A Wicked Deception Read Online Free PDF

eyebrow.
    “You . Don’t you remember?” She laughed. “James accompanied us on the piano in your drawing room.”
    “Ah yes, I’d forgotten. Tell me, what are you doing here?”
    “Robbie brought me. He won two tickets in a card game.”
    “Rubbish . That young devil is up to something.”
    “Please.” Her lips trembled. “Don’t spoil things for me. I’ve had a wonderful evening. Robbie arranged for us to come in a fine coach with velvet seats and a liveried coachman. I felt like a princess.”
    “You’re so sweet.” With one finger he pushed back a stray tendril of hair that had worked its way loose and fallen across her cheek.
    “ So, here you are, Michael.” Priscilla minced up to them. She offered no greeting, so the smile froze on Melanie’s lips
    His hand dropped away. “Priscilla, I wondered where you were. You remember Melanie?”
    “Of course. Lord and Lady Beckworth have been asking for you.”
    “We’d better not keep them waiting. Thank you for the dance, my dear.” He bowed slightly.
    “Goodbye.” Melanie bit her lip to stop the angry words spilling out of her mouth at Priscilla’s snub. What a horrible, rude creature.
    They made a striking couple. Priscilla’s gown of lemon silk sat low at the front, showing the swell of creamy white breasts, and her skirt belling out over numerous petticoats emphasized her tiny waistline.
    Tom walked towards her with an uneven gait. “I’ve been s … searching for you.” He slurred his words. “It’s hot in here.” He ran a trembling finger around his collar. “Let’s take some fresh air on the terrace.”
    She shook her head . Casting a desperate glance around the room, she searched for Robbie who was nowhere to be seen. He had neglected her shamefully. She would have no hesitation in telling him so at the first opportunity. Tom grabbed her hand, his fingers bit into her flesh as he dragged her through the double glass doors opening on to the empty terrace.
    “Cold, beautiful princess?” he asked, as she shivered. “I can warm you up.” He put his arms around her shoulders.
    She tried pulling away, but he held her firmly. She wanted to scream and kick out at him, but sensed this would be useless as her puny strength couldn’t match his . Keep calm, she told herself. Dear God, why had she agreed to dance with him so often? Why hadn’t she refused him? Told Michael or Robbie about him pestering her? Her own foolishness had placed her in this awful position, but if she remained calm, she might be able to extricate herself without creating a scene.
    “We should go back inside, I don’t have a cloak.” She gave a nervous, high pitched laugh.
    “Not yet, pretty girl.”
    Before she realized his intention, he pulled her body hard up against his own. His mouth closing over hers cut off a scream. His slopping wet lips, tasted of alcohol. He kissed her brutally, crushed her body so hard against him, breathing proved impossible. Kicking at his legs was useless against his superior male strength. She fought for survival. Desperately punched at his shoulders, using her fists with all the strength she could muster. If her hand had made contact with his face she would have scratched his eyes out. Everything started going black. Then she was free.
    “Touch her again, Ogilvy, and you’re a dead man,” Robbie snarled. He shoved Tom away and positioned himself between them.
    “Oh Robbie.” She sagged against him with relief.
    “Did he hurt you?”
    Tears of relief pooled in her eyes. “He wouldn’t let me go.” The tears poured down her cheeks. Why was she acting so foolishly now the danger had passed? Robbie draped his arms around her, and she rested her face against his chest.
    “As for you, Ogilvy, you’re lucky I don’t kill you.”
    “I only took a few kisses. She liked them too.”
    “I hated them. I hate you, you despicable, drunken pig.”
    “So innocent looking, aren’t you,” Tom sneered. “I wanted a few kisses. Not