Dicing with the Dangerous Lord

Dicing with the Dangerous Lord
Margaret McPhee

SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMYVenetia Fox is London’s most sought-after actress, darling of the demi-monde and every nobleman’s desire. But she’s about to face her toughest role yet – seducing a confession from the devilishly handsome and very dangerous Lord Linwood to bring her father’s murderer to justice!She might have the whole of London fooled, but Linwood can see through Venetia’s ardent attempts to persuade him to open up. His past is murky, but he’s no criminal. Her interest in him has Linwood intrigued – he might just have to play Miss Fox at her own seductive game…Gentlemen of Disrepute Rebellious rule-breakers, ready to wed!

‘You know all my secrets, Lord Linwood.’

‘Not all.’

‘No, not all,’ she said as she turned to look into his face.

He saw something flicker in her eyes—something that was not quite in keeping with the rest of her, something which he could not quite discern. But it was gone as quickly as it had appeared.

‘I am intrigued, Miss Fox.’ It was the truth. She was the most celebrated and coveted actress in all London. Bewitching. Beguiling. Yet cool. Her reputation preceded her. Linwood had never met a woman like her.

‘By my secrets or by me?’

‘Both. But I thought you desired flattery to be confined to the green room?’

She laughed, her eyes silver in the moonlight beneath the dark, elegant curve of her brows. ‘I will tell you one of mine if you tell me one of yours.’ Her voice was husky and as alluring as that of a siren. Her gaze held his boldly. The sensual tension tightened as the silence stretched between them.

All around them was darkness as dense and black as the secrets he carried in his heart—secrets that he would take to his grave rather than spill.

‘Would you really, Miss Fox? Tell me your darkest secret in exchange for mine?’

About the Author

MARGARET MCPHEE loves to use her imagination—an essential requirement for a trained scientist. However, when she realised that her imagination was inspired more by the historical romances she loves to read rather than by her experiments, she decided to put the ideas down on paper. She has since left her scientific life behind, retaining only the romance—her husband, whom she met in a laboratory. In summer, Margaret enjoys cycling along the coastline overlooking the Firth of Clyde in Scotland, where she lives. In winter, tea, cakes and a good book suffice.

Previous novels by the same author:

THE CAPTAIN’S LADY

MISTAKEN MISTRESS

THE WICKED EARL

UNTOUCHED MISTRESS

A SMUGGLER’S TALE

(part of Regency Christmas Weddings)

THE CAPTAIN’S FOBIDDEN MISS

UNLACING THE INNOCENT MISS

(part of Regency Silk & Scandal mini-series)

UNMASKING THE DUKE’S MISTRESS*

A DARK AND BROODING GENTLEMAN*

HIS MASK OF RETRIBUTION*

And in Mills & Boon HistoricalUndone!

HOW TO TEMPT A VISCOUNT*

*Gentlemen of Disrepute

Did you know that some of these novels

are also available as eBooks?

Visit www.millsandboon.co.uk

AUTHOR NOTE

This story picks up where HIS MASK OF RETRIBUTION left off. As the dark-eyed Lord Linwood was cast in a rather villainous light in my previous books, I thought it was time for him to be the hero. Finding the right heroine was a challenge—until the sexy demi-monde celebrity Miss Venetia Fox popped into my head. I knew at once she was going to be more than a match for Linwood in the very dangerous game they play together.

So here is the story of how Venetia and Linwood come to fall in love. I sincerely hope that you like it.

I love to hear from readers: www.margaretmcphee.co.uk

Dicing with the

Dangerous Lord

Margaret McPhee

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

For my big Wee Sister, Andrea—

lots of spicy bits because I know you like them!

Chapter One

Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, London November 1810

The applause within the Theatre Royal at Covent Garden was deafening, even after the heavy red curtain had descended on Shakespeare’s As You Like It, to shield London’s most acclaimed darling of the theatre from the audience.

Miss Venetia Fox smiled and hugged her friend and fellow actress as they made their way from the stage. ‘They are still on their feet, Alice.’

‘I can’t believe it! It’s amazing! I’ve never seen a response like it.’ Alice Sweetly’s eyes were big as saucers. In her excitement her soft Irish lilt grew stronger.

Venetia laughed. ‘You will get used to it.’

‘You think this’ll happen again?’