Blood Legacy: Heir to the Throne by Kerri Hawkins Read Free Book Online Page A

the doorway.
    “Ahem,” Edward said, clearing his throat.
    Ryan glanced over, conscious of their very indelicate positions. Marilyn did not release Ryan, and merely glanced in his direction before returning her attention to Ryan.
    “Edward,” she said dryly over her shoulder.
    Edward’s reply was as dry. “Will you be assaulting my master in the corridor, or may I show you to your chambers?”
    Marilyn gave Ryan another lingering look. “You are right, assaulting her in my chambers is a much better idea.”
    Marilyn stepped back, releasing Ryan. She turned to Edward, beginning to speak, then went utterly still. Ryan was aware of the stillness, and also of its cause.
    “Mon Dieu,” Marilyn said, disbelief evident in her voice, “Ce n’est pas possible.”
    Ryan looked over at her son who stood in the doorway, Edward’s pant leg clutched in his tiny fist.
    “Many things are impossible,” Ryan began.
    “And now you have done them all,” Marilyn finished for her. She stared at the tiny creature in the doorway.
    If there was a candidate for less maternal instinct than Ryan, it was Marilyn. Which was why Ryan was surprised when Marilyn stooped to the boy’s eye level and motioned for him to approach. Ryan was more surprised that the boy immediately complied, toddling to Marilyn as if he knew her well. He gazed up at the raven-haired beauty intently. Marilyn clasped his hand to steady him, then reached and ran her hand through his silky dark hair. He gazed at her with warm blue eyes, then reached up to touch her own dark hair.
    “Edward,” Ryan said with mild exasperation, “my son is a flirt.”
    “Hmm, yes, my lord” Edward said in his driest tone yet, “I have no idea where he gets that from.”
    Ryan threw him a sharp glance. He was of no help to her when it came to Marilyn.
    Marilyn released the boy and stood. Drake looked up at Ryan, then ran back to Edward who picked him up. Marilyn watched the boy, then turned to Ryan. There was wicked amusement in her eyes.
    “I now understand why your father kept us from you when you were a child.” Marilyn said, her eyes lingering on Ryan’s lips. She abruptly turned. “If you would be so kind as to escort me to my chambers.”
    Ryan watched the dark-haired beauty disappear. “Edward,” she said, her misgivings evident, “do not let anyone eat my son.”
    “Yes, my lord,” he paused, but could not resist a parting comment. “I am sure you will find a way to keep Madame otherwise occupied.”
    Ryan threw him one last, dark look, then started off down the hallway after Marilyn.
    “I trust these accommodations are acceptable.”
    Marilyn glanced around the room. It was furnished to her taste, warmly luxurious with sensual colors and soft light. She frowned slightly, tilting her head.
    Ryan glanced around the room, trying to diagnose what had displeased her. “If there is something that is unsatisfactory…”
    Marilyn looked around the room as if trying to place what had displeased her. She turned to the couch, then to the bed. A look of enlightenment crossed her face. “Ah, that is it.”
    Ryan turned to identify what had offended Marilyn, and was shoved halfway across the room and headlong into the bed. She went face-down into the soft comforter, barely able to roll over before Marilyn was upon her. In an instant, Ryan was pinned to the mattress, gazing up at the dark-haired woman. Marilyn examined the girl’s position, her amusement evident.
    “Ah yes, that is much better.”
    “Why is it,” Ryan asked, trying to think clearly, “that I can defeat any enemy in battle, yet have no defense against you?”
    Marilyn smiled and leaned down towards the girl’s neck.
    “Because I am not your enemy,” she whispered in her ear.
    Although Marilyn was immensely hungry, she so enjoyed toying with the girl. She brushed her lips across Ryan’s cheek, then gently bit Ryan’s lip. She stared at the drop of blood for a moment, then stole it with a kiss. It was