Our Wicked Mistake Read Online Free PDF Page B

liquor induced as anything.”
    “I am relieved. At the same time, he might be more vindictive than ever now. I’d like to say it doesn’t worry me, but of course it does.” Her mouth trembled just enough that it unfortunately drew his attention to her soft lips, and he recalled a little too clearly how they felt crushed beneath his in a fiery kiss.
    “I am going to venture a guess he might not even re member the incident, and even if he does recollect it, he won’t possess the journal much longer.” Luke smiled without humor. “And if he approaches you in any way, in private or in public, he won’t possess his life much longer. Don’t worry, my dear. If he decides to cause you any more grief, just let me know and he will understand clearly he is dealing with me now.”
    “Why are you doing this?” Her fingers were clenched white where they clasped the reticule in her lap.
    “Doing what, precisely?”
    “Helping me so generously.”
    “Why do you think?” An evasive and unfair answer, mostly given because he didn’t quite know what to say.
    Because I can’t forget you. No, that would never do.
    Dark eyes regarded him intently and she said nothing for a moment, the carriage rumbling along the street fast enough her slender form swayed just a little on the seat. Then she said, “Do not ask me why, because I can speak from experience that you are not always gallant or reli able, but I knew you would aid me.”
    The reference was, of course, to how after spending that one memorable night making love to her over and over with an unleashed hunger she seemed to share, he had just simply walked away. “I had reasons to be ungal lant,” he said coolly.
    She arranged her skirts with an idle hand, but there was nothing nonchalant in the poignant expression on her lovely face. “Besides Colin, you have been my only lover.” The confession was hushed.
    He suspected as much, and having it confirmed didn’t make him feel better about what had happened—and then not happened—between them. There was little question he’d been less than honorable, and while he wasn’t a saint, he didn’t normally involve himself with anyone like Madeline. She didn’t resemble in the least the jaded ton beauties who played at intrigue and plea sure like practiced courtesans.
    Her voice just above a whisper, she continued, “When you never called upon me afterward, acted so distant in public, as if it had never taken place, and declined to answer the note I had swallowed my pride to write and send, I had to assume that I somehow disappointed you. Was the passion I remember only one-sided?”
    Hell and blast, he had wanted to talk to her, but not about this , though it probably needed to be said. “Far from it,” he admitted. “Which I think you know, whatever you’ve told yourself. My considerable enthusiasm for your charms was hardly feigned.”
    “Then . . . why?”
    “Because you are not the type of woman who becomes a man’s mistress, and I have no intention of marrying you. I thought it best ended quickly.”
    Madeline stared at him in clear bewilderment, and he had the impression he had perhaps hurt her more at this moment than he had with his deliberate indifference a year ago.
    He felt like a scoundrel. A bounder. A callous rake-hell. All, and probably even more unattractive descrip tions, applied.
    “If I interpret what you just said correctly, you en joyed my body, but my company is distasteful. Is that it?” Her voice was carefully devoid of emotion.
    “Not at all. You are intelligent, articulate, and charming in every way.” He owed her that much, and it was the truth. “When you remarry, your husband will be an extremely lucky man. I hope you choose well.”
    “Is it marriage, then, that is the issue?”
    “I will marry someday. I need an heir.”
    Her chin lifted a fraction, but her face had taken on color, as if he’d insulted her. “I gave Colin a son.”
    Luke knew she hadn’t come to his bed