Sinful Liaisons Read Online Free PDF Page A

suppress a yawn as she descended the stairs into the hall of Fairchester. Sleep had proved elusive, and she knew why.
    Pierce Cynfell.
    Dining with him had reminded her of her lonely state. Watching him had only emphasised how much she missed male company. Once in bed, she imagined the things he could do to her. Pierce Cynfell was a man after her own heart in many ways. Smart, bold, a little reckless.
    Though he had financial troubles if his word were anything to go by.
    She could find out exactly what sort of trouble he was in easily enough.
    Not that she wanted to give him her heart. She wouldn’t give anyone her heart again. Grief was simply too painful. Her husband might have passed over seven years ago but she still recalled the ragged, raw ache it caused. And of course, there had been their second child...
    She shook her head. No, her heart would never be in danger again. However, with a man like Cynfell, he wasn’t after hearts. No, he wanted more. More wealth. Perhaps more pleasure in life. He was greedy. She didn’t blame him. She was the same. She longed for a more interesting life. It was why she so often pushed her boundaries. When one had lost so much, it didn’t feel like there was much left to risk. Those were the sort of chances she enjoyed taking. Evelyn was greedy for experience.
    But, alas, her experience with Pierce Cynfell was coming to an end. He’d return to his brother, likely get his debts written off and go back to London to increase his debt once more. She had known many a good man do the same.
    When she stepped outside, she found the coach waiting but no sign of Pierce. The weather was clear. A few wispy clouds trailed across the sky but there was no threat of rain so he would make good time to Warwickshire. The scent of freshly cut grass breezed through the air, and she spotted her gardeners out tending to the lawns.
    Evelyn sighed. Surrounded by people, yet alone. Being a wealthy duchess had some positives but the isolation wasn’t one of them. Her house was set on the fairly flat land close to the River Cherwell. Few passed by and fewer came to stay.
    She turned at the sound of footsteps on the stone steps. Pierce exited the double doors and Evelyn had to admire him. It was interesting that no pang of grief hit her when she saw him in her husband’s clothes. Instead fingers of excitement skipped up her spine. In buff trousers, a red embroidered waistcoat and a greatcoat, he cut an elegant and, dare she say, sensual figure.
    Pierce gave a little dip and took her hand to brush a kiss over her gloved fingers. She wished she hadn’t been wearing them.
    “I must thank you for your kindness and charity, Your Grace.”
    “And I must thank you for your fine company.”
    He straightened but kept hold of her hand. His gaze searched hers and her breaths stuck in her chest. What did he wish to see?
    “No thanks necessary. I am forever in your debt.”
    “I don’t think you need any more debts.”
    He chuckled. “You would be right there.”
    “I can help if you wish it.”
    His brows dipped. “You hardly know me, Evelyn.”
    “I am a good judge of character, I can promise you that much. But I see you have some scruples at least.”
    Pierce’s grin widened. “So I do. How astonishing.”
    Was it odd to feel a connection with a man she hardly knew? One that ran deeper than pure desire? She wasn’t looking for love. But connection? Yes. She’d been craving that for a long, long time.
    “Well...”
    “Well...” His smile turned wicked. “Do I get a farewell kiss?”
    Evelyn narrowed her gaze at him. The audacity of the man. She couldn’t help but like it.
    “Very well then.”
    Moving onto tiptoes, she leaned in. It started chaste. A brief brush of the lips. A goodbye kiss. Then it deepened. The parting of lips. The sweep of a tongue. He released his grip on her hand and drew her close, tilting her just enough so that her body was open to the feel of his. Even through the layers of