Wild Hearts Read Online Free

strong, it is true, but then, the average man would never survive the rigors of childbirth or have the patience to raise children. Is it wrong for a mother to have a voice in her children’s future? Should only their father decide their fate? What if she is more intelligent? What if she has a better view of the world? Is that to be ignored merely because of her sex?”
    â€œYou have passion on this subject,” he said, knowing he could listen to her opinions well into the night. She was much more charming than he had thought possible.
    â€œYes, not that my passion will change anything. So if the society gives men pause, then I am content. Let them be a little afraid. It does no harm. Perhaps they will actually listen to their wives.”
    â€œDid Wesley listen to you?”
    â€œWhen he was not busy reading.” She sighed. “He was a good man.”
    â€œBut not strong enough for you.”
    She blinked. “I don’t understand.”
    â€œFrom your description it does not sound as if your Wesley would have challenged you.”
    Zeke was guessing, although his gut told him he was right. Alethea proved him correct by pointedly ignoring the statement and sipping her wine.
    â€œThe victory is all the sweeter when one has a worthy opponent,” he told her.
    She set down her glass. “That is the second time you have made a reference to fighting. Is all of life a battle to you?”
    â€œNo. Only the skirmishes between a man and a woman interest me.” He lowered his voice. “You’ve been married. You know of what I speak. Or perhaps you would prefer I refer to it as a dance. He leads, she follows. He urges, she resists. But they both know the outcome. In the darkness. The mingling of breath, the touching, the ultimate surrender.”
    Alethea’s gaze locked with his. Her body was rigid, except for her hands, which trembled slightly. She looked away suddenly, then nearly spilled her wine as she fumbled putting the glass back on the table.
    â€œLook,” she said loudly and with obvious relief. “Ella brings our dinner. I am looking forward to the roast beef most of all.”
    They spoke of little as they ate. Or rather, he ate and she played with her food, moving it around on her plate. She seemed flustered and ill at ease.
    He had not meant to upset her, although he was pleased to know how powerfully she had reacted to his words. It boded well for his plans.
    Zeke wanted her with a desire he hadn’t felt in a long time. Perhaps it was her combination of intelligence and beauty. Or the fact that she’d been married before. His seductions leaned toward virgins and those women whom one bought for an evening. One required too much work and the other, not enough. But Alethea already understood the mystery, yet would not take the experience lightly. An intriguing possibility. He must remember to thank Billy for setting him on this path. Although he liked to think he would have noticed a woman like Alethea, regardless of circumstance.
    When the meal was finished, they rose and left the dining room. At the foot of the stairs, she turned to him.
    â€œI am more than capable of climbing the stairs on my own. Thank you for the meal.”
    â€œI don’t mind accompanying you. My room is on the same floor.”
    She narrowed her gaze. “While that may be true, there is no need for us to discuss it or acknowledge it in any way.”
    â€œMr. Titan,” he whispered.
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œYou forgot to add ‘Mr. Titan’ at the end. You’re annoyed. I can tell.”
    â€œYou are as presumptuous and infuriating as you are charming. However, I am more than capable of maintaining control over my emotions.”
    He took her hand in his, enjoying the feel of her warm, soft skin. “I had a lovely time with you this evening, Mrs. Harbaugh, and look forward to many more dinners together.”
    She pressed her lips together in order