A Matter of Choice Read Online Free PDF Page A

strong.”
    “But you do. Or you will run over him at every turn and be unhappy for the rest of your life.”
    She stood speechless, her heart not sure how fast or slow to beat. “You must think very little of me,” she said when she could again speak.
    “On the contrary. I think quite highly of you. I recognize your strengths and know you wouldn’t be content with a weak husband for even a day, let alone your entire life.”
    “I see you consider yourself an expert on the qualities that attract a man and a woman. How is it, sir, that you are not married? Can you recognize these characteristics in everyone but yourself?”
    “I am not the one considering marriage. You are.”
    “Yes. But since I am not for one second considering marriage to you , I would appreciate it if you kept your opinions to yourself.”
    He pushed himself from the railing and towered over her, his legs anchored wide. “Very well, but first let me impart another piece of information before I leave you to your own demise. Lord Archbite is not all he seems.”
    “What do you mean by that?”
    “Only that it would be to your advantage to make some inquiries before you connect yourself too deeply with him.”
    “Why are you doing this? Do you dislike him that much? Or is it me?”
    “I do not dislike him at all.” He shrugged, as if the warning he’d issued was inconsequential. As if omitting her last question would not be noticed. Her blood ran cold. Her temper erupted.
    “You are disgusting.”
    A smile crossed his face. “I believe you’ve already mentioned that.”
    “Thank you for your concern. Now please leave me alone.”
    “You’re angry.”
    “Angry?” she said, as if she could not believe that surprised him. “I have been bullied, insulted, and by association to you, been made the object of gossip. And you called me a fool.”
    “I didn’t call you a fool. I said marrying Archbite would indeed be foolish.”
    Montfort placed a finger beneath her chin and lifted upward until her gaze locked with his. “He cannot release one portion of the passion you have hidden inside you. And you do not even know it is there.”
    “I don’t have the faintest idea what you mean.”
    “I know. And you should.”
    Before she could react, he grasped her shoulders and pulled her close. She knew he intended to kiss her. Just as she knew she couldn’t allow it. She would never be the same if she did.
    She brought her hands up to push him away but it was no use. He was too strong. Too powerful. Too desirable.
    His arms wrapped around her and his mouth pressed against hers.
    The kiss was soft, gentle. Almost chaste. And she held herself still, locking every muscle, using every ounce of fortitude she possessed to close her mind to the heat swirling through her body.
    “Don’t fight me,” he whispered. His lips brushed feathery kisses over her cheek and down the side of her face. “You need to know what you have to offer some very fortunate man.”
    Before she could make another attempt to escape his grasp, his mouth pressed more firmly against hers. His lips covered hers with a possessiveness that was inescapable. With amazing skill he moved over her, tasting her, drinking from her, and demanding something.
    She had no idea what it was.
    She swore she would not let his kisses affect her. Just as she swore she would not kiss him back. But when his mouth opened atop hers, she lost her battle.
    Fiery passion swirled in the pit of her stomach when his tongue probed the crease of her lips, churning her insides with an uncontrollable yearning. Her heart pounded in her breast. Blood thundered in her head. And she clung to him as if he alone could keep her from falling, when it was his fault she could not stand.
    She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t take in enough air to survive. So she opened her mouth and let him breathe with her, for her. And he deepened his kiss.
    She moaned, the sound a desperate plea for more.
    His tongue entered, searched,