Sword for His Lady Read Online Free PDF Page B

courtesies?”
    â€œPrecisely.”
    Isabel’s smile grew larger. Mildred shook her head.
    â€œI warned your father that Bechard was a poor choice of groom for you and that you were too young for the marriage celebration. You fear the duties of a wife now, as I warned your father would happen.”
    Isabel pressed her lips back into a hard line. Even the memory of her husband was enough to sour her disposition. “As you said, let us not dwell on him. My father wanted the alliance and it was a good one.” She looked at Mildred. “That is not the reason I will refuse to wed Lord de Segrave.”
    â€œThen what is, Lady Isabel?” Ramon said.
    Isabel gasped and jerked her attention toward the baron. He was still ten paces from her and yet his expression told her he had heard her very clearly. “For I am most curious to discover the root of your discontent.”
    The gravel beneath his feet crunched with every step he took. He lifted one hand and pointed at Mildred. “Leave us.”
    There was solid authority in his voice, and Mildred lowered herself immediately and left. Isabel had to fight the urge to offer the man the same courtesy because such manners had been drilled into her since childhood.
    Indeed, her husband had enjoyed every meek and humble display she had offered him. Mean-hearted was not a harsh enough term for the man who had so often taken delight in humiliating her.
    Ramon de Segrave stopped in front of her, his gaze sharp and seeking the answer to his question. Isabel raised her chin. Honesty was something men valued. She would be direct.
    â€œI do not care for the marriage bed,” Isabel said.
    Her words shocked him. She saw it in his eyes. She watched the dark orbs, feeling the weight lift from her shoulders until something new flickered in the dark depths of his eyes.
    Something unmistakably sinful, yet strangely enticing.
    â€œYour husband’s failing. I promise to prove more attentive to your…desires.”
    Her mouth dropped open. She snapped it shut and felt her cheeks burn. “Stop your boasting.”
    No man had ever spoken so brazenly to her. She gave him a reprimanding glare but only received a soft smirk in response. Or was it a smirk? She peered more intently at his mouth, trying to decipher his expression.
    Why had she never noticed how soft a man’s lips seemed? Her own tingled with anticipation.
    Enough!
    â€œIt would be best for you to take the feathers to the king and ask him for another bride. I am not a virgin.”
    â€œNeither am I.” There was a hint of arrogance in his tone.
    Her pride finally flared. “Obviously you are not, since you boast so brazenly about your skills in the bedchamber.” Her eyes widened when she realized what she was discussing so calmly, but Ramon de Segrave chuckled at her audacity. “Go and find your amusement elsewhere. I have no liking for your company.” She could never admit she found him enticing.
    He lifted a hand to silence her. “But we have spent so little time in each other’s company. Your judgment is rash.”
    â€œIt is sound.” She knew she was being impolite. She blushed at the thought, but if it sent the man away from the idea of wedding her, it was worth the guilt. Let him think her a shrew.
    He lifted one foot and set it on the bottom step.
    â€œWhat are you doing?”
    One of his dark eyebrows, and his entire body, rose as he climbed another step. Something new was flickering in his eyes. Hard, male determination.
    Her belly twisted.
    â€œI am entering the keep.” His tone made it clear he knew he was invading her home.
    â€œNo.” She fought back her breathlessness. “You shall not.”
    She backed up, but forced herself to stop in the doorway.
    â€œWhy not, my lady?”
    He climbed another step and she felt her knees quiver. It was an insane reaction, one that shocked her with its intensity.
    â€œYou do not belong