Her Protector's Pleasure Read Online Free PDF Page B

at the corners—not enough to be exotic, but sufficient for English perfection. It seemed nigh impossible that irises could reflect such a vibrant shade of green or that they could mesmerize so with their depths of knowledge and mystery. With a wry flash, he understood why she wore that emerald necklace: not to match her eyes, but to highlight their natural superiority over the most dazzling of jewels.
    Aye, he could not argue with her beauty.
    But that she was also wicked, he had no doubt. Wicked, clever ... and dangerous. Now that he had her measure, he told himself that her physical attractions did not matter. He had no interest in a femme fatale or in sophisticated games. He was a simple man, with simple desires. Though the loss of Jane had dimmed his optimism, it had not altered his vision for the future.
    He still wanted a loyal, amiable wife, a companion to ease the solitude of life's journey. Together, he and she would occupy a snug, ivy-covered cottage. In his idyllic musings, his better half would come to care for his family and bring some semblance of stability to the chaotic Kent brood. And if they were so blessed, he and his wife might have a child or children of their own to nurture and watch grow.
    In other words, he yearned for normality. Peace.
    The very opposite of what Lady Marianne Draven represented.
    As if reading his thoughts, she smiled and untied her cloak. His pulse thudded as the velvet skin slid down her body, pooling at her feet. Aye, this sinful temptress would bring no man peace. His blood heated as his eyes traced the slender elegance of her figure. The misty green gown bared her creamy shoulders and clung to her high, rounded breasts. It hinted at her small waist and softly curved hips before frothing at her dainty slippered toes.
    She was a woman without physical equal. Yet despite her polished exterior, he glimpsed shadows in the lucid depths of her eyes. Could such a pampered creature know pain or suffering? His thoughts blurred as she came closer to him. Her perfume curled in his nostrils, and the complex scent—exotic yet clean and utterly mouth-watering—roused a primal male response. Desire punched him in the gut, and he became almost light-headed.
    No wonder: his blood had been redirected to another organ instead. To his shock, he felt his cock growing hard beneath his smalls.
    Inwardly cursing his lack of control, he said, "I must take my leave."
    "Nonsense. You've just arrived. And I cannot in good conscience allow you to leave without attending to your injuries."
    She placed a hand on his arm, and he flinched at the sudden sting. Glancing down, he saw that blood had soaked through the makeshift bandage. Damn, her shot must have done more damage than he'd realized. His wooziness intensified.
    "You'd best sit before you fall down," she added.
    Shaking his head and finding that it only made matters worse, he saw no choice but to do as she instructed. He stumbled over to the gilded settee and sprawled onto the snowy velvet. The room spun from the effort.
    His hostess peered down at him. "Let's get your clothes off, then," she said. "Can you manage or shall I do it?"
    Shock pierced his buffle-headedness. "Beg pardon?" he managed.
    "I can't very well examine your arm with your shirt on. Come, you aren't afraid for your virtue, are you?" she said, her brows lifting. "I promise I shan't take advantage."
    "Of course I'm not afraid," he muttered. "But it's hardly proper."
    She gave a throaty laugh. "And you are a proper sort, aren't you, Mr. Kent?"
    "I believe in decency, yes," he retorted.
    Her gaze thinned just as a knock sounded. At her command, a small army of uniformed servants entered bearing trays, towels, and a steaming copper basin. The one in charge, a sturdy brunette with a scar that extended from her ear down into her starched collar, said curtly, "Where would you like this, milady?"
    "The bathing implements by me," Lady Marianne said. "And the refreshments can go next to Mr.