness, conteh the woods But he had no desire to play the knight errant When it cahts were far froht immoral

Chapter Three

Miles was still staring at the cluster of trees when Drake’s deliberate cough dragged him from his reverie

“It’s been some time since I’ve seen you so enthralled with a woman,” Drake said, his tone full of mischief “Some time since I’ve seen the hazy look of desire warm your eyes”

Miles snorted “Then you n of affection I’m simply tired and need my bed”

“Is that so?”

In all his dalliances, Miles had never felt an instant tug of attraction But it would pass Celibacy did that to a man And it had been almost a year since he’d shared a woman’s bed

“The lady piqued my interest,” he ade”

Could he turn hatred to lust? That was the question

“Do you not have enough proble with the locals?” Drake patted his mount and took hold of the reins “Your brothers will not simply sit back while you take control of their company”

“God damn, Drake How many times gled to maintain his calitier their company”

When it ca, Miles now held the h his father had wished for his favourite sons to inherit his fortune, Stephen and Edwin Harridan-Jones—derived from their mother’s name—lacked business acumen The fools preferred brothels to boardroo hells than they did from ships sunk by stor other than grabbing their heads and rubbing their noses in their defeat

“They’re your father’s sons,” Drake replied, deliberately goading him “Does that not make them family?”

“That er Anger bubbled in Miles’ throat “Don’t taunt ht Not when I have other matters to contend with”

Drake inclined his head in acquiescence “You fear Miss Lovell has grounds for complaint?”