Tempting Bella (Entangled Scandalous) Read Online Free PDF

“It is from Sebastian. He has summoned me home. It seems my husband has found a use for me after all.”
    …
     
    Sebastian reluctantly made an appearance at Lady Claymont’s musicale a few days later. The occasion marked the inauguration of the society matron’s newly renovated ballroom at her Curzon Street mansion, but he’d come for his brother, Will.
    Lucius Penrose’s distinguishing mop of fiery-red hair made him easy to spot, his coppery eyebrows rising in surprise when he caught sight of Sebastian. “This is hardly the kind of rout that entices you, Stan.”
    Skimming the crowd, Sebastian nodded every so often when he caught the eye of an acquaintance. “My brother just completed a commission for Lord Claymont. It’s to be unveiled this evening.”
    “I suppose it is of Lord Claymont’s favorite mount. Is the great artist in residence this evening?”
    “He’d better be, as Will is the primary reason for my attendance.”
    “And I thought you came for Amelia Claymont’s superior singing skills,” Pen said with a wicked gleam in his eye. Claymont’s plain eldest daughter was not known for her superior musical talents. Just then, a curvaceous widow with an impressive décolletage glided by, distracting Pen with her generous, sashaying hips.
    Sebastian followed his friend’s gaze. “Wander away at your leisure, Pen. I’ll endeavor to run Will to ground.”
    “Good of you to be so gracious, old man. After all, we cannot all be saints,” he said, disappearing into the throng. Sebastian moved about the public room searching of his younger brother, but Will was nowhere to be found. Giving up, Sebastian resolved to get a quick look at the painting and then be on his way.
    Lady Claymont came bustling over once she spotted him. “Your brother sent a note saying he’s been unavoidably detained. However, he did promise to make an appearance after dinner in time to hear Amelia sing.”
    Sebastian bowed with utmost courtesy. “I do look forward to it, Lady Claymont. What a treat, indeed.”
    The lady beamed. “In the meantime, should you like to see the painting, you will find it in my husband’s study.”
    He made his way there and, upon finding the study empty, entered to examine the massive painting. Will had outdone himself. Standing at least eleven feet high, the composition magnificently captured the prancing thoroughbred’s sense of movement and grace. Everything about the animal seemed to be in motion, from its wind-tousled mane to its swaying tail.
    “The animal shows more personality than most people,” said a woman’s voice from behind him. “He would probably be better company, too.”
    He turned toward the source of the clear, confident voice and froze. The woman from the opera.
    The lovely creature’s eyes widened in recognition. “Oh, so it is you again,” she said pertly, her sun-burnished brown eyes assessing him with amused interest.
    His heart picked up speed. She looked as entrancing as the first time he’d seen her, perhaps even more so. This evening, she wore a gown of purple silk with golden embroidery along the generously cut neckline. He forced himself not to stare at the soft swell of her pale breasts. “So it is.”
    Seeming amused by his formality, she favored him with an arresting smile before gazing up at the portrait. “The artist is very clever.”
    “He is undoubtedly talented.” He had to force his eyes away from her to concentrate on the painting, but couldn’t resist casting a sidelong glance at that incomparable face. “But clever? How so?”
    She tilted her head, assessing Will’s work. “He was commissioned to paint Lord Claymont’s mount. This could have been an indulgent, pedantic piece. Instead, it is a remarkable piece of work with such adroit composition and attention to detail.” She turned to him with a dazzling smile that spoke of her satisfaction. “His vision is uncompromising. He made it his own and in doing so demonstrates an incredible