My Forbidden Mentor Read Online Free

There’s no forcing in that department, and I’ve had no complaints.”
    Redness claimed her honeyed cheeks and her eyes opened wide in shock. “That was more than I wanted to know about your personal life.”
    “You brought up the subject,” he tossed back.
    Her hands went to her hips. “Yes, but did you have to answer so honestly?” she said, her eyes daring his, then her gaze faltered as she tried looking away when the reality of the subject hit her again. Melissa wasn’t shy about a lot of things but when it came to sexual intimacy, her experience lacked unlike other areas of her life. Her embarrassment became overwhelming when she saw that she hadn’t hidden her reaction from him.
    It didn’t take long for John to figure out that he had an innocent young lady on his hands or that her experience seemed limited. He tried covering up the words that had already done damage. “I don’t know what came over me. I suppose I was trying to make a point,” he told her, and he looked away as well.
    “Your point was well taken,” she said with a shaken voice. There was a brief, uncomfortable silence between them until Melissa offered, “Forgive me for assuming the worst about you. It gets tiresome dealing day in and day out with the ways of the world, at least where women are concerned. I’ll try to be more careful.”
    “You know that although I haven’t any interest in causing trouble for you Miss Howard, you should be aware that there are others who wouldn’t think twice about it.”
    “I am aware of that Lord Blackburn and I appreciate your being agreeable, however, I have to be honest here and say that my main goal is recognition, whether positive or negative. I need to be noticed.”
    “I understand your reasoning but positive acknowledgment would be a much better route.”
    “And how do you propose that’s possible with the obstacles I have to face?”
    “Well, knowing someone on the inside would help. Of course, I don’t have as much power here as I do at my own track.”
    Melissa sat on the splintered chair to contain her excitement. “What are you saying, Lord Blackburn? It sounded as if you were making me an offer?”
    “I had planned on it in the beginning, when I thought you were a man.”
    “Is that all, because of my gender?”
    “Truthfully, yes.”
    “But if you have an interest in me as a rider why should my gender matter?”
    John rested against the timbered wall adjacent to the door. “Because there are certain circumstances we would have to contend with.”
    Her brows rose elegantly while she made her inquiry. “Not able to rise to the challenge, Lord Blackburn?”
    “Now who’s being brazen, Miss Howard?” he stated in interested fascination.
    “You strike me as a very determined man my lord, as in always getting what you want?” she teased.
    “You’re not only determined yourself Miss Howard, but perceptive as well.”
    “I have a proposition for you then. Why not begin training me and in that time you can decide for sure whether to have me ride for you. I will work extra hard to prove to you that a woman can ride just as well as a man.”
    He gave a short nod. “I haven’t got a doubt that you’ll ride well, my doubts lie elsewhere.” Then, with an arch of his brow, he pointed out, “Let’s say I agree with this arrangement. I begin training you and for whatever reason it doesn’t work out. What kind of reward do I get in return when you’ve just received free training?”
    “I can’t imagine that happening,” she answered.
    He chuckled, not because she was being humorous but in reaction to her persuasive argument. “Regardless I’m not giving my time away for free. I’m a busy man Miss Howard. My time is worth money.”
    “You will make your money back and then some when I win for you,” she urged.
    He inclined toward her, speaking each key word in slow deliberation. “You are the most stubborn, bold, risky woman I’ve ever met.”
    She stood and met