Invitation to Scandal Read Online Free PDF

exchange for money.
    He shook his head to clear the desire clouding his judgment. With iron-willed control, he set her away from him and forced his desires back into check.
    She lowered her eyes, and with a flush staining her creamy skin, she began to straighten her clothes.
    “Will you look at me, darling?” he managed.
    She tossed her glorious mane of fiery-gold curls over her shoulder and gave him a mutinous look. He kept his tone disarming. “What has caused your sudden about-face? I know you were enjoying my attentions. When we are fully joined, flesh to heated flesh, I’ll give you such pleasure your screams will be heard over the pounding surf.”
    She sat back on her heels, her eyes weary. “I don’t doubt your skill as a lover, but I am not read—that is, I am not yours for the taking.”
    He smiled. “Perhaps an incentive is required. How remiss of me to expect to sample your bountiful favors when I have offered nothing in return.”

Chapter 3
     
    A frown stole over her poignant heart-shaped face. Lord Strathmore felt himself harden further. God he wanted her. He resisted the urge to push her down into the long grass and forget his troubles by sinking deep within her hot, welcoming body.
    He couldn’t help one further attempt at getting what he wanted—knowledge about the cask of brandy. He reached for her and pulled her back into his embrace. “Name your price. I am an extremely wealthy man, and I shall be very generous.” He paused and gently kissed her lips. “Especially if you tell me about the barrel.”
     
    Rheda was beginning to hate the barrel.
    She couldn’t look away; there was something warm and tender in his eyes that seemed to be lulling her toward her own demise.
    “How does five guineas sound?” He paused and ran his finger gently down her cheek, tracing the outline of her lips until they parted on a soft sigh. “I’ll double it if you tell me where you found the barrel.”
    Her heart beat a wild pulse in her throat. A man just bartered for her as if she were a whore. She shouldn’t be surprised. Her actions were deplorable. She’d let him touch her, kiss her ... To her great shame, she longed to do more. With him. With this beautiful, dangerous rake.
    Remember your mother.
    Rheda twisted within his firm grip. “I am not for sale at any price, my lord.” With her pride hurt she uttered, “Let me go.”
    His arms tightened. “Is the sum not enough? One hundred guineas?” She was shocked at the small fortune he’d offered, yet the purring quality of his husky voice quieted her alarm.
    Vaguely Rheda realized she was letting him caress her again, stroking with hushed delicacy the column of her throat, her bare shoulder, her tingling breasts ...
    Slowly he bent his head, his lips following the path his fingers had taken, his soft caress sending desire shooting through her body. A tremor shook her as he tugged her bodice lower, deliberately exposing her breasts to his heated gaze and wicked tongue.
    “Two hundred,” he said, his voice husky with want, before his tongue played in a leisurely erotic dance on her skin.
    Rheda came to her senses just in time. Just before his mouth latched on to her nipple. Just before she forgot everything except what this man could make her feel.
    She struggled in his arms, trying desperately to pull out of his tight embrace.
    “Don’t be afraid, angel ...”
    She felt the soft brush of his breath on her ripe swells. If he suckled her she’d be lost, so she suddenly found her strength. Spying a heavy stick, she grabbed it and swung it at his head. It connected with a sickening thud, and he let her go. She fell backward on the grass as he struggled to his feet with a roar of injured pride.
    “What the hell was that for?”
    Rheda hid her fear, pulling up her bodice. She scowled up at him, refusing to let her own helplessness conquer her. “I am not for sale and you would not listen. You wouldn’t unhand me.” She lowered her voice.