What You Desire (Anything for Love, Book 1) Read Online Free

trying to keep her voice even.
    “Oh, but you can.” He raised his sword to circle her breasts once more.
    Sophie shivered but then straightened her back in protest.
    He smiled at her reaction. “I am certain you hold the key to a whole host of hidden treasures, and I am most reluctant to leave without so much as a glimpse. But I am, after all, a gentleman and so will give you time to make the necessary arrangements.” With a sigh of resignation, he replaced the sword back in its sheath.
    Sophie swallowed deeply in an attempt to dislodge the lump in her throat. “I have nothing to offer in recompense.”
    There was a small flicker of excitement in his black eyes. “Ah, but you do, Miss Beaufort. It is simple. You will find the necklace and bring it to me. I have business on the Continent and my ship sails eight days, hence. You will come to me and hand over the necklace. Or I shall be forced to take you with me on what I am sure will be a most enlightening journey.”
    Sophie could hardly believe what she was hearing. Surely this must be some ridiculous dream and any moment she would wake up in a cold sweat, grateful it was all over.
    The comte took a few steps closer and the smell of stale tobacco filled her nostrils. He raised his hand and she flinched as he took hold of her chin, tilting her head from side to side as though looking for a sign of imperfection.
    “Exquisite!” He released her and stepped back. “I anticipate our next meeting will be far more … pleasurable. I shall leave you, madame, to consider your options. The comte strode over to the desk, straightened one of the crumpled pieces of paper, dipped the nib of the pen in the inkwell and began scratching away. He turned to Sophie and gestured towards the scrawled note. “Here are my directions. We shall meet at midnight.” He took a few steps towards her as his coal-black eyes explored her body. “I am somewhat shy, you understand, and prefer to examine my goods away from prying eyes.”
    “You forget yourself,” Sophie said trying to muster an ounce of courage. “My family will have something to say on the matter.”
    Rather than appear offended, he looked amused. “Ah, but you forget, Miss Beaufort. You have no family. But never fear. I shall take great pleasure in rectifying your position … personally.”
    Without uttering another word, he bowed gracefully, turned on his heels and marched towards the door. He stopped suddenly and swung around to face her, his unforgiving gaze searching her face. “Do not make me come back for you,” he said in a tone as lethal as his sword. “You would not like the outcome.”
    Sophie wrapped her arms around her stomach, as though reeling from a succession of brutal punches, and listened to the echo of his boots along the hall. Only when she heard his carriage rattle away down the drive, was she able to breathe a little easier.
    A whimper escaped from her lips when she imagined the comte returning. His threats made her more aware of her own vulnerability, but she could not think about that now. Perhaps the comte had no intention of carrying her off on some sordid journey. However, his eyes: cold black pools of nothingness, suggested otherwise.
    How on earth had James ended up in such a mess?
    She was grateful for one thing. If James had taken something belonging to the comte, at least he’d had the sense to disappear. All she needed to do now was find out where.
    Although there was a more pressing problem.
    What had happened to her mother’s necklace?
    Pacing the room, Sophie tried to imagine what she would do if faced with her brother’s predicament. Which proved to be a fruitless task for he had never in his life done anything she’d suggested; in fact he always did the opposite.
    Then inspiration struck.
    Sophie pulled on the cord and waited for Rowlands to enter.
    “Rowlands, I wonder if you can help me.” The butler simply bowed in response. “I know Mrs. Hudson likes to keep abreast of all