A Lady's Revenge Read Online Free PDF Page B

came to be in Valère’s dungeon.”
    And with a single question, the interrogation began. Cora had given careful consideration as to how much of her eleven-day imprisonment she should reveal to these men whom she loved beyond measure. There were pieces of her tale that must remain locked away, events she daren’t relive, sacrifices best not disclosed to loved ones.
    Her gaze fell on her immobile hand, noticed her thumb tucked between her first two fingers. She gritted her teeth. For many years, she had controlled the telltale sign of her unease. Not once while she was in prison had the weakness appeared. Why did it surface now?
    She unlocked her fingers and allowed the blood to stream back into her thumb. She glanced at Guy to make sure he hadn’t noticed her reversion to old habits, and released a breath when only his back met her gaze.
    Cora raised her chin before addressing Somerton. “I would prefer to get this over with as quickly as possible.” Even with dread tingling through her body, culminating in damp pockets on her palms, she somehow managed to hide the growing anxiety caused by her inquisitors’ stares.
    “As you wish, Cora.” He resumed his place by the fire.
    Cora began emptying her mind of past, present, and future doubts. She wrestled her thoughts into a logical—and safe—pattern of events, and then inhaled three deep breaths. The familiar exercise, one she had used many times since arriving at Charles Street, steadied her fragile nerves.
    Still, she hesitated. Her gaze flicked to the unmoving figure by the window.
    Noting her concern, her brother said, “Cora, you may speak freely in front of Helsford. He’s been privy to our family’s secrets for years. You know he is more like a brother than friend.”
    For you, perhaps.
    For her, brotherly feelings toward Guy had ceased during her last summer in England, three years ago. The same summer her guardian and mentor deemed her ready to cross the Channel to find the man who murdered her parents.
    The summer her childhood friend became her living hell.
    “Remove the mask, Cora.”
    Cora bit back a sharp retort, unwilling to comply with Guy’s demand. The black silk mask she wore to conceal her identity provided a small measure of protection against his dark, probing gaze.
    He stalked closer, looking more beautiful and dangerous than she could ever remember. And she remembered everything about him.
    “Perhaps you need assistance,” he said.
    She could tell from the tone of his voice that his protective instincts were fully engaged. Always sensitive to her welfare, he would not understand her attendance at Mrs. Lancaster’s masked ball. No one would, really, except Somerton, but then he was not keen on her presence here, either.
    Why, tonight of all nights, did Guy have to return to England? Had he already learned of her purpose for coming to the masquerade? She studied his expression and decided he had not. His features reflected determination and a guarded curiosity… and a compulsion to admire the indecent amount of flesh rising above her crimson bodice. No, if he had known why she was dressed in such a revealing gown and what had caused the flush across her cheeks, he would be hauling her out of here like a misbehaving child.
    She glanced around the small sitting room she had ducked into earlier to compose herself. It was free of other guests, and Guy’s broad shoulders blocked the French doors leading out to the small terrace. She set her jaw, knowing he would not relent until he had his way. “That won’t be necessary, you beast.”
    She tugged on the ribbon holding the mask in place and felt a wave of vulnerability wash over her. She, too, had transformed in the intervening months. Would he like what he saw? Would she measure up to all the exotic ladies he had met during his travels?
    The mask fell away, and a new intensity sharpened his features. “You’ve changed.” He stepped closer, his gaze traveling over every square inch of