A Compromised Innocent Read Online Free PDF

sight, especially at sunset.”
    He wanted to kiss her again. That’s all he could think of as he stood there looking into her pretty face and wide, guileless eyes.
    He wanted to feel that sensation of passionate awe he’d felt when their kiss had deepened in the Delcourts’ garden. Needed to make certain it was more than an overactive imagination turning it to something other than what it was.
    â€œSuch a shame that it’s cloudy today. You can’t make out the green and purple highlights they take in their plumage in summertime. Not as pretty as the gray wagtail with its bright yellow breast, but lovely in its own dark way.”
    For a long moment, Oliver could only stare as he wrestled with the impulse to reach out and touch her. To tug her forward and wrap her in his embrace. Was it his imagination, or did she lean toward him ever so slightly, as if she, too, were drawn?
    God help him, he was going to kiss her again and damn the gossips!
    His hand rose to cup her cheek, to encourage her to meet him halfway. Closer, closer. He could just feel her breath on his chin.
    And then she was gone, jerking back as if she’d been scalded. Her eyes widened in horror and her hands fumbled at her neck.
    What—?
    â€œHelp!” she cried as she rose up on her tiptoes, feeling for something.
    â€œHold still!” A branch had caught in the adornments of her straw hat, pulling it back and creating a garrote of her bonnet ribbons.
    A swift tug failed to loosen the knot and the branch’s grip was tenacious, so he quickly cut through the satin strips with his pocketknife to free her. “All better?”
    â€œYes, thank you. I’m so sorry.”
    â€œWhy do you apologize for something that was an accident?”
    Clutching her throat protectively, her cheeks were pink from the fright or embarrassment or both. “Because accidents always happen to me. I’m a lodestone for disaster. Haven’t you noticed?”
    â€œI’ve observed something of the sort.” And it was one of the most intriguing things about her. She didn’t try to pretend that she was perfect. Her little mishaps were actually rather adorable. When they weren’t threatening her life, that was.
    What the lovely Miss Talbot needed was someone to protect her. Someone to lend a quick and steady hand. Someone who could bask in her lightheartedness.
    And didn’t that seem like an enviable place to be?
    â€œWe’d best go, then, before something untoward happens to you because of my ill luck.”
    A long curl, dark as molasses, had escaped, and Oliver gently tucked it behind her ear then lingered to stroke the line of her jaw. How he wished that he could remove his glove to feel her bare skin with his fingertips.
    â€œWhy is that, little starling? Do you think my dignity cannot handle a thump or two? I assure you, it can.”
    The light of laughter had returned to her face, and she actually leaned into his hand like a little tabby cat he’d had as a boy. Could he make her purr like one? His pulse leaped at the thought.
    â€œDo you think you are immune to ridicule because you’re a duke?”
    â€œOn the contrary. I’m inured to it because I’m a duke.” The first drop of rain plopped fat and cold on the bridge of his nose, and Lizzie tried to stifle a laugh. The more he heard that gay sound, the more he realized what he was missing. “And here’s the rain coming. We’d best hurry.”
    They made a hasty way across the park, but even with the umbrella he carried to shield them, the quickening rainfall dampened his trousers. By the time they made it to the waiting coachmen, Lizzie’s muslin gown was wicking so much moisture that she had begun to shiver.
    Oliver eyed the vehicle waiting for Lizzie and mentally cursed. It was a barouche, as suited the ever fashionable Lady Alderfield but was utterly un suited for the deluge. The short folding-hood was