The Devil Rogue Read Online Free PDF

involuntary shiver skittering over her skin.
    She wondered why he’d chosen her out of the score of women who would no doubt jump at the chance to be his mistress . In the light of day, away from the dangerous situation with her father, Angela had to question Blackridge’s motives in making such an expensive deal .
    There was another, more elusive reason to all of this , she was almost sure of it . At the moment, however, she cou ldn’t imagine what it could possibly be.
    After she finished dressing, Angela left her tiny room, her stomach rumbling, in search of the kitchen s . The third floor was empty and quiet, and when she arrived on the second floor, no one was about there, either. For such a large house with an adequate staff, the place seemed deserted.
    She walked slowly, taking her time, working out the s tiffness in her aching muscles. S he examin ed each of the large portraits lining the walls on either side of the long, wide hallway . The paintings were obviously of long-deceased relatives, generations of Blackridge men and women, captured in a time-frozen moment . Each one gave an incremental history of clothing style as they changed through the ages . The last portrait, just before the stairs leading to the main level , caught and held her attention.
    It was Blackridge, the current viscount, in full-color glory . Her breath hitched, and her blood heated in her veins as her pulse increased to match the rhythm of her rapidly beating heart . Those penetrating golden eyes stared out from the painting as though he were alive and standing right in front of her . Again, they brought to mind a bird of prey – a predator – and she was literally his captive . The sensual curve of his generous lips had her imagining what they would feel like against hers.
    What form of insanity had she been afflicted with when she’d agreed to this arrangement ? Angela’s heart beat into her throat as she began to really think about what she’d gotten herself into . She’d always done what she was told, always follow ed the rules of propriety.
    And now she would be sharing this man’s bed . The facsimile in the painting was no less intimidating, was just as heart-stoppingly handsome and mesmerizing as the real man . Soon, his hands would be touching her; those eyes would be gazing at her and, quite possibly, seeing more than what was on the surface.
    With a shiver, she snapped herself out of that ridiculous train of thought, inhaled a shaky breath and proceeded down the stairs , continuing her search of the kitchen s . When she arrived on the main floor, the area was empty. Apparently, she was to find her own way . She was starving, and if she must face Blackridge with a shred of dignity, she would need fortif ication .

 
    5
    Villarreal / The Devil Rogue                                      
    Chapter 4
     
     
    FINALLY, AFTER MAKING several wrong turns, Angela entered the kitchens , hoping it wasn’t too late for breakfast . She hadn’t eaten since yesterday morning , as her grumbling stomach persistently reminded her .
    “Oh, Miss Hopkins ! ” a portly, gray-haired woman said when she saw Angela standing in the doorway . “Come over here and have a seat while I fix you something to eat . You r maid’s already been dow n . She offered to help until her other duties called, the sweet thing.”
    Angela gratefully sat on the smooth wooden bench on one side of the long table . In the center was a bouquet of colorful flowers that had been placed in a round earthenware bowl . She inhaled their pleasing fragrance while she waited . “Rosemary was here?” she asked as the woman handed her a cup of steaming tea.
    “Aye, here and gone already, as I said.”
    S ipp ing slowly, Angela watch ed the woman bustle around the room, piling a plate high with eggs , potatoes, sausages , and biscuits . She wondered if the woman expected her to eat it all. She’d give it a good try. “ Are you the cook,