Tempting Bella (Entangled Scandalous) Read Online Free PDF Page A

lovely house,” said Tabby.
    “Please.” Bella rolled her eyes. “This is my father’s house, my house, by rights, if there were any justice in the world for females. Sebastian isn’t even aware that we’ve encamped here.”
    Indeed, she’d specifically chosen Strawberry Hill secure in the knowledge the staff would be discreet about her presence while she acquainted herself with ducal affairs. It wasn’t just because the servants were well aware she would one day be duchess and they, in turn, hers to command. She’d spent much of her growing up years here and the staff was more like family than her own father. Or husband for that matter.
    “When will you tell him you are in town?” asked Monty, an Englishman who’d joined them on their travels after a chance encounter in Spain.
    “When I am ready. I need to learn everything I can about Sebastian’s business dealing, and that is best done when no one knows who I am.”
    “It’s a lucky thing neither your father nor your husband ever bothered to bring you to town before now,” Tabby said.
    “I didn’t used to think so, but it certainly has its advantages at the moment.” She’d been able to slip into town, mostly unnoticed, and Orford had taken to vaguely introducing her as his cousin, which she was, albeit a few times removed. Except for Lady Florinda, her old finishing-school friend who she planned to meet for a quiet luncheon, almost no one in town would recognize her. Except for her father, of course, and a few of his cronies, who she planned to steer clear of.
    “I demand satisfaction.” Orford’s voice broke into her thoughts. Reclaiming his mace, he inclined his head toward Bella. “My dear?”
    She shook her head, irate with herself for allowing talk of him to cause the twinge in her throat. “I am bored with billiards. Let Monty play with you.”
    Monty turned at the sound of his name from where he stood behind Tabby assessing her painting. He walked over and picked up a stick. “Very well. Your play first, Orford.”
    Folding her legs beneath her, she waited for the pain in her chest to recede back to an ever-present dull ache. Chin in hand, she watched her friends. They had traveled together these last two years, this group of misfits who, for the most part, had no one else in the world who cared for them.
    Bella’s gaze flitted out the window, her mind returning to the masculine specimen from the opera who plagued her thoughts. With his inky curls and wide, impervious jaw, he wasn’t terribly handsome like Orford, who possessed refined features and a lean elegance. The man had a dark complexion and was of average height, with a powerful physique and serious countenance. He’d been smartly attired in fine-cut clothing, the dark formal wear and snowy cravat providing a sumptuous contrast with his smooth caramel skin. But what drew her most were his eyes. Slightly hooded and fringed with dark velvet lashes, they were the purest green she’d ever seen—bright pools that shone against his bronze skin, radiating both strength and kindness. And when he’d focused that keen gaze on her, it was as if the sand had shifted beneath her feet, leaving her completely at the mercy of an approaching swell that promised danger, but also something sublime.
    “My lady, you have a message.”
    Lost in her thoughts, she’d not heard Hastings, the butler, approach. She looked up to find him standing before her bearing a silver tray. Taking the note, she scrutinized the firm, sweeping curves that formed her name. Not recognizing the seal, she unfolded the foolscap and scanned its contents. When their meaning became clear, the words began to whirl on the page.
    “What is it, m’petite ?” Josette sat up on the chaise, her eyes alert. “You have lost all color in your face.”
    Orford and Monty paused from their game to look at her. Even Tabby stopped painting, her round, dark eyes fixed on Bella. Forcing a weak laugh, she waved the missive in the air.