Love's Peril (Lord Trent Series) Read Online Free PDF

opened, and he stepped through and drew it shut behind him. He turned and, grinning his devil’s grin, he sauntered over.
    She should have squealed with alarm and raced out, but at his sudden appearance, she was too stunned to move.
    He wasn’t wearing a shirt, so his chest was bare, his hair unbound and curling over his shoulders. He was simply too striking and remarkable, and she was practically giddy with emotions she didn’t understand.
    His trousers were loose, the first few buttons undone, his navel visible, as well as a smattering of hair that descended to parts unknown. She’d heard that men and women were built differently in their private areas, and Caroline had told her shocking stories about how those differences were put to use in the marital bed, but Sarah was confused on what exactly was concealed under all that fabric.
    He noticed where her attention had been concentrated, and his grin widened.
    “Hello, my damsel in distress.”
    She was still holding his shaving brush, and she dropped it as if it was on fire.
    “Mr. Sinclair, I apologize for interrupting. I didn’t realize you were here. I brought you some…ah…towels.”
    “Towels. Really?”
    “Yes.”
    “Are you spying or snooping?”
    “Neither.”
    “So you were dying to be alone with me. Admit it.”
    He kept coming, approaching until he was so near that the tips of his boots slipped under the hem of her skirt. She could feel his body’s heat, could smell his skin, the aroma of the soap with which he’d recently bathed.
    “What is it you want?” His voice was low and inviting.
    “Nothing. I…I…”
    “I’ll give you whatever it is. Just tell me.”
    He leaned in, and she lurched back, but the wall was behind her, blocking any retreat.
    “Are you curious, my innocent little maiden?”
    “Curious about what?”she asked, then she frowned. “Wait a minute. Where is your French accent?”
    “What French accent?”
    “When I met you out on the road, you had a French accent.”
    “When we met on the road?” He scowled as if perplexed as to what she referred. “We couldn’t have.”
    “Don’t deny it,”she snapped. “I fell, and you lifted me up on your horse and brought me home.”
    “Did I? I don’t recall, although how I could forget a girl as pretty as you is quite a mystery.”
    She studied him, wishing she could read his mind, wishing she could open the top of his head and peer inside to decipher his thoughts.
    “Don’t lie to me,”she firmly said.
    “Am I lying?”
    “You blasted oaf! You know you are.”
    The worst gleam of mischief blazed in his mesmerizing green eyes. “I might recollect, but if you mention it to anyone, I’ll say you’re mad.”
    “What are you doing at Bramble Bay? Tell me the truth.”
    “The truth? I’m visiting your stepmother and brother. I’m their special guest . What would you imagine I’m doing?”
    “I have no idea. Why are you here?”
    She was determined to get a credible answer from him, but he ignored her and braced his palms on the wall so she was trapped between his arms. She should have shoved him away and stomped out, but to her eternal disgust, she didn’t want to leave.
    He was completely focused on her, his attention thoroughly captured, and she could think of no finer experience than to have him gazing at her with such heightened interest. He leaned even nearer so his body was pressed to hers all the way down. She could feel the ripple of muscle in his chest and stomach, the hard expanse of his thighs.
    “I don’t want to talk about Hedley or Mildred,”he said.
    “What do you want to talk to about?”
    “You and me.”
    He dipped down, and to her astonished surprise, he bit her nape. The nip of his teeth, the soft caress of his lips, caused goose bumps to cascade down her spine and legs.
    His wicked fingers went to her hair, and with a few flicks of his wrist, he plucked out her combs, and the heavy mass toppled down.
    She was so astounded—both by his