Something Sinful Read Online Free PDF Page A

informed me of a potentially lucrative business opportunity, and I acted on that information.”
    He narrowed his eyes. “I discussed my business with you because I was under the impression that you were an admirer—not a rival.”
    She snorted. “Then you made two mistakes.”
    Charlemagne took a step closer. “Where’s your father? I came to speak with him, to discuss the return of my property in a rational manner.”
    Lady Sarala gave what might have been a brief frown, then lifted her chin. “This is my affair, and you will discuss it with me, or not at all.”
    Good God, she had some nerve. And her sleeve had sagged again, so that he could see the pulse at her throat and the quick lift of her breast. “Then return my property,” he said, returning his gaze to her soft mouth.
    “It’s not your property. But for a price, I will let you have every stitch.”
    He knew he shouldn’t ask, but he couldn’t stop himself. “What price, then?”
    “Five thousand pounds.”
    His jaw fell open, then clamped shut. “ Five thousand pounds? So you would steal from me and then overcharge me to recover my own goods?”
    She looked him right in the eye. “Once again, I did not steal anything from you, or from anyone else. Make me a counter offer, or bid me good day and leave.”
    Incredulous, he shook his head. “This is ridiculous. Where’s the liquor?”
    “Over there.” Lady Sarala pointed toward the cabinet beneath the window.
    Her fingers shook, and he grabbed her hand, pulling her up against him. “You’re not frightened of me, are you?” he murmured.
    “Is that your intent? I’d heard you were a fearsome opponent, but you seem to be harping on one point of contention, which does neither of us any good. Make me a counter offer, my lord.”
    He lowered his head and kissed her upturned mouth. Sensation flooded through him, all the way to his cock. He didn’t know how to describe what she tasted like—sunshine, warm summer breezes, heat, desire.
    When she began to kiss him back, he forced himself to lift his face away again. “How was that?” he drawled.
    Sarala cleared her throat, belatedly recovering her hand and backing away. “Fair. But hardly worth five thousand pounds.”
    Mm-hm. She knew how to play the game; he could concede that. But no one played it as well as he did. “You have a rare focus, Lady Sarala. I’ll give you that. And I’ll acknowledge that you are the owner of something which was meant to be mine.”
    Her eyes widened. “You admit it?”
    “I just did. What did you actually pay for them, since we both know it wasn’t five thousand pounds?”
    “Something less than that. I acquired them, however, in order to make a profit, as I assume you meant to do. I have yet to hear a counter offer.”
    His gaze lowered to her mouth again. “Very well. Since you won’t tell me, I’ll assume you managed a fair price, which would be what, a guinea and a half per bolt? That’s the exact amount I will compensate you for them.”
    She hesitated for a heartbeat. If he hadn’t been looking for it, he probably wouldn’t have seen it. “Where, then, is my profit?” she demanded.
    “Your profit is in learning not to cross a man simply because he deigns to dance with you.”
    “Ah. I wouldn’t say you deigned as much as begged to dance with me over my objections,” she countered. “Five thousand pounds.”
    Charlemagne took a slow breath. This afternoon had gone nothing like he’d imagined. And at the moment he wouldn’t describe that as a bad thing. “No.”
    “Then I believe we are finished here. Good day, my lord.”
    He caught her arm again as she began to turn away. “I have contacts who would appreciate the quality of these silks and pay me what they’re worth. You’ve been in London for eleven days now, according to what you told me last night. I would assume, given that fact, that your plan is to sell the bolts off one by one to dress shops and seamstresses.”
    Lady Sarala