Masque of Betrayal Read Online Free PDF

every right to expect our support.”
    All eyes turned toward the clear, feminine voice that broke into their heated discussion. Flushed with anger, Jacqui stalked boldly into their closed circle, her head held high. “Well?” she continued, hands clenched into fervent fists at her sides. “Were the French not present to show us support in the time of our revolution? Or have we so quickly forgotten the desperate need to free ourselves of a monarchical rule? What of our quest for freedom? Is everyone not allowed that same right?” She glared at each man as if daring him to contradict her. Finally, her blazing eyes met Dane’s composed expression. “Apparently, principle is far less important than profit. How very sad.” She walked around Dane, being careful to avoid any contact with him. “Pardon me,” was all she said before she was swallowed up by the crowd.
    Dead silence prevailed as all the men gaped after her, stunned that any woman would be so forthright.
    “Good Lord …” Dr. Harigan breathed, turning to Dane in amazement.
    “Who is she?” Dane demanded, watching Jacqui’s exit.
    “I have no idea. I have never seen her before tonight.”
    “Nor I,” admitted Jabot.
    Dane’s lips curved into a hint of a smile. “The lady,” he said at last, “does have a point, does she not?”
    “But …”
    Dane interrupted Harigan with a shake of his head. “Gentlemen, I need a drink. If you will excuse me?” Purposefully, he moved away, helped himself to a brandy, and tossed it down. Through narrowed eyes he surveyed the room, more determined than ever to stalk his prey.
    “Good evening, Dane.” George Holt acknowledged Dane with a courteous nod.
    “Oh … George. Good evening.” Dane blinked at his ofttimes business associate, whose trading company frequently contracted with Dane’s ships to transport its cargo to and from the Continent.
    George raised inquisitive brows. “You look a bit perplexed. Is something amiss?”
    “Amiss?” Dane echoed, still searching the crowd. “No … but perplexed … yes. Earlier this evening, I met the most intriguing woman. She is extremely beautiful, uncommonly intelligent, and more opinionated than any female I’ve ever known.” He chuckled ruefully. “I have yet to learn her name, for she keeps escaping me. However, twice tonight I have been lambasted by her searing tongue.”
    “Ah,” George commented dryly. “I see you’ve met my daughter.”

CHAPTER
3
    Y OUR DAUGHTER?”
    George nodded, scanning the room. He found Jacqui without too much trouble. But then, he knew where to look. While Dane had probably been searching among the ebullient dancers, George sought out the groups of debating politicians. Sure enough, just alongside them, eagerly listening, was Jacqui.
    “Come.” George gestured for Dane to follow him. “I can rectify your problem by providing you with a proper introduction.” They weaved their way among the guests and across the room, pausing behind Jacqui, who was oblivious to their presence. “Jacqueline,” George murmured, taking her arm.
    Jacqui whirled about, guilt staining her cheeks. If her father had heard of her earlier actions, he would be incensed. “Yes, Father?” she asked tentatively.
    George moved aside to allow Dane to step forward. “I’d like you to meet Mr. Dane Westbrooke. Dane … my daughter, Jacqueline.”
    Dane? The name crashed through her in huge, biting waves of memory. By his towering height and powerful build, Jacqui had no doubt that the man who stood before her with that cocky grin and penetrating silver gaze, the man who had accosted her that night, was the same Dane who had nearly discovered her secret the previous week. Ignoring her trembling legs, Jacqui schooled her features, determined to appear as normal as possible.
    Jacqueline. Dane had to bite back his laughter at the expression on her face, which was a mixture of stunned chagrin and fury. She said nothing, merely stared at him with those