A Bluestocking Christmas Read Online Free PDF Page A

clenched his jaw as he fought to control his arousal.
    A moment later, she completed another book transaction and smiled at the gentleman in front of her. Simon inhaled a sharp breath. Bloody hell. No wonder Anthony had succumbed to the witch’s charms. She had the smile of a siren, and even a well-seasoned gentleman would find her silent entreaty difficult to resist.
    Ivy Beecham was most definitely trouble. The sooner he disposed of this matter the better. He shifted in his seat as his quarry moved out from behind the circulation desk to head down one of the book aisles. Tossing his paper aside, he stood up and followed her into the depths of the library.
    Ahead of him, she turned the corner and disappeared from sight. Determined not to lose his chance to speak with her away from prying eyes, Simon increased his pace. As he rounded the bookshelf where he’d last seen her, a glimpse of her voluptuous curves vanished down another aisle. Damn, but the vixen was quick.  
    Lengthening his stride, Simon charged after her with determination. He made a sharp right into the aisle she’d round seconds ago only to come to an abrupt halt. The woman arched her eyebrow at him in a matter-of-fact manner as she narrowed her gaze at him.
    “Is there some reason you’re following me, sir?”  
    Soft and husky, her voice caressed him with the silky indulgence of a midnight lover. Immediately, his groin tightened in a primal response. The fact irritated him.
    “Are you Ivy Beecham?”
    “Yes.” She frowned with puzzlement. “May I help you in some way?”
    “I’m Lord Claiborne’s guardian.”
    “I’m sorry, whose guardian?”  
    This time a frown furrowed her delicate brow as she tilted her head to one side. The movement exposed the lovely line of her neck, and he imagined his lips nibbling on her. The faint scent of lilies whiffed its way beneath his nose. She smelled delectable. Would she taste as luscious as she smelled? A sudden image of her beneath him filled his head, and his jaw tightened as he acknowledged his attraction for the woman. Aware she was staring at him with just a touch of irritation, he struggled to control the effect she was having on him.
    “Anthony Dardnay, the Earl of Claiborne,” he said in a tight voice.
    Recognition lit her face as she smiled at him. It was the most bewitching smile he’d ever scene, and his body stirred to life at the sight of it. Annoyed at his inability to remain unaffected by her, Simon clasped his hands behind his back and assumed a detached expression. He refused to allow Ivy Beecham’s exquisite body or smile deter him from the task at hand.  
    “Oh! You must be Lord Wycombe.” Her smile surprised him. It wasn’t the false simper he’d expected, and she seemed genuinely happy to meet him, nothing more. He frowned as she extended her hand to him. “Anthony has spoken of you often. I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.”
    Simon glanced down at her outstretched hand, struggling with the tempting thought of touching her. Something primal flooded his senses as he stared at her long fingers. He could easily see her hand wrapped around his cock, pumping his flesh until he expelled his seed in a rush of pleasure. Simon swallowed hard as sanity reclaimed his thoughts.  
    Deliberately, he refrained from raising her fingers to his lips. The snub made her flinch, and the flash of pain darkening her sapphire eyes sent a twinge of regret through him. He ignored the sensation. Ivy Beecham was dangerous. She was a threat to the family and Anthony’s future. The woman needed to be dealt with swiftly.
    “I’m afraid this is far from a courtesy call, Miss Beecham,” he said in a cold voice.
    “I don’t understand.” She gave a slight shake of her head as an expression of wariness crept over her lovely face.
    “I’m here to instruct you to stay away from my nephew. He’s young and too easily swayed by a pretty face.”
    “I beg your pardon?” Her bewilderment