Temporary Husband Read Online Free PDF Page A

hesitated, as though choosing her words carefully—something he suspected she didn’t often bother with. “You see, there’s this woman. Mrs. Marsh. She wants my inheritance and she’ll do whatever it takes to get it away from me.” She frowned, her expression turning fierce. “She’s already scared off three fiancés.That’s why I need someone strong, someone who’ll help me fight her.”
    That explained a lot. Her previous fiancés sounded like total bastards, making promises they had no intention of keeping. All so they could entice her into their beds, he didn’t doubt. “I don’t scare easy,” Jake commented. “And I’ve never yet failed to keep my word.”
    She grinned. “I hoped you’d say that. Which leaves only one problem.”
    Of course. While he’d been distracted by the more pleasurable aspects of having her as his wife, she’d been baiting her trap. A trap he’d almost fallen into. When would he learn? Nothing ever came without a price. “What’s your problem?” he asked grimly.
    “You want a brief marriage. But I don’t know how long it will take to get rid of Mrs. Marsh, to convince her that she can’t take my inheritance away from me.”
    “I don’t understand. Once you’re married—”
    “The inheritance is mine. Legally. But if she finds out it’s only a temporary marriage, she’ll never give up. She’ll try to get her hands on it after we divorce. She’ll argue that the marriage was just a ruse.”
    He shrugged. “Then we’ll have to make sure she doesn’t learn about the divorce.”
    Wynne nibbled on her lower lip. “If she does, I guess I could find myself another husband.”
    Jake stilled, fighting the surge of displeasure her comment stirred. He had no right to feel that way. Once she’d fulfilled her marital duty, it wasn’t any of his business what Wynne chose to do. He’d help get rid of this Marsh woman for now. Later could take care of itself. He hesitated, aware their deal wasn’t the least equitable. She still had the chance to find someone else, someone who’d stick around longer, who could guarantee Mrs. Marsh would never be a problem.
    “I’m not right for you,” he said in a low voice. He stood, pulling her to her feet. “Go back to the ballroom and take another look around. Maybe you’ll find the perfect man, a permanent sort of man.”
    She shook her head and smiled. “I’ve already found the perfect man.”
    He’d give her one final chance to escape. If she stayed, she’d seal her own fate. It would be out of his hands and he could take her with a clear conscience. “Run away, little elf,” he insisted curtly. “Go now, while you still can. You don’t want me for your husband. I’ll only hurt you.”
    “You could never hurt me,” she said, lifting her face to his.
    “You don’t think so?” His hands closed on the narrow bones of her shoulders and he tugged her into his arms. “Why don’t we find out?”
    And unable to resist any longer, he took her mouth with his.

CHAPTER TWO
    W YNNE STOOD CLASPED in Jake’s arms, reveling in the most incredible kiss she’d ever received. He’d meant for it to be ruthless; she’d known from the grim set of his jaw and the hard grasp of his hands. He’d meant to scare her off. But somewhere between the time he’d pulled her close and the time he’d kissed her, his intentions must have changed.
    He groaned, his mouth moving over hers with gentle warmth, probing, sampling, tasting at will. It was as though he were indulging in a leisurely exploration, stirring her in ways that emptied every thought from her head save one—to experience more. He must have sensed her total capitulation, for his touch grew more assured, firmer, coaxing a response unlike any she’d known before.
    Did he suspect how thoroughly shaken she was by his kiss, how new and wonderful she found it? He’d been so concerned about her level of sexual expertise earlier, so appalled that she might still be a virgin. And