A Pirate for Christmas: A Regency Novella Read Online Free PDF

Farrar.
    Elizabeth.
    Bess.
    No great chore. She was lovely in her odd assortment of clothing and her muddy boots. Running around the field, she’d lost her scarf. The exercise had loosened her hair and curling blond tendrils framed her vivid face.
    Rory opened the gate and stood back to let Bess and Daisy go through ahead of him. “Although I don’t believe we’ve settled terms for her use.”
    Bess fixed startled dark blue eyes on him. “What do you mean? We always use Daisy. It’s tradition.”
    A rascally smile stretched his lips as he shut the gate. “Aye, but now there’s a new hand on the tiller at Penton Abbey—or had you forgotten?”
    “But…you helped to catch her. And if you don’t let us have her, everyone will be so disappointed.” Her voice firmed. “It will make a bad impression.”
    “I wanted to see her to work out what she’s worth.”
    Bess brightened. “Are you offering to sell her? I’m sure we can set a price.”
    He propped his back against the fence and folded his arms. “Not sell, rent.”
    She frowned. “How much?”
    Without shifting his attention from Bess, he hooked the heel of his boot on the fence’s lowest rail. “Not how much, what.”
    She looked distinctly uneasy. Again he applauded her instincts. “You’re being cursed enigmatic, my lord.”
    “I’m merely negotiating fair hire for this magnificent animal, Miss Farrar.”
    Bess looked doubtfully at the small donkey, muddy and unkempt after living outside all summer. “And what might that be?”
    “Nothing too ruinous.” Wicked triumph flooded him as he stared unblinkingly at Bess. “One wee kiss, and Daisy is yours for the play.”

 
    Chapter Three
     
    “K -kiss me?” Bess stammered, staring aghast at the handsome, confident man slouched elegantly in front of her. She was so shocked that she forgot to hold on to Daisy, but luckily Lord Channing had his wits about him and caught her before she scarpered.
    “Aye, that’s what I said,” he told her calmly, as if he was a civilized man and not a wicked rake. Because surely only wicked rakes went around kissing ladies they hardly knew.
    “The gossip was right,” she muttered, too rattled to mind her tongue.
    “That I’m an opportunist?”
    “That you’re a…a libertine.”
    His low laugh sent seductive music rippling across her skin. “Good Lord, it seems I’ve provided the locals with plenty of entertainment even before I play Joseph.”
    “Which doesn’t mean this particular local has to provide entertainment for you, my lord.”
    Channing plastered a regretful expression on his face. “Of course you don’t. Please forgive me for asking.” He turned to open the gate and started to lead Daisy back the way they’d come.
    “Where are you going?” Bess asked, bewildered.
    “I’m putting Daisy back in her field. I’m sure you’ll find another donkey. At a pinch, a pony will fit the bill.”
    Bess caught a growl behind her teeth. She’d known Lord Channing an afternoon, and already he counted as the most provoking person she’d ever met. Her hands clenched in the greatcoat’s voluminous pockets as she stared after his retreating back.
    He’d taken another ten steps before she spoke. “I didn’t say no.”
    He pulled Daisy up and turned to face Bess. “You didn’t say yes.”
    “You startled me. I’m not used to rogues demanding my favors in return for agreeing to perfectly reasonable requests.”
    His smile was careless. “I’m so pleased that I’m broadening your horizons.”
    His insouciant air ruffled her temper. He was obviously used to kissing women at the drop of a hat. She couldn’t be nearly so casual about the idea, even if she’d wager he knew how to kiss a girl until he filled her dreams. “You’re proving yourself worthy of your reputation.”
    “As a Scot, a pirate, and a philanderer?”
    “When you lend us Daisy, you’re helping the community.”
    “Looked at that way, so are you when you kiss me.”
    The