Broken Legacy (Secret Lives Series) by Colleen Connally Read Free Book Online Page A

Eloise, but for some reason I don’t believe a word of it from your lips.”
    She braced her arms against the bed , readied to retreat, but he was quicker. His hand caught hers and pulled her back. “Lady Eloise, we all have our demons within our past. I might well say the same to you about me, but within me this course I chose with you is the right one. I wasn’t being untruthful to you that we both need each other.”
    “You…you will find…”
    “This was my wish for us to marry. I will not hold it against you for my actions. Many marriages are arranged for less reasons. Truth be known, my intentions were to marry you regardless before meeting you and after...after I was determined to do so. Excluding the situation I find myself in, I can list the reasons for the benefits for the marriage on paper, but at the moment…my lady, you are a very desirable woman. It has been a long time since I have wanted...”
    He said nothing else, but reached over, caressing her bare arms. His hand slipped up under her chin, lifting it ever so slightly. He leaned down and kissed her moist , yielding lips. In the next instant, his mouth claimed hers, invading hers, possessing her. At first, her instincts were to fight back, but quickly all resistance faded. She forgot all except his warm lips upon her and she responded to him. He bent back her head and kissed her throat, igniting emotions that she thought long buried.
    Eloise's mind reeled from his touch, trying desperately to remind herself she hated him. He threatened her family; forced her into a marriage she didn't want; ruined her well -laid plans. Only...only she didn't hate him. She hated herself for allowing herself to respond to him. The trembling weakness in her limbs attested to his power over her.
    His lips broke from her. Reason flooded back. Turning slightly, she uttered in a voice lower than a whisper, "It may be better if you go…”
    “Not yet.” He released her. Looking quite pleased with himself, he retrieved the box and placed it in her hand. “My wedding present to you. They were my mother’s. I hope you will find them acceptable and wear them tomorrow.”
    Her hands accepted the box, opening it tentatively. The pearls, the beautiful glistering pearls. Her hands reached in. The strands fell over her hand. She looked up at Lenister.
    “They are so beautiful. I never have…” She choked up, admonishing herself for becoming emotional. She closed the box and tried to hand it back to Lenister. “I can’t accept them. They are…”
    “ My lady?”
    “I’m sorry. Truly, but they were your mother’s…”
    “Lady Eloise, do you understand we are to be married tomorrow? You do understand the whole of the ramifications of being married.”
    “I understand well, my lord. It is you who doesn’t understand.”
    Her eyes  searched his. Her thoughts had been held to the discovery of her activities. Sensations she had long suppressed emerged along with a remembrance. Deep within her surged words slung at her from another time. Hussy . Harlot. No one will take you now for a bride. You are worthy for only one purpose now .
    “Then tell me, Lady Eloise, what you think I do not understand?” he uttered into the night’s air. “That perhaps I’m not marrying a virgin?”
    * * * *
    The room became deathly quiet. The only sound she heard was the beating of her heart. For a brief moment in time, she had allowed herself to feel again, but the past she had tried so desperately to put behind her stared straight into her eyes. She didn't know how long she sat silent.
    He gave her the moment, but didn't yield. Taking her by her shoulders, he turned her to face him. She pushed upward with her arms. Without much effort, he obstructed her escape.
    Anger built within her. How dare he! He had only to utter words to make her trust him...to want him.
    "Let go of me!" she cried, trying to jerk out of his hold.
    Immediately, his hands released her, but only momentarily. He