To Catch a Rake Read Online Free PDF Page A

at the top of her head before he examined her face.
    She swallowed, a movement he noticed. Should she say something—anything—to break the awkward silence?
    Without a word, he studied her in some detail, as an engineer might study the framework of some building or bridge, from the solid foundation of her half boots to the decorative style of her hair. His gaze seemed to linger around her neck, so instinctively she reached her hand upward to adjust her intricate gathered lace collar. This movement caught his eye, most notably when her arm brushed over her bosom.
    She inhaled and attempted to stifle a blush, knowing full well her meager figure now came under his scrutiny. Unfortunately, her unsettled nerves necessitated an even deeper breath, which lifted her breasts upward.
    He acknowledged her action by a small, knowing smile.
    She froze. Mesmerized by his seductive perusal and significant physical allure, she felt the rapid warming of her cheeks. How could one glance from an unknown gentleman excite her the way this man did? Just gazing at him thrilled her with naughty, dangerous thoughts. Horrified, she closed her eyes and tried to divert her mind by recalling her breakfast.
    He stepped forward until he stood a mere foot or two away. “You have interrupted my concentration today. Let me guess. You wish to be considered a Happy Goer?”
    She held her breath. His question was followed by the wickedest smile Meta had ever seen given by a gentleman. Wicked because it revealed an intimate knowledge of Happy Goers. Wicked because it contained a veiled challenge for her to retaliate in kind. And wicked because, regardless of her response, he possessed complete confidence in his ultimate victory. She no longer entertained any doubts that the man standing before her wrote the field guide.
    “No words? Well, madam, you can beg”—his eyelids lowered slightly—“but since you have interrupted my work, I do not feel generous at the moment.” He stepped even closer.
    Her heartbeat thumped erratically. For every person she met, she tried to determine what they needed and if she might be able to help. For this man, she readily answered her own question. Whatever he needed, it wasn’t her assistance. Clearly his potent charm could easily obtain anything.
    “Meta, I really do believe he plans to eat you.” Lily’s voice trembled.
    He looked at her sister and made a low growl. “I see that lady learns fast.” His stare returned to Meta.
    She regained her composure and met his gaze. “Why are you pretending to be a rabid dog?”
    He lifted his chin, which was marked by a deep cleft in the center. “I’ll have you know, madam, my bear impersonation is much admired.”
    “Ah.” She shook her head. “Yes, I can see that now. Silly me. I should have thought of a bear first, but I was too lost in admiration of your baritone growl. Very exciting indeed.” Actually, she spoke the truth. The deep tone of his voice stimulated her and elicited wondrous memories, the low erotic grumble of a man fresh from sleep desiring a morning romp. The sensual nature of this response shocked and thrilled her in equal measure. This sudden attraction left her without a doubt that this man must have extensive experience with females. Moreover, for the first time, she understood the reputed, potent allure of a bona fide rake—some men just proved to be irresistible.
    “If you do not leave now, you will discover bears eat children.” He lowered the tone of his voice even more. “And ladies. The taste of ladies reminds me of…” He glanced at Fitzy. “A rather good mutton stew, don’t you agree?”
    With her wits muddled by his impossibly deep voice, she babbled on. “Oh no, not at all. I would imagine ladies would be rather tasty. Mutton stew is too bland. It’s not in the least my favorite.”
    Lily nodded. “That’s because Cook always puts in too many carrots.”
    He glared at both of them, chuckled, and strolled around them to the