Between the Devil and Desire Read Online Free PDF

weren’t so long, he didn’t think he’d be able to outdistance her. “Not that it’s any of your concern, but I want to speak with Beckwith.”
    Why was he bothering to explain himself? He explained himself to no one. He hadn’t since he’d decided to make the streets his home.
    He hurried down the stairs, the duchess nipping at his heels like a rapacious dog. He strode through the hallway that displayed possessions that had no doubt been gathered for generations. The liveried footman opened the door to the library. Jack walked inside and quickly spun around to face the duchess, barring her entry.
    She stumbled to an abrupt, jerky halt, her breathing labored, her golden eyes wide, her luscious lips parted. When her mouth wasn’t puckered up as though she spent her spare time sucking lemons, she had a damned kissable-looking mouth. It irritated him that he noticed, irritated him even more that he wondered what kissing her would be like.
    â€œIn private,” he said and slammed the door on her. Her infuriated shriek penetrated the thickness of the wood, bringing him a small sense of victory. Not trusting her to do as he bade, he turned the key in the lock. Fortunate that the duke had kept it handy. He was no doubt accustomed to dealing with his wife’s disagreeable moods and this room probably served as his sanctuary for solitude.
    Jack sauntered toward Beckwith, who seemed innocently unaware of the turmoil roiling through Jack. The man was either a fool or as skilled at playing cards as Jack was. “It’s been a little more than fourteen years since you approached me with the news I had an anonymous benefactor. That’s the only reason I bothered to make an appearance tonight. Was my benefactor the Duke of Lovingdon?”
    While it made absolutely no sense, that explanation was the only one Jack could come up with to explain this lunacy.
    â€œI serve at the pleasure of many lords and gentlemen of considerable wealth, Mr. Dodger. Your benefactor wished to remain anonymous, and so he shall.”
    â€œAre you saying he wasn’t Lovingdon?”
    â€œI’m saying until your benefactor gives me leave to reveal his wishes, I will hold his confidence to the best of my ability.”
    â€œWhat if I beat you to a bloody pulp? I suspect you’d find your ability isn’t what you think it is.”
    Beckwith had the audacity to grin as though he were slightly amused. Jack didn’t like being made sport of, or worse, having his bluffs called. Swearing beneath his breath, he swept his hand over the will and ledgers. “This makes no sense.”
    â€œIs it important that it does?”
    â€œIt’s important I understand why a man I spoke to on only a few occasions deemed it appropriate to give me so much for doing so little.”
    â€œBeing guardian of a lord of the realm is a grave, serious, and important task, Mr. Dodger. Don’t underestimate the power of your influence or the amount of work required to ensure the young lord becomes a man who can reach his potential.”
    Jack laughed harshly. “Blast it all, man, that’s my point exactly. The duchess is correct. I am the last person who should serve as guardian and protector of her son. I abhor the aristocracy.”
    â€œThat’s unfortunate, especially as they are largely responsible for your unprecedented success. The duke felt differently regarding your qualifications for guiding his son into manhood. However, he also understood you cannot be forced to do that which you have no desire todo. You have twenty-four hours to give me your decision. At the end of that time, if you have not agreed to the terms and conditions of the will as presented to you this evening, your opportunity to gain all of this—and the final item—will have passed and the second will shall be brought into play.”
    â€œYou speak as though this is an elaborate game.”
    Beckwith smiled