Dangerous Joy Read Online Free PDF Page A

last her lips did soften and part for him. Murmuring encouragement, he stroked her delightful curves. Easing her mouth further open, he kissed her fully, finding her every bit as sweet as he'd expected, and every bit as responsive.
    He wasn't aware that his hand was inside her shift until she pulled away with an alarmed cry.
    He quickly covered her mouth, abruptly remembering his resolve to be circumspect in this locality. "Alas, sweet Joy, this is not the time and place."
    When he was sure she wouldn't scream, he freed her mouth. "Just direct me to my horse, my dear. When I've seen to him, I'll be happy to rest my bruises alone."
    But she gripped his hand, bone-tight, preventing him from moving away. "You don't need to check on your horse, sir! Michael Flaherty has seen to him, and he's the best stable lad in five counties."
    He twisted his hand free. "It's a practice of mine not to leave my horses to others, especially not a horse as valuable as Argonaut. The stables will be at the back, I suppose."
    He set off toward the lane beside the low building, but she grabbed his jacket. "Sir, please. Don't leave me!" She towed him back and flung herself into his arms. "You cannot be so cruel! You've made me mad for you!"
    She had him up against the horse-trough with enough weight and strength to bruise his back. "Darling, I've never left a lady desperate yet. Give me a moment to see to Argonaut and I'll ease your madness willingly."
    "I can't wait! You can see to the horse in the morning."
    He seized her hands and fought his way free. It was quite a struggle, for she was strong for her size. "Enough," he snapped. "Or—terrible waste though it'd be—I'll toss you into the trough to cool you down."
    Her breathing was so rough it sounded like sobs. "Please..."
    Her desperation was breaking his own control and he almost gave in, but Argonaut... He must check on Argonaut.
    He put a comforting arm around her and led her down the lane. "Hush, a muirnin. Just a moment or two and I'll give you all you desire. Come on now. Open the lantern and let's find the fine fellow."
    Her madness seemed to abate, for she managed to open the window in the lantern so he could check the loose-boxes. Two contained heavy horses, and then he found Argonaut.
    The horse whinnied a greeting and pushed his head into Miles's chest. Miles stroked him fondly. "Taken care of you better than me from the looks of it, eh?" Then he saw the bandage on the hind hock. Not a bandage. A fomentation...
    Lust dissipated. He was into the box in a second, feeling for damage. He moved the horse and took in the limp. "May hell wait for the lot of `em!"
    He erupted into the yard and seized the woman. "You and your louts have lamed my best horse!"
    "We meant him no harm."
    "Meant him no harm? I saw someone hit him with a cudgel. If Argonaut's damaged I'll see the lot of you in Botany Bay!"
    Abruptly, she stood taller. "I see. People don't matter. Just horses, and then only for the price they'll bring in England." She wore a sneer fit for an ancient queen of Ireland.
    He thrust her away. "Most horses are worth a deal more than most people. Especially whores."
    "Whores! Damn your black heart, I'm no whore!"
    "You'd have spread your legs to keep me from finding out about this, wouldn't you? To stop me from reporting your antics to the magistrates. That's whoring in my mind."
    She laughed with scorn. "You weren't reluctant to take me up on the offer, were you? Why is that more noble, my fine gentleman?"
    He turned back to the stall. "Just pray my horse is sound, sweet Joy, or someone will suffer."
    "Mick says its nothing serious and he'll be easier in the morning. If you'd only waited until then, you'd not have been so distressed. Why the devil didn't you take me up on my offer?"
    Turning to face her, he was struck by her magnificence—red hair touched to flame by the lantern, angry pride holding her straight and tall. Damn, but he still desired her.
    "Hurts, does it? Darling, you