Dangerous Gifts Read Online Free PDF Page B

once. Aunt Andrea said that bets were being laid in the clubs that Leah would be the next duchess. Leah was not sure how she felt about that. Hardcastle cut an impressive figure and he was certainly a great catch, but he still made her nervous. She needed to become better acquainted with him. “I should like some fresh air, Your Grace.”
    As he guided her across the crowded ballroom, Leah studied the other guests. She had assumed that in London she would make friends with other young women, as she had at home, but that hadn’t happened. The really pretty girls were jealous, and the average ones avoided her. Remembering her own plain days, she guessed that they thought she was interested only in finding foils for her own beauty. The knowledge saddened her. She had not thought beauty would come at the price of friendship.
    Her gaze touched a strikingly lovely young woman with golden hair. She was about the same age as Leah, and instead of scowling, she offered a tentative smile. Leah started to smile back—until she realized that the blonde had vividly green eyes. Exactly like those of Lord Ranulph, or Leah.
    Hardcastle made some remark, and Leah hastily turned away from the green-eyed woman. Was she a faery, or another mortal who had made a devil’s bargain? Leah realized that she didn’t want to know the answer.
    As the orchestra struck up a new dance, the duke led Leah through the French doors. Several other couples were on the stone patio in plain view of the ballroom, so this must be proper. But when he steered her toward the steps that led into the dark garden, Leah balked. “My godmother said I should not be alone with a man.”
    His brows rose impatiently. “I am not a man. I am the Duke of Hardcastle. Lady Wheaton would approve entirely.”
    Before Leah could protest again, they were on a gravel path that led into the heart of the immense garden. It was pleasant to be surrounded by dark, shadowy trees and the scents of growing things rather than chattering ball guests and sweaty bodies. Leah relaxed, enjoying the cool air and the knowledge that she was being escorted by one of England’s greatest lords. This scene would have been unimaginable a month ago. “Your garden seems very lovely, Your Grace. I would like to see it in daylight sometime.”
    “Whenever you wish, my dear.” There was an odd, rough quality to his voice.
    The tree-lined path led into an open space. Though the night was moonless, there was just enough starlight to see the outlines of a marble statue set in the middle of a gently splashing fountain. Leah squinted at the statue, then blushed, glad for the darkness. The sculpture appeared to be a naked woman entwined most improperly with a swan.
    Deciding that she had bent the rules of propriety far enough, she said, “Please take me back, Your Grace. I’m beginning to feel cold.”
    “I’ll keep you warm.” The rough note she had heard before was stronger, and suddenly his arms were around her and his mouth grinding into hers. When she tried to utter a protest, his thick tongue slid between her lips.
    She gagged, feeling as if she would be physically ill. She pushed against his chest, but managed only to pull her face away from his revolting kiss. “Your Grace, please!” she pleaded. “You forget yourself.”
    “It’s because of you, my sweet,” he said hoarsely. His hand slid down and he squeezed her buttock, pressing her hard against his hot, obscenely swollen body. “You’re the most exquisite creature I’ve ever seen. You make me mad with desire.”
    Shocked by the unwanted intimacy, she snapped, “That’s not my fault!” She tried to twist away, but he maintained his grip. One of his groping hands caught her breast. Near hysteria, she gasped, “Let me go or I’ll scream!”
    “For God’s sake, don’t make such a fuss,” he said impatiently. “I wouldn’t seduce you in my own garden if my intentions weren’t honorable.”
    Before she could say that this was not