Accidentally Compromising the Duke Read Online Free PDF

suspected something was wrong from her dizzying reaction to the man’s closeness. Mr. Atwood had never made her feel such wanton heat from a mere touch. But she had foolishly dismissed the warning clangs away, thinking it was the fright and exhilaration of doing something so wickedly forbidden…and the mystifying power of the liquid courage.
    There was a shuffle. Then a tinderbox was struck, and the candle on the nightstand was lit.
    Her breath caught audibly and unknown sensations erupted below her navel. He was savagely beautiful, and nothing like her Mr. Atwood. The bold angles of this unknown man’s face hinted at restrained power. Cynicism and sensuality combined in the hard lines of his mouth. As she recalled the sublime taste and the feel of those firm, sensual lips, she trembled, noticing eyes that belonged to a hawk sharpen with interest. He continued to stare without speaking and a curious tightening sensation clenched deep inside, rooting her.
    It made her feel very uncomfortable. In fact, he had a quality of stillness that she found unnerving. But it was his eyes…they were empty and devoid of the passion and intent she had certainly felt in his touch. Suddenly her heart ached for this man, whoever he was.
    His expression was impassive. “I will ask again, who are you and why are you in my bed?” His tone was rough, and devilishly sinful.
    Devilishly sinful…oh… She read too many romantic novels. Adel’s mortifying response must be on account of the few glasses of sherry. “Surely you do not expect me to own to my identity?”
    He chuckled, the sound full of dark challenge. “Yes, in fact, I insist upon it.”
    She blinked. He was most assuredly serious. The glow from the candle was very weak. If she could barely ascertain his features, surely he might not recognize her in the light of day. “I bid you good-bye,” Adel said.
    She made to launch from the bed, and swifter than she tracked, a firm hand clasped her wrist. Sudden fear sliced through the false relaxation she had been lulled into by her liquid courage.
    “Tell me your name before you leave,” he demanded, sounding earnest and mystified in the same breath. Then he scowled and released her, as if he had been stung. “Go,” he bit out sharply. “Before I do something foolish in my desire to find out who you are and how you had the means to enter my locked chamber.”
    Who was he? And why was she in his chamber? There was a niggle of uncertainty, and she frowned, wading through the haze, the steps she had taken to arrive at this particular chamber. “ Oh, God someone is going to come soon!” Adel scrambled from the bed, tripping on the sheets in her haste. A spasm of fear coursed through her at the realization Evie would have her mother barging in at any moment. “I thought you were someone else, and I must leave immediately. Please, sir, I beg of you do not repeat this story to anyone!”
    There was simply no time for her to ascertain his intention, and to extract a promise of silence. On the heels of her proclamation the door was flung open and everything inside of Adel collapsed in dread. She would never recover from this.
    Oh, God, Mr. Atwood .
    She had lost him, and the hope of freedom.
    The man’s hand darted with a speed she almost missed and his forefingers pinched the flickering flame of the wick, plunging the room into darkness. Only the light spilling in from the hallway offered some sight.
    “Upon my word, Miss Adeline!” Lady Gladstone gasped, clearly able to still recognize Adel.
    Her breath rasped and her heart pounded. No…no, no. She clenched her eyes shut. She couldn’t credit what was happening. Everything had been so perfectly planned. She couldn’t have been found in bed with a stranger. She hurried forward, praying she would not stumble. “I swear to you on my honor, Lady Gladstone, this is a dreadful mistake and there is a very reasonable explanation. If you would quickly close the door, I will—”
    Heavy