Confusing thoughts whirled around her head. At the back of her mind, she knew there was no chance Devlin could have feelings for her. He was a marquess and she was…well she was born poor. But after last night, she had hoped. Was she really just a means to an end? To wager her body so he could marry Audrey. He must think she was not attractive enough to win the mistress auction. She picked up a strand of her red hair and her heart sunk further. Was everything he said a lie? “The conservatory is always quiet this time of day,” Kenneth said, his warm hand guided her into an empty room. The warm rays of the sun filtered through a wall made of glass. Orange blossom trees lined the back wall, filling the room with a sharp scent of citrus. Ordinarily, the exotic Chippendale furnishings with dragon motifs and crystal antiques would have fascinated her, but inside she struggled to keep her composure. Kenneth circled her and captured her face in his hands. He moved his mouth over hers, his tongue slopping saliva across the corner of her lips.
