Desert Song (DeWinter's Song 3) Read Online Free PDF

disparagingly about Lady Dunmore. I like her, and she deserves better."
    "Why not pity me? You don't know what it's like to be married to a woman with a cold disposition. Twelve years we've been married." His eyes raked Mallory's body to fasten on the swelling of her young breasts against her tight-fitting riding habit. "I've often imagined how you'd warm a man's bed on a cold night, Mallory."
    She stared at him in horror. "How dare you? You're deplorable."
    He appeared undaunted by her rebuke. His voice became silky. "Perhaps I am, but I could do things to you that would leave you begging for more."
    She whirled on him, her eyes darkening in rage. "Get off my father's land. You aren't welcome here."
    He merely laughed. "Not very hospitable this morning, are you? Never mind—sooner or later I'll break down your defenses."
    "Never! What must I do to convince you that I don't even like you?"
    His eyes burned into hers with naked desire. "It's been my experience with women that they often say no when what they really mean is yes."
    "You think too much of your charms. 1 find you-offensive and without honor."
    "Honor is just a word invented by fools who were too afraid to say what they really feel. I believe, given the right circumstances, you would be more than amiable to me.
    Tibor chose that moment to perform his antics. He tossed his mane and pranced about, causing Mallory to devote her full attention to quieting the spirited animal.
    Sir Gerald's eyes followed Mallory's every graceful movement. As she attempted to gentle her mount, her hat flew off and dark auburn hair spilled down her back. He ached to possess her. He was determined to have her, no matter what. He had been very tolerant with her, but no more. Today he would take her, with or without her consent.
    Mallory slid off her horse and walked to the bramble bush where the wind had blown her hat. Before she could poise it on her head, she was grabbed from behind. She spun around to face Sir Gerald.
    "Take your hands off me!" she demanded.
    His eyes rested on her heaving breasts, and he felt a strong need to crush her in his arms. "You always turn away my advances, but there is no one here to stop me from taking what I want."
    Mallory was suddenly afraid, but she was determined not to allow him to see that fear. "Release me," she said bravely. "Your wife will hear about this if you don't leave me alone."
    His grip only tightened. "Why do women pretend they don't want a man's kiss, when all along they ache for it?"
    "Don't you care about your wife?"
    "I can't even abide to be in the same room with her. Have pity on me and give me what I crave."
    "I don't know what kind of woman you think I am, Sir Gerald. But I'm outraged that you would take such liberties with me. If my father were here, he'd kill you for touching me."
    "But he isn't. The whole village knows that your parents have never been concerned for your welfare, m'lady. Since your father began acquiring artifacts for British museums, he and your mother only care about traveling the world for treasures, leaving their greatest treasure unguarded." He touched her hair and she drew back. "Your mother and father don't give you a thought, while I can't get you out of my mind."
    "You insult me."
    "You know I speak the truth, m'lady. Now, if you were nice to me, I'd never leave you alone. I know your father has left you practically impoverished. Most of the servants have gone, and those who remain are too old to look after you properly. Under my protection, you would want for nothing. I would shower you with fancy gowns and expensive trinkets."
    She was disgusted by his vile suggestion. "How dare you make such a lewd offer to me. I'm a highborn lady, and not some guttersnipe."
    He slid one hand behind her head and the other about her shoulders, bringing her closer to him. "It's because you are highborn that you appeal to me. I will have you, Mallory, make no mistake about that."
    Her heart was thundering with fear.