A Taste of Paradise Read Online Free

I want no part of it. Rayford can rot in prison, for all I care. Now get out before I summon the Watch.”
    Rigby reached for the quilt and stripped it away. “I’m not going anywhere, my dear. Take off that nightdress so I can see what I’m paying for.”
    For a moment, Sophia’s brain had shut down, but now she was thinking clearly, her mind searching for a way to escape Sir Oscar’s nefarious plans for her. She was alone in the house, with no one but herself to rely upon.
    Rigby reached for the hem of her nightdress.
    â€œWait!” Sophia cried. “I won’t make it easy for you if you try to rape me. Wouldn’t it be a much more pleasant experience if I came to you willingly?”
    Rigby gaped at her. “You’d do that?”
    Never in a million years
. “Of course.” She summoned a smile. “After all, my compliance would benefit my family.” She nearly gagged over her next words, for she knew Rayford cared little for her. “I’m very fond of my stepbrother.”
    â€œI own I am surprised,” Rigby replied. “Caldwell led me to believe you would object.”
    He discarded his jacket and cravat and would have shed his breeches and boots if Sophia hadn’t raised a hand, stopping him. “Wait! Let me help you.”
    Trying her seductive best, though she knew little about seduction, she climbed out of bed, allowing a bit of ankle and calf to show beneath her nightdress. Taking note of the way Rigby stared at her ankles, she sidled up to him and began unbuttoning his shirt. His eyes nearly popped out of his head when she pulled his shirt halfway down his arms, imprisoning them at his sides.
    â€œSit down, Sir Oscar, so I can remove your boots.”
    His arms still captured by his shirt, Sophia led him to a chair. “What about my shirt?” he asked.
    â€œNot yet,” Sophia purred. “We’ll do this my way or not at all. Sit down and let me tend to your needs.”
    By now Rigby was panting with lust. “This waiting is killing me.” Nevertheless, he sat down in the chair Sophia indicated.
    â€œWe have all night,” Sophia reminded him as she thought of all manner of vile things she’d like to do to Rigby and Ray.
    Sophia moved behind Rigby. He swiveled in the chair to find her. “What are you doing? Stay where I can see you.”
    Sophia’s lush lips pursed in a fetching pout. “Turn around while I take off my nightdress. If you peek, I won’t finish undressing you.”
    His eyes glazed over. “I had no idea you enjoyed playing sex games. Caldwell made no mention of your . . . unconventional nature.”
    â€œRayford doesn’t know everything,” Sophia said, rolling her eyes. “Turn around, Sir Oscar.”
    Rigby had become so excited he was literally bouncing in the chair. Though clearly reluctant, he did as Sophia asked. “Don’t take too long. I’m hard as a rock and ready to burst.”
    The moment Rigby turned his back on Sophia, she grabbed a long, tasseled rope from the drapery at the window and flung it around his bulky body, wrapping it around him twice and knotting it behind the chair.
    â€œWhat’s this?” Rigby blustered. “I don’t like this kind of game.”
    â€œNeither do I, Sir Oscar. I can’t believe you had the audacity to think I would go along with the plan you hatched with Rayford. I’m not for sale, sir. You can tell that to Ray when he returns home and releases you.”
    Sophia turned away to find her clothing. She didn’t intend to be there when Rayford returned. She dressed quickly behind a screen, disdaining a corset and several petticoats in her haste to leave. Rigby was struggling with his bonds and cursing violently when she emerged. She should have gagged him but decided to ignore his foul language instead.
    Sophia dragged her valise from beneath the bed and packed only the necessities,