Sinful Possession Read Online Free PDF Page B

me.”
    “Everything?” he snapped. “We
are saving your life and frankly, saving you from all those pompous fools who
were fawning over you yesterday.”
    Lila darted her tongue over
her bottom lip, her mouth feeling suddenly dry. Those delicious eyes were
suddenly quite dangerous looking. Except she knew she was not in danger, did
she not? Why would he save her if he intended to harm her? And her knowledge of
the Cynfells told her that while they were the scandalous sort, they would
never harm a woman.
    Even if they were holding her
against her will.
    “T-they are not pompous. Nor
are they fools. But I do not see that it is any of your business.”
    “They are all fools,” he
grumbled, “and you—” he thrust a finger at her “—became my business the moment
I rescued you.”
    She thought of Lord Curly
Wurly and the Earl of Pomade. They probably were a little foolish, she
supposed. Before coming to London, she’d rather expected to be surrounded by
handsome young men much like...well, much like Ash and Harris. But most of the
men were ten years older than her, if not more. A lot more. Some of them were
the same age as her father.
    Slowly, the second part of
his statement filtered in her mind. He’d turned his attention away from her
while Harris looked on in amusement. The fact that he wanted to protect her
struck some chord inside her. His fierce determination that he was responsible
for her somehow whirled deep inside and made her want to smile.
    In spite of the ridiculous
circumstances.
    Lord, it was all thanks to her
foolish notions. She’d spent too long dreaming and hoping for a man who would
sweep in and rescue her like some dashing knight. Ever since childhood, she’d
adored fairy tales.
    But this was no bold,
dashing knight. He was a grumpy, implacable man in a rumpled shirt.
    “I did not ask to become
your business,” she murmured, but he had closed his eyes and thrust his feet
out. “Is he asleep?”
    Harris nodded. “Ash always
was good at sleeping. I’ve forever envied his ability to nap anywhere. Though I
do believe you’ll have to excuse him. After all, he was playing guard all
night.”
    “You must see how ridiculous
this is.”
    “Cynfells stick together.”
    “Meaning you do see.”
    Harris leaned back and
lifted a shoulder. “I suggest you get used to the idea that my brother, for
whatever reason, feels you are now his responsibility. And that also makes you
mine.”
    “You do everything together,
do you? Even kidnapping innocent women?”
    “Not everything.” He offered
her a wink.
    She pretended to have no
idea what he meant and lifted her chin to perfect an entirely prim look.
    “Lila, the fact is, you are
in danger and my brother is now involved. If the chief makes good on his
threats, I do believe he will get to you and frame Ash for your death. As chief
of police, he has the means and resources.”
    A knot wedged in her throat
at his serious tone. For the first time since meeting him, he wasn’t smiling.
    “How am I even to return
home? There shall be scandal.”
    “Well, then you’ll just have
to marry one of us, will you not?” He grinned, and she knew he was joking though
it offered her no answer as to a real solution for her return.
    And yet the idea of marrying
a near stranger rather than one of the pompous old sticks...no, no, no she didn’t
really mean that.
    Did she?
    Lila swung her attention to
the sleeping twin. With his dangerous eyes closed and his lashes fanning his
cheeks, he looked peaceful and almost...sweet? She nearly giggled at the idea
of how he’d react if she told him that. She glanced Harris’ way, and he watched
her with a knowing smile, as if he understood her thoughts. Oh deary dear, what
a pickle.
    Harris leaned forward and
eyed her through dark eyes that did not seem to have nearly the same effect on
her as Ash’s did. How odd. “Lila, no one shall blame you. I promise all scandal
will be shouldered by us and rest assured we have