Intimate Betrayal Read Online Free

as the duke leaned menacingly across the desk to emphasize his point. He was so close she could feel his warm breath on her face. Her heart thumped wildly. Wisely, she decided to comply with his demands for answers.
    “Lord Carrington, as you have already discovered, is not in residence at the moment. In his absence I take responsibility for these . . . umm . . . matters of business. I assume he owes you a sum of money?”
    The duke’s scowl darkened and Alyssa hurriedly continued.
    “I have inventoried and cataloged the various items in this room. As you can plainly see, all are of great value: some are considered priceless. You may select any item or items that are equal in value to the sum owed you by Lord Carrington. If you prefer your debt to be settled in coin, I respectfully request you grant me 24 hours to procure the necessary funds. May I inquire how much you are owed?”
    “A well-rehearsed speech. I can only surmise you have done this before.”
    Alyssa glanced at Morgan sternly but refused to answer his taunt. “May I have the marker, Your Grace?” she asked, extending her hand gracefully.
    For a split second Morgan was tempted to give her the deed of ownership in his possession, but even he could not be so cruel. Clearly Alyssa Carrington did not have any idea what her father had done. Glancing at her thoughtfully, it struck him suddenly what an absurd picture she made, standing amid the glitter and splendor of this room in her drab gown.
    “Is there something you do not understand, Your Grace?”
    No, he thought, it is all perfectly clear. Characteristically deciding that straight-out was the only way both to dispense and receive bad news, Morgan spoke.
    “I regret having to be the one to inform you, Miss Carrington, but I am now the owner of Westgate Manor.”

Chapter Two
    Alyssa stared at Morgan in shock, her face void of color. A lump formed in her throat and she swallowed hard, attempting to dislodge it.
    “May I see the marker?” she repeated in a quiet voice.
    Morgan reached into his breast pocket and withdrew the property deed. Wordlessly he handed it to her. He watched her carefully, not really certain what to expect. His vast experience with women had taught him they were emotional creatures. In times of crisis they usually fainted or became hysterical.
    Alyssa Carrington did neither. She accepted the paper with steady hands and read it thoroughly. The entire estate; the manor house and its furnishings, the stables, the tenant farms, and all surrounding properties.
    Raising confused eyes to the duke, Alyssa again stated her request. “I want to see Lord Carrington’s marker, Your Grace. Not the property deed.”
    Morgan understood. “I did not win the estate in a card game, Miss Carrington. I purchased the property at auction.”
    “Auction? I read no notice in the newspaper.”
    The duke shifted uncomfortably on his feet. Her quiet pain stirred strong feelings of guilt. “I don’t believe a notice was printed.”
    “I see,” Alyssa replied vaguely. “May I be so bold as to inquire the price you paid?”
    The duke reluctantly named a figure Alyssa knew was more than fair. She nodded her head slowly, trying desperately to assimilate the information. Deep within her heart she always knew this day would arrive, but that did not lesson the shock. She felt a warm numbness engulf her body and allowed herself to succumb to it. Off in the distance she heard a deep, rich voice.
    “Are you all right, Miss Carrington?”
    She looked up at the duke and saw the concerned expression on his handsome features.
    “I am perfectly fine,” Alyssa responded slowly, her voice sounding strangely far away to her ears. She gave a small, high-pitched laugh. “I guess this means you will be staying for dinner. I must inform Mrs. Stratton.”
    Alyssa methodically removed her glasses and arranged the papers on her desk before walking toward the drawing room doors. Upon reaching her destination, she