Two Shades of Seduction Read Online Free Page A

with his gaze.
    “So?” He waited patiently as her mouth moved in the most enticing way before she nodded her acceptance. Anticipation snagged his entire body as he smiled at her. “Then we’re agreed. Revenge, in exchange for nights of sinful pleasures. A decidedly decadent proposition.”

Chapter 2

    S he was mad .
    Sophie stared into the features of the man who’d just agreed to marry her. What had possessed her to storm the devil in his keep with the outrageous notion that he marry her in exchange for the chance to exact his revenge on her father and Eleanor? Her tongue darted out to lick her dry lips, and Devlyn growled low in his throat. It was a predatory sound.
    Arousal skimmed its way through her blood, and she put several feet between them. Not because he intimidated her of course, but because… Lord. Of course, the man intimidated her, not to mention disturbed her. Something about the Earl of Devlyn said his kisses would be potent and heady. Completely unlike the one or two caresses she’d received from Shively.
    Devlyn’s mouth tilted upward on one side in that dangerous smile of his. It emphasized his scar, making him look every inch the wicked scoundrel people claimed he was. It also emphasized he was quite capable of breaking her heart if she were to let her guard down. But she would ensure that wouldn’t happen. This was strictly a means to escape her father’s tyranny and experience what it was like to be made love to by a man of Devlyn’s experience.
    “Are you having second thoughts, Miss Hamilton?”
    “Most certainly not.” She straightened her spine and tilted her head at a proud angle.
    “You don’t appear all that certain.”
    “And exactly how do I look?”
    “Like you’re afraid I’m going to take a bite out of you.” His wicked smile made Sophie scowl at him.
    “You exaggerate, my lord,” she snapped.
    The swiftness with which he moved caught her by surprise as he pulled her against him. The scent of sandalwood teased her senses as her face came within inches of his. Hard muscles rippled beneath her palms as the white linen of his shirt grazed her fingertips. Even through her riding habit, she could feel the heat of him warming her body.
    Her gaze dropped to the buttons running from the base of his throat downward. What would his bare skin feel like against her hands if she were to unbutton his shirt? His forefinger traced her lips, and she trembled at the intimate touch. Was he going to kiss her? The green eyes staring into hers took on a lazy gleam.
    “Exaggeration is for the timid, my dear Miss Hamilton, and I’m far from timid. But be assured of one thing. When I take a bite out of you—and I will take a bite, my sweet,” he murmured in a voice that was like sinful velvet against her skin. “I promise you’ll never forget my doing so.”
    The words weren’t just an invitation to sin. They held a promise of something she wasn’t sure she would survive. Good Lord, if she didn’t take care, this man could easily rule her heart with just the sound of his voice. His lips brushed over hers in a feathery caress, and she trembled at the touch. She had to do something to restore the balance of power between them.
    “And I’m sure you’ll never forget my allowing you to do so, my lord.” Her words brought a laugh to his lips as he eyed her with amusement.
    “Should I be worried your given name is Kate as in Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew ?”
    “No,” she said with irritation. “My name is Sophie.”
    “I like how eager you are, Sophie. I suggest we dispense with the formalities of an engagement and marry three days from now.”
    “ Three days . I don’t think—”
    “I have a feeling you think far too much,” he murmured in a voice that made her breath hitch.
    His features blurred as he captured her mouth. Hot like a summer day, his lips singed hers. The heat of his kiss simmered and melted its way into her limbs, leaving her with a craving for more.