Invitation to Ruin Read Online Free PDF

from them as possible.”
    “Well then, there is no need for you to keep away from me, since I am no longer an innocent.”
    Another expletive. “Do not remind me.”
    He lay silent, staring intensely at her, his features shadowed in the half light. She could make out his high forehead and strong nose. His face bore a resemblance to the Greek statue of Aries in the London museum, classically planed and chiseled. The God of War. She tried to stop her body’s shiver. She really wasn’t afraid of him … or was she? She did not want to fight with this man. She instinctively knew she would not win.
    “You’re taking this rather well,” he finally uttered.
    “This situation is not of my making. I am not to blame. Besides, I am not hurt.” She winced as she moved. “Well, maybe a bit sore, but I shall live.”
    He sighed. “You’ll be blamed. You can hardly tell everyone you did not stop me because you thought it was a dream.”
    She smiled, thankful for once of her sensible nature. Creating a fuss would help neither of them. “Who says I am going to tell anyone. I am hoping you can be as quiet leaving as you were arriving. I’m sure you don’t want your mistake known. Not only will you be the laughing stock of the clubs, you would be forced to marry me, and I know you don’t want that.”
    “If I was not so relieved, I would be offended. If this is my mistake, you do not put much store in my honor. Most women would demand I marry them, and I should be honorbound to do so.”
    She turned from him then. “I will not marry a man who is being forced to marry me. I have seen the pain that brings, and I would not wish it on my worst enemy. “
    “Like all women, you’re a romantic.”
    “I know marriages are arranged for mutual benefit, dowry, land, money. But I want love.” She added truthfully, “And if I can find a man who loves me, why shouldn’t I?”
    “Do you have someone in mind? Was it your true love you were dreaming of?”
    Melissa stiffened beside him. Had he guessed? “A woman does not kiss and tell, not even on her dream lover.”
    “I have never met a young woman like you. Most ladies would be in hysterics by now, demanding marriage.” He studied her face for a moment. “I thank you.”
    She held his grateful gaze. “I know what it is like to have no say in your future. I could not, in good conscience, put you in the position I so long to escape.”
       She’s not demanding marriage. Thank the Lord.
You’re such a bastard
, his conscience screamed.
    Guilt and remorse hit him like a fierce drumbeat pounding in his head. Reminding him he had taken her virginity, roughly, quickly, with absolutely no finesse. She was ruined.
    You can’t leave her to Society’s wrath
. He ran his hand through his hair. Could he? He didn’t want to see her hurt or disgraced. Perhaps he could turn this disaster into the answer to both their prayers.
    He’d heard of her brother’s dire financial situation and that she had no dowry. If he took a wife, his mother would stop her insistent hounding. Just because he married did not mean he had to father a child. There were ways to prevent conception, the obvious one being never to share his wife’sbed. There were plenty of willing females to take care of his carnal needs.
    His life wouldn’t have to change at all.
    His mother had to oversee his many staff, in all four of his households. It took a lot of work. Miss Goodly would be kept busy enough for her to lead her own life, separate from his. She would have everything a woman could dream of—title, position, security, and wealth.
    But not children. Anthony frowned. His mother and all of Society would never know the reason he did not produce an heir was simply because he never had conjugal relations with his wife. They would assume she was barren.
    He inwardly grimaced. Was this fair on Melissa? He sighed. The point was moot. If he was honest with himself, he had to marry her. He had no choice, and she