In the Barrister's Bed Read Online Free PDF Page A

with the Hertfordshire Registrar the day I purchased the manor. There was no mention of your deed in the books, and I carefully examined them. I questioned the clerk as well, and he was unaware of another owner or resident. So you see the legality of my deed is no longer in question.”
    A cold knot formed in Bella’s stomach. She’d had no idea she was expected to record the deed. She had believed all was legal when Sir Reeves had scrawled his signature on the deed and handed it to her. But this man, this duke, was trying to steal her home from beneath her based on a legal technicality that was ethically wrong. She refused to be bullied by him.
    She had purchased Wyndmoor Manor first!
    Bella stalked forward, glaring up at him. “For someone who claims to have been a barrister for over ten years, you were duped alongside me.”
    He flinched, and she suspected she had struck a nerve.
    “There is a simple way to resolve our dilemma,” he said. “We have to find Redmond Reeves. He told me he planned on departing Hertfordshire when he sold me the place. Nonetheless, one of the barristers with whom I share my chambers has access to some of the best investigators in the business. I will retain his services to search for Reeves straightaway and see that your money is returned. If he is not found or has spent the money, I will personally reimburse you.”
    “Why would you do that?” she asked.
    “This manor has great significance to me. It belonged to my father, the old duke, before he recently sold it to Reeves before his death. I intend to reclaim it. That being said, I do not believe it will be difficult for the investigator to locate Reeves. He cannot have gone far, and I will ensure he returns your money.”
    Bella did not like the direction he was taking. “To the contrary, Sir Reeves has run off with your money. You should locate him and argue the matter with him.”
    He shook his head. “I do apologize for frightening you last night. I’ve noticed you have only one servant here, an elderly woman. I will instruct my servants to assist yours in packing your things.” He looked around haughtily as if he were an appraiser at a foreclosure sale. “I trust it will not take longer than a week. I’m perfectly willing to sleep at the Twin Rams Inn until Reeves is found and your belongings packed.”
    She glared at him with burning, reproachful eyes. He had her future meticulously planned and probably never once doubted her cooperation.
    Just like Roger.
    Were all men so selfish and manipulative?
    Fury almost choked her, and her breaths came in ragged gasps. She had spent too many years living in fear, capitulating to the whims of a cruel, controlling man, to fall victim once again. She wanted peace, the freedom to run her own life and resume her writing ambitions, and this isolated country manor offered her the perfect respite.
    Every curve of her body spoke defiance as she pointed to the empty stone fireplace. “You can burn your document before you leave. It means nothing to me. I purchased Wyndmoor Manor first. I moved in first. I am the rightful owner. You may have recently inherited your title, but you are no gentleman. You are nothing more than a bully trying to oust a widow from her home. I trust you can see yourself out, Your Grace. ”
    But the Duke of Blackwood, as he now was, stood unmoving. His eyes narrowed, and a muscle flicked angrily at his jaw.
    His voice, though quiet, had an ominous quality. “I think not, Mrs. Sinclair. You are the one that must leave. I had planned on acting the gentleman by residing elsewhere until the matter is resolved in consideration of your reputation. I have since changed my mind. I intend to live here until that time.”
    “You’re insane! I’m living here. You are now a duke. Surely you have vast estates to choose from in the country and in London.” She was aware of the faint thread of hysteria in her own voice.
    “Yes, that’s true. But as I explained, I intend to