Deeper in Sin Read Online Free PDF Page A

protector was supposed to do, according to her mother’s memoirs.
    â€œWell, we would have stimulating conversations,” Sophie said. “I would be a very gracious companion. I would make him very happy and please him. And perhaps there might be love between us.”
    â€œLove,” he repeated. The duke looked at her as if she had just told him the sky was green and had always been that color. Then he shook his head. “I can’t let you do this. It’s not right.”
    He looked like Dr. and Mrs. Tucker had when she’d had to admit she was expecting a babe. So disapproving.
    But he was a duke. Wealthy beyond imagination. He had no idea! “It is easy for you to say. You have no idea what it is like to watch children sob quietly because their tummies are empty and they know there is no point in asking for more food because there isn’t any!” Frustration crackled inside her. “And if you think it is so wrong for a woman to be a courtesan, why are you here?”
    â€œI didn’t say it’s wrong for a female to be a ladybird. It’s wrong for you to be one.”
    His light blue eyes and his long dark lashes dazzled her. How gorgeous he was. But this was hopeless. Utterly hopeless.
    â€œI do thank you for your advice,” she said stiffly. “Since you are so obviously experienced with my type of situation—I’m sure you’ve spent many days penniless, with an entire family dependent on you—I will most assuredly take your advice to heart.”
    She began to walk away.
    His hand clamped on her wrist, stopping her. “Walking away from me to find another charming protector like Halwell? You will get on a coach and go home if I have to plant you on the seat myself.”
    She could not go home! Lord Devars knew what she had done to save her family—the terrible thing she’d had to do. He could have her arrested and transported.
    He had offered her a bargain. He would not turn her in to the magistrate if she became his lover. He’d given her a fortnight to make her decision.
    But if she had a lot of money, she could move Belle and the children somewhere Devars would never find them. And if he came after her, she could use her wealth to make them all disappear.
    She could not go back just as impoverished as when she’d left.
    â€œI can’t go home with empty hands. I can’t look at all their faces and see the disappointment and the fear. I don’t care what the price is for them to be fed and safe and happy.”
    â€œYou do not even understand the price,” he said softly. “Come with me.”
    â€œTo dance?”
    â€œNo. I have something to show you.”
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    Cary had planned to find a mistress here tonight so he could prove to himself he could take a bride and have a normal married life with her. A married life that would include children—the duty of every English peer.
    Instead, he was leading a pretty dark-haired young woman down a quiet corridor to show her the truth about life as a courtesan.
    At every turn in their conversation, Sophie Ashley had startled him. She had argued with him. She had disdained him for being here, looking for a mistress when she was looking for a protector. She’d accused him of being clueless when it came to poverty. Then, when she’d decided she’d wanted to waltz, she’d guilelessly tried to drag him onto the dance floor. She’d sparkled like a jewel, her lovely green eyes wide and full of hope and excitement. Her innocence had shone like a candle’s glow.
    She had sweetness. And spirit.
    She was an absolute beauty with her lush black hair and massive green eyes.
    And she had no bloody clue what she was doing.
    He led her out of the ballroom and down one of the corridors of the assembly rooms. He took her farther from the crowd, where the hall was darker. For all appearances, it was deserted, but he knew differently. At these events, a