A Daughter's Destiny Read Online Free PDF

backed away. “No,” she whispered.
    â€œThen, be honest with me.”
    For a single heartbeat, she was ready to agree. Then, as she gazed up at him, she knew she would be a fool to trust him. If Evan Somerset refrained from violence, it was a conscious decision, because his intense eyes warned he could be a fierce foe.
    â€œWhere is the vase, Brienne?” he asked quietly.
    â€œI told you—”
    â€œYou have told me nothing but lies.” He cursed, then smiled as his hands slipped along her shoulders. As she tried to pull away, his fingers encircled her throat.
    Her heart faltered. This was no jest, for his eyes narrowed with fury. Would he strangle her? She held her breath.
    In a blistering whisper, he said, “Mayhap they will be interested in selling it to me for Ł200.”
    She put her hands over his. His grip tightened on her, but she gasped, “’Tis my vase!”
    â€œIs it? Not if you no longer have it.”
    â€œYou would deal with the men who attacked me?”
    With a shrug, he slid his hands up to curve along her cheeks. His mouth grazed her unbruised cheek. She fought the thrill rushing through her. She should despise him, not be taunted with the yearning for his lying lips.
    â€œBusiness is business, my dear Brienne,” he murmured against her ear. “You cannot sell me the vase if you do not have it. What do you expect? That I will find your trinket and then pay you for it? Why would I do that?”
    â€œIt would be the decent thing to do.”
    â€œI have never been described as decent.”
    Pulling out of his grip, Brienne stepped behind the kitchen door. She needed some barrier between her and his tempting touch. “Put the Closed sign in the window on your way out.”
    All humor left his face. “Brienne, for the love of heaven, I am just trying to help you.”
    â€œAnd yourself.”
    â€œWhere is the vase?”
    She did not answer. Running up the kitchen stairs, she paused at the top. She flinched as the street door slammed. Slowly she inched back down the steps. After turning down the lamp by the kitchen door, she drew back the torn curtains on the window.
    Evan Somerset was stepping into an elegant carriage. She frowned. Only a fine lord or a wealthy businessman could own something so grand. Had he been honest with her?
    No! He had been lying.
    He must be lying. Otherwise, those men might be coming back.
    â€œBrienne, what are you doing?”
    She turned. “Grand-mère!”
    Her grandmother leaned a broom against the wall. “May I assume that loud sound was Monsieur Somerset taking his leave?”
    â€œYes.” She wrapped her arms around herself and walked into the kitchen. “I am glad he is gone.”
    â€œAre you, ma petite? ” Grand-mère blew out the lamp. “Is that why you watch from the window?” She smiled. “He makes no secret of his pleasure with you.”
    â€œDo not play the matchmaker. He only wants to cause trouble for us.”
    â€œAre you certain of that?”
    â€œMore certain than I have been of anything in my life.”
    â€œThen, you must decide how you will deal with him, ma petite .”
    She faced her grandmother. “What do you mean?”
    â€œMonsieur Somerset will be back.” Grand-mère’s smile was as strained as her voice. “Of that, I am more certain than I have been of anything in my life.”

Chapter Three
    Brienne rushed to the apartment door. The loud rapping sounded like a drummer going mad in the midst of a symphony. She threw open the door. “Evan!”
    â€œBrienne, I see we are friends once more,” he said with a smile. Again he was dressed as a stylish gentleman should during the Season. Taking off his hat, which was as fashionable as the ruined one had been, he asked, “May I come in?”
    â€œNo.” She pushed the door, but his arm kept her from closing it. “Mr.