Smuggler's Lair Read Online Free

bawdy.”
    â€œFascinating!”
    Tory stared at him for a moment and then her innate honesty came to the fore. “I admit I found it most fascinating.” She drained her wineglass. “I also admit I would have preferred the masquerade ball to the staid dinner invitation.”
    â€œThat doesn’t surprise me in the least, coming from a young woman who disguises herself as a water sprite.”
    Tory’s mouth fell open. “How did you know it was me?”
    â€œThe first time I saw you, I followed you to the priory.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œI was completely enchanted.”
    â€œHow many times have you watched me?”
    â€œHalf a dozen.” He smiled into her eyes. “My enchantment shoots large holes in your theory that I am interested in an alliance because of your respectability. I quite agree that there is nothing prim and proper about you, Tory Carswell.”
    â€œThen why are you interested in me?”
    â€œYou are beautiful, audacious, uninhibited, and unawakened as yet; therein lies your fatal attraction.”
    â€œWell, I’ll be damned!”
    His mouth curved. “Not for swimming naked, you won’t.”
    Her eyes sparkled. “Mother wouldn’t agree.”
    â€œThere is something infinitely familiar about you, Victoria, as if we have met before—perhaps in another time, another place.”
    â€œAnd perhaps you have inherited Mad Jack’s eccentricity!”
    â€œTouché!” He threw back his head and laughed. “I think we would deal well together. We have a mutual love of history, we share a fascination for Bodiam Castle, and we are not above thumbing our noses at society. Will you allow me to court you?”
    â€œCourt me with a view to marriage?”
    â€œOf course.”
    â€œMarriage that endows me with all your worldly goods?”
    He smiled knowingly. “You covet Bodiam.”
    She smiled back. “I do indeed, especially when you dangle it before me as bait.”
    He reached out and gently brushed her cheek with his fingertips. “Then your answer is yes?”
    Tory shivered at his touch. She felt breathless and filled with excitement. He thinks me audacious! She swayed toward him, then caught herself before they could indulge in anything as daring and impulsive as a kiss. “I will give you my answer after I have fully explored the castle.”
    His arm swept out in a magnanimous gesture. “Be my guest.”
    * * *
    Victoria couldn’t believe her good fortune. It seemed the attractive devil who owned Bodiam was half in love with her because he’d watched her from one of his castle’s high towers, cavorting naked in the River Rother.
    Her blood sang with anticipation as she walked through the ancient chambers, exploring every nook, arch, and cranny, every artifact left behind by previous generations, no matter its sorry condition. She sensed intangible remnants left floating in the very air like dust motes. She spun around, dancing a solitary waltz, and let her head fall back as she gazed up at the vaulted ceiling. “I love this castle!”
    Tory was eager to explore Bodiam’s towers. The castle had a round tower at each of its four corners and square ones midway between. She was traversing a long passageway that led to a round tower, when suddenly she heard a faint noise of padding feet behind her. She turned, fully expecting to see a dog. Her eyes widened in shocked disbelief. “It’s a leopard!”
    She started to run, her heart pounding with fear. She glanced back, hoping she had been mistaken, but she was gripped with terror when she saw the large spotted cat was now chasing her. She reached the end of the passageway and in desperation began to climb the spiral staircase of the round tower. She could hear the animal gaining on her and ran faster and faster. Her silk bag slipped from her fingers as she frantically hoisted up her skirts so she would not