Perilous Risk Read Online Free PDF Page A

only love.
    She embraced him, clutched his shoulders and with all her might resisted the urge to turn and look at Stephen.
    “We must live as if each day were our last. Each night…our last. We must leave no risk untaken or fear will steal all that is worth having from our grasp.” Temptation beat through her.
    Oh God. She clung more tightly to Jon.
    No, she would not turn, she would not give this man any more encouragement.
    If only Stephen would just leave her alone. If only he would go far, far away. She began to hate him for the way he was making her feel.
    She lifted her face to Jon. “Please, take me upstairs now.”

    Hours later, Rebecca stood at the window. Naked and wrapped in a sheet, she stared at the purple-black sky, at wispy clouds moving over the face of the moon.
    So I ask again, do you want to go upstairs, just you and me?
    I told you, he will not allow it.
    To the devil with what he allows.
    Oh, heaven help her. She couldn’t stop remembering Stephen’s words, his passion.
    Earlier, in bed with Jon, she’d been unable to feel anything. They had drunk Scotch and Jon had talked of death and dying until sleep finally overtook him.
    She couldn’t bear it when she was disconnected from her carnal feelings. Disconnected from Jon. Long after his breathing had become deep and regular, she had lain awake. Finally, unable to lie quietly any longer, she had come to the window. But the sight of the moon had only unsettled her further.
    The floor creaked softly.
    She tensed.
    At the light touch on her shoulders, she tensed even more.
    “Can’t you sleep?”
    She shook her head.
    He embraced her from behind.
    “Becky.” His breath was warm against her nape and his fingertips feather-soft brushes as he caressed her shoulders.
    Her senses remained as frozen as snow in winter. But he expected some response, so she leant backwards and let the sheet drop, baring herself to the waist. It had been a long, long time since she had pretended with a man.
    Tonight just might end that streak.
    ”Would you like to accompany me to America?”
    His question caused her breath to catch. The last thing he wanted was to have his freedom limited. She knew that. And she truly had no wish to be confined in a ship for weeks, only to spend her time in America waiting for Jon to return from meeting with his business associates in New York and Philadelphia. And once in New Orleans, he would likely neglect her shamefully whilst he indulged his fancy for Creole women.
    At the same time, she didn’t want to be alone.
    Alone with her temptation for Stephen.
    Yes, Jon had asked one of his friends, Lord Penn, to look after her. To take her to the theatre and keep her company. To keep her bed warm, if she so desired. She’d been with Lord Penn several times whilst in Jon’s company. The young baron was skilled at lovemaking and his bedchamber talk was entertaining.
    But for the first time, she doubted her ability to be obedient. Left alone, she feared she might do something foolish. Like run to Mr Stephen Drake.
    If you want to be mine, you must be mine wholly. Exclusively.
    Had Stephen left? Or was he sleeping under this roof? If she were to put Jon at ease and he were to fall asleep again, she might investigate the matter for herself…
    Really, Rebecca? You’d be that devious?
    She remembered his sensual mouth. Remembered his hot breath on her face and how close he’d come to managing to press those lips to hers. Her mouth went dry with longing.
    Yes, maybe…
    She could imagine it.
    Sliding naked into his bed. He would draw her into his arms, would pull her to that hard body and she would wrap her thighs around those long, lean legs of his…
    Oh God, no!
    She didn’t like herself at the moment. She didn’t want to be deceitful or unfaithful. She just wanted to forget all about Stephen. And the way he’d made her senses soar. The way he’d tempted her.
    She turned to Jon.
    “Are you feeling unwell?” he asked.
    She ducked her