Sinful Cravings Read Online Free PDF Page A

thought it a fine way of seeing them.”
    Jasper chuckled, knowing well of Viola’s passion for castles and all things English. “Your husband has gravely failed you,” he said as seriously as he could.
    “He has indeed. However, after the baby is born, he has promised me a trip to the south coast.”
    Julian gave his wife an indulgent look and drew her closer to him. “And I always fulfil my promises, do I not?”
    “Indeed you do.”
    It never failed to tickle him that his forever grouchy brother was letting himself be overrun by an American heiress and their growing brood of children. With a son and a daughter already, they seemed intent on carrying on the family tradition of having as many children as quickly as possible. As near as he could tell, they were both blissfully happy and though they’d been fairly competitive as boys, he always wanted the best for his brothers.
    “This hardly seems your sort of thing, Julian,” Jasper commented to his brother, who was famous for avoiding all things sociable. As far as brothers went, they could not be more opposite.
    “Viola decided it would be impolite to decline but we are leaving any moment now, are we not?” he prompted his wife.
    She rolled her eyes and nodded. “Yes, apparently I am far too delicate for garden parties.”
    Julian ignored the dry tone and merely grinned. “You need your rest.”
    “I shall likely get no rest,” Viola muttered and Jasper shook his head.
    “I do not think I should be privy to these conversations.”
    She arched a brow at him. “Of all people, I should not think such talk offends your sensibilities, Jasper.”
    “My dear sister, it seems you have me marked as a man of great scandal.”
    Eyes twinkling, her smile expanded. “We have been brother and sister for three years, Jasper. There is no sense in trying to fool me or persuade me otherwise.” Julian gave her a small tug on the arm, so she came onto tiptoes to give Jasper a kiss on the cheek. “If I do not get him home before it’s late, he shall be horribly grumpy. I hope we’ll see you at Lockwood soon.”
    “Of course. I have a niece and nephew to spoil rotten, do I not?”
    “As if they need spoiling,” Julian grumbled, but Jasper knew full well Julian was already doting on his nearly three-year-old daughter, Ivy, and that the rest of the children would be equally spoiled.
    “I also have a need to visit the countryside to do some more studies.”
    His brother lifted a brow. “Stars still? Jasper, for a rake, you really are a bore.”
    He ignored the insult. “I cannot see them in London. The pollution is too great.”
    “You are welcome anytime,” Viola put in diplomatically.
    “Excellent. Give a kiss to Ivy and James for me, and tell Ivy his Uncle Jasper shall be bringing some chocolate with him next time.”
    His brother and his wife said their goodbyes, with a few more grunts from Julian, and he watched them leave the party with amusement. His adored his niece and nephew and he couldn’t help imagine himself in the same position—looking after a child. He’d seen his brother take to the challenge with relish and it was something that appealed to him also. No one would think Jasper Cynfell was interested in children but the thought of a child to educate and protect appealed to him.
    As he reached for another sandwich and pondered the dire garden party, a rustle sounded from the bush behind the table and he twisted with a scowl. A fox? A rabbit? Bold creature indeed to be slipping into a busy party to steal food. But no fluffy little thing emerged from the bushes. Instead, first came a slender hand, wriggling its fingers at him. Then an arm. Next came some skirts. Definitely female. A foot popped out from underneath the tight skirt and he eyed the boot attached to it.
    He recognised that boot.
    The head came next and he grinned when her gaze met his. Miss Foster’s mouth dropped open and instant colour flooded her face. She looked like some kind of