Taming the Beast Read Online Free Page B

have earned a pair of boons, my lady.” He held forth a long, courteous arm and bowed slightly. “Collect at your discretion.”
    â€œThis is outrageous!”
    Lady Juliette, of course. The woman stepped from the crowd once more with a swish and flounce of her fancy skirts and walked directly up to Michaela. “I’ll grant no boon to a girl who gleans her talents from Satan! That song was clearly devil’s trickery!”
    Michaela felt her eyebrows draw downward and her fingers curl into fists at her sides. She had never before struck another human being, but in that moment she seriously considered it.
    â€œNow, Lady Juliette,” Lord Tornfield said mildly. “Certainly you knew the identity of the woman you challenged before she gave her try, and clearly, it is not Satan who stands before you now. This was all done in good fun, any matter. I’m sure Lady Michaela’s boon will be a reasonable one.” Although his words were friendly and advising, his tone indicated that the matter was not open to debate.
    Lady Juliette’s face glowed ghastly white. “Very well, Miss Devil’s Fortune ,” she fairly spat. “What will your wretched prize be? And should you request something ridiculous, be forewarned that I will slap your face.”
    â€œOh, my request will be very fair,” Michaela rejoined, and moved even closer to the fuming lady so that her next words would be heard by Lady Juliette alone. “And you be forewarned that, should you dare strike me, I will drag you from this hall by your hair and call down the Hunt to steal your soul,” she hissed, malicious glee filling her at teasing the woman so ruthlessly.
    Devil, indeed. Good heavens.
    â€œName your prize, heathen,” Juliette demanded through clenched teeth.
    â€œWell, then,” Michaela stepped back and looked down upon herself. “Since it is through your fault that my gown is hopelessly stained”—she let her eyes roam over the fine green velvet draping her rival—“I will have the one you are wearing.”
    Juliette laughed. “You’re daft! This gown cost more than what your piddling hold brings to the demesne in a year!”
    Michaela shrugged. “Mayhap you should have considered the value of your own possessions before you set about ruining another’s.”
    â€œI’ll not do it!” Juliette shrieked, looking to Lord Tornfield. “This is absurd!”
    â€œIt seems reasonable enough to me,” the lord said. “And it was your challenge, Lady Juliette. I’m certain Lady Michaela will accept you sending the gown to her home by messenger. Surely she does not expect you to turn it over this night?” Lord Tornfield raised a questioning eyebrow to Michaela, and her heart pounded.
    â€œOf course,” Michaela acquiesced. “I shall look for it within the fortnight.”
    Juliette stammered. “I—I—” She stamped her foot and set her mouth in a pinched frown. “Very well, then. You shall have it.” She made no attempt to mask her glare for Michaela. “Now, I’m certain you will understand if I bid you good night.” She spun on her heel and swept from the hall, a few quiet snickers from the other guests escorting her out with her personal servants.
    Lord Tornfield’s commanding voice rang out again. “Have my fair musicians quit me as well? The night is far from over, my good men—let us continue the festivities in earnest! I have much to celebrate!”
    The music immediately bloomed forth once more, and the crowd drifted away to refreshments or more private conversation, while Lord Tornfield beckoned to Michaela to join him and his daughter before the dais.
    Michaela curtsied. “My lord, I am honored by your decision.”
    â€œNonsense!” The blond man smiled, still keeping an affectionate hold on his daughter. “You fairly bested any and