Deverell's Obsession: A Risqué Regency Romance Read Online Free PDF Page B

guided her here, where I was awaiting her arrival. The poor girl contracted a fever on the voyage and was unwell when finally admitted to Deverell House, so you have graciously opened your home to us for as long as it takes for her to recover.”
    Dev took a breath and then broke into applause.  “My God, Aunt Bertie. You are a marvel. Have you considered a career as a writer of novels? You can spin an excellent tale.”
    She waved his comment aside. “Of course I’ve thought about it. But it’s hard work and doesn’t pay enough to keep me in rouge. Besides, nobody would ever believe half the stuff I could write about and the other half would shock the petticoats off most of ‘em.”
    “Good point.” He gestured to the door. “Well, I’m going to start my investigating. Would you like to go up and peek in on your guest?”
    “Love to. Er…Dev?”
    “Yes?”
    “What’s her name ?”
    Dev slapped his forehead. “Aaargh. I’m losing my mind today. Her name is Léonie. Léonie Petrova Girard .”
    As the words rolled off his tongue, as smooth as honey in sunshine, something inside him woke up—and smiled.    

Chapter Four
    The room was almost dark when Léonie opened her eyes. She closed them again for a moment, listening, hearing the sound of rain against windows and every now and again the soft pop of a fire.
    She felt numb—in body and in mind—the vague remembrance of odd things scuttling around the edges of her consciousness.
    Shifting, she felt her leg cramp and she moaned as her toes began to curl.
    “What is it? Is it your head?” A hand came down and stroked the hair away from her face.
    “N-n-no,” she stuttered. “My leg. Cramping…”
    “Ahh, how very much those things hurt.”
    He, and it was a he , eased the covers away and she felt the chill air against her skin as his hands found her foot and began to massage the toes. She sighed with pleasure as his fingers dug into her calf, loosening the tightness and allowing her to relax once more.
    “ Merci . Thank you…”
    Confused, she didn’t know which language to speak, although her savior seemed to understand her.
    She was covered again by the bedding and tucked in.
    “Hush. You must rest. You are safe, Léonie. Safe at Deverell House in London.”
    She closed her eyes and absorbed his words. Something did sound familiar to her. “Deverell House.” She paused. “You are Deverell.”
    “Yes.”
    “Why are you in this room? Do I live here with you?” It was all so muddled.
    “You are my guest and will remain thus until you are well. You suffered an injury and although the doctor tells me you will fully recover, it will take a bit of time.”
    “I am to stay?”
    “Yes. Here in this lovely suite of rooms. When you are better I look forward to showing you the rest of my home.”
    “I shall like that, I think.” Her head was floating.
    “I hope so.”
    “Why is my head fuzzy?”
    She heard a soft chuckle. “Because it’s better to be fuzzy than in pain.”
    “I suppose so.”
    “The doctor gave you a little laudanum to help you sleep. Rest is important in your healing process.”
    “Laudanum. I remember Countess Vorlinka took it. She always looked half asleep.” She yawned.
    “And now you know why.”
    The hand came back and smoothed her forehead again. It was strange, but comforting. “Thank you Mr. Deverell…” She felt her tongue slur the words.
    “Don’t mention it. And my name is Dev.”
    “I shouldn’t…” She blinked, a flash of fear darting through her and taking away her breath. “My ring. Where is my ring?”
    “Shhh. I have it safe.”
    “Why? Did you steal it?” Her fingers scrabbled on the sheet covering her.
    “Here, Léonie. Feel. Here is your ring.”
    She realized he had taken her hand, turned it over and placed the ring on her palm.
    With a sigh of relief, she enclosed it, drawing strength and pleasure from the familiar touch. “Oh thank God.”
    “You entrusted me with it when you