My Lord Eternity Read Online Free PDF Page B

painless.”
    She gritted her teeth. “It does not matter.”
    â€œMay I inquire how you managed to find yourself in such a condition?” he demanded, hoping to take her mind off his ministrations.
    â€œI encountered some ruffians.”
    â€œAh. Hardly surprising in such a neighborhood. I suppose it would be a waste of time to warn you that a young, lovely maiden should not be wandering the streets at this hour?”
    â€œYou suppose correctly,” she retorted in tart tones, no doubt having been warned of the dangers on more than one occasion.
    â€œAt least you should take along a companion. A lone woman is far more likely to be attacked.”
    â€œI will not endanger Meg.”
    His gaze met her own squarely. “Only yourself?” She gave a lift of her shoulder, only to wince at the movement.
    â€œIt is my decision to make.”
    He smiled wryly at her stubborn tone. She would not easily be dissuaded from her reckless behavior. Not when she was convinced she was saving those poor souls upon the street. And unable to reveal the truth of her danger, Lucien was stuck in the unenviable position of somehow charming her into accepting his assistance.
    A task that he would not wish upon his most dire enemy.
    â€œUndoubtedly, my dear,” he soothed as he continued to work upon the deep scratch. “An independent woman such as yourself has no need to request permission to go where she chooses.”
    She eyed him with open suspicion, as if sensing his devious intent. “Precisely.”
    â€œAnd yet, surely a wise woman would take more care?”
    Her features abruptly hardened at the unshakable truth in his accusation. “Are you finished?”
    â€œIn a moment.” Lucien carefully considered his words, knowing that any misstep could take days, if not weeks, to repair. “Do you go out often at night?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œYou help those in need?”
    â€œWhen possible.” The beautiful eyes darkened. “Unfortunately I cannot help them all.”
    Knowing that she must be thinking of the recently murdered Molly, Lucien offered a smile of sympathy.
    â€œNo one person can.”
    â€œNo, I suppose not.”
    Lucien slowly straightened to gaze down at her pale countenance, his heart once again struck with her gentle beauty. A beauty that was reflected in her generous heart.
    â€œI have a proposition for you, Miss Kingly,” he said in low tones.
    She swiftly stiffened in wary confusion. “I beg your pardon?”
    â€œI am willing to pay you . . . let us say one pound . . . for each occasion you allow me to accompany you during your visits to the street.”
    There was a moment of shocked silence before she slowly rose to her feet.
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œI believe you heard me.”
    â€œBut . . . why? Why would you be willing to offer such wealth for the inconvenience of accompanying me as I meet with pickpockets and fallen women?”
    His lips twisted with wry humor at the sharp disbelief in her tone.
    â€œYou are not the only soul who feels compelled to help those in need. And I happen to believe that at the moment you are very much in need.”
    â€œMe? Absurd.” Her chin tilted to a proud angle at the implication she might harbor a hidden vulnerability. “I am not in need.”
    Unable to help himself, Lucien reached out to lightly touch the perfect skin of her cheek. His fingers tingled with pleasure as they traced over the satin softness.
    â€œYou make your choice as to whom you offer your service, Miss Kingly. Surely I am allowed to make my own choice as well.”
    She allowed his touch to linger a delicious moment before she was sharply pulling away.
    â€œThis is ridiculous.”
    He arched a golden brow at her unsteady accusation. “Will you toss away the opportunity to acquire such ready coin because you think me ridiculous?”
    â€œI think you mad.”
    â€œPerhaps.” He gave