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“I am a quick reader,” Adam assured her and straightened the piece of paper with a flourish. He scanned the list and decided to concentrate on the most scandalous, in his opinion, items. “To have a drink in a pub?”

“That’s not the first item on the list,” she offered primly.

“Yes, but it’s one that caught my eye. Have you any idea how dangerous it is for a lady to step foot into a pub, much less have a drink? Do you know what kinds of people frequent those types of places? Scoundrels, criminals.”

“And gentlemen, too,” she added unperturbed.

“Well, you’re none of those things, and not only will you stand out like a sore thumb, but you will also attract a lot of unwanted attention. Do you not remember those drunken chaps accosting you at the masquerade? Well, the pub will be nothing but those types of people, and they will all be drunk.”

She let out a short, frustrated breath. “I thought you were going to quickly read the list. I did not expect a lecture.”

“I just want you to be certain that you still want that item on your list. After all, you’ve only read about those things, and no doubt have fantasized about attracting a criminal, which I have to tell you is not as romantic in real life.”

“Have you had the misfortune to live out my fantasy, then?” She fluttered her eyelashes innocently.

He clamped his lips shut.

“I want to have a drink in a pub,” she asserted. “You managed to pull me out of the masquerade unscathed in under ten minutes to my utter disgruntlement, I am certain you shall manage the pub too.”

He didn’t argue. Instead, he read the next item on the list. “To witness a brawl?”

“Are you going to lecture me again?” She grimaced lightly.

“No.” He scratched his chin in frustration. “And this is actually the easiest thing to cross off if we get to the pub, I assure you. Because pubs are filled with rogues and scoundrels and pickpockets who often brawl and will also happily leave you even more penniless than you already are.”

She sighed. “I thought you said you wouldn’t lecture me?”

“I am not lecturing you. I am just pointing out that if you saw the reality, you would realize how dangerous…” He paused as a thought occurred to him. She was romanticizing the criminal world because she’d never seen it in real life. One step into a real pub by the docks, full of rowdy drunk sailors, and perhaps she would rethink her entire list! “On second thought, let’s start with the pub.”

She opened her mouth to respond, a resolute and battle-ready expression on her face, only to close her mouth in surprise. As he continued leisurely scanning the list, she finally spoke. “You want to take me to the den of rogues and pickpockets?”

“And scoundrels.” He lifted an arrogant brow. “And harlots. But you’ve already been to a place like this. Last night. And you survived. So, perhaps this is the best place to start.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “What devious plan have you hatched?”

He shrugged. “You want to see the pub, don’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Then, you’ll see it.” He continued scanning the list. To dance all dances during a ball. Too easy. To smoke a cigar in a gentlemen’s club. Too risky. “To experience a proper kiss for the first time?”

Her cheeks glowed bright red, and she pursed her lips but refused to hide her eyes. “What of it?”

“Are you certain you want to keep this item?”

She raised her chin. “I can see that the prospect might seem quite daunting for you, Mr. Lewis, but I assure you, you don’t have to be the one to bestow the kiss. You can just help me find someone else to do it. Perhaps a scoundrel… at the pub.”

He spread his arms. “This is ridiculous!”

“Fine!” She snatched her list back. “If you don’t want to help me, I will do it on my own.”

“No need for theatrics.” He reached out for the list. “Give it back. I am certain we can find another item to cross off.”

“No, I will not stand for this ridicule. You offered to help me. I never asked for your help. I can do this on my own. Quicker, better, and perhaps—”

“Getting ruined in the process,” he finished grimly. He tamped down the annoyance he felt and extended his hand for the list again. “Come now, I shan’t ridicule your list.”

“I don’t think I believe your promise,” she said as she folded the list and hid it in her palm. “Now, you’ve chosen one item for me. You said we’ll start with the pub, so that’s where we’ll start. And after we’re done, you’re going to get the list to select another item. I might be naive, and my ideas of a good time in London might not match yours. But they don’t have to. Perhaps I shall find your pursuits ridiculous as well.”