M Is for Marquess Read Online Free PDF Page B

palpable, emanated from him. She wished she didn’t find his natural air of command and self-assurance so very attractive.
    “I am in your debt,” he said, “for rescuing Frederick today.”
    “I did as anyone would have done in those circumstances.”
    “I disagree. Your actions showed uncommon courage, particularly given your constitution.”
    The qualification burst the bubble of pleasure that his praise had given rise to. An edge crept into her tone. “I’m not as delicate as I appear.”
    “I know few ladies, delicate or otherwise, who would have dared to intervene with a kidnapping.”
    Obviously, he was not well acquainted with the females of her family.
    “How is Lord Frederick faring?” she said politely.
    “He was sound asleep when I checked in on him. The doctor’s potion seems to be working.” Lines deepened around his mouth. “I can only hope today’s trauma has no lasting effects.”
    “How often does Lord Frederick have falling spells?”
    She asked without thinking: it was a natural question, after all. Yet Tremont’s eyes turned steely, as hard as a blade. It was an impenetrable barrier, the kind only a foolish miss would try to overcome. She’d deluded herself once; she didn’t fancy repeating the experience.
    “I didn’t mean to pry.” She rose. “If you’ll excuse me—”
    He was on his feet in an instant, his hand circling her wrist. “No, please. Don’t go.”
    The heat of his touch jolted her. His fingers were strong, callused against the sensitive underside of her wrist. Awareness spread from the point of contact, goose pimples tingling over her skin, the tips of her breasts stiffening, rising beneath her nightclothes. Warmth liquefied and pooled in her belly. Her heart thumping, she forced herself to meet his gaze.
    “I don’t enjoy games, my lord,” she said.
    “Games?”
    “Mixed messages. Uncertainty.” Her voice trembled. “Hot and cold leaves me lukewarm.”
    His hold on her tightened subtly. “I find you anything but lukewarm, Miss Kent.”
    “I’m not the problem.” Frustration strung her nerves as tautly as piano strings. “ You are.”
    Something dangerous flashed in his eyes. “Meaning?”
    Like a catapult cut loose, suppressed emotions surged from her. “You toyed with my affections for months, and I never knew if you were courting me or merely passing the time. You were never clear with your intentions. If you didn’t want me to kiss you, then you should have just said so instead of leaving without a word.” Her breath surged in agitated waves. “And now you are back and your behavior is more confusing than ever. I don’t know why you left. I have no idea what you want now—”
    “I know what I want, Thea,” he rasped. “What I have always wanted from you.”
    He yanked her against him. A shocking collision of softness against hardness. Before she could gather her wits, his mouth sealed over hers, his kiss stealing her breath.
    ***
    She tasted exactly as he remembered.
    Sweetness with a hint of spice. The addicting essence that had fueled his fantasies since he’d last sampled temptation in her arms.
    Even through the haze of brandy and desire, he knew that this was foolish. Reckless in the extreme. His mentor had been killed, his son nearly kidnapped, the fog of mayhem and murder growing thicker with each passing moment. Even if it weren’t for the dangers, he had no right to start this. No right to feel her mouth blossoming beneath his, her tongue a silken petal that made the dark needs in him quiver and burgeon.
    Desire blazed through his veins like wildfire.
    At the same time, Sylvia’s trembling voice slashed through him. I’ve given you an heir. I love you, and if you love me in return, you’ll do as I ask. Spare my sensibilities, I beg of you.
    What the hell was he doing? He was no husband for a virginal miss. And she would not be able to give him what he needed… what he craved. He’d vowed never again to place himself in the