Enticing the Earl by Christie Kelley Read Free Book Online Page B

help you with your finances. In fact, she might damage them completely. How do you know she won’t take herself off to London and gamble what little money you have away? How do you know she won’t run off with some man who catches her fancy? My God, man, you found her half-dead from her last lover.”
    Hearing a feminine gasp, Simon glanced past North to where Mia stood, holding the stable door for support. Her pale face told him she had heard all of North’s rants. Instead of running away, she stepped into the barn as North turned to face her.
    “Your Grace, if you are done impugning my reputation, I will tell you that I am not a gambler. I don’t fancy myself a spendthrift nor am I a harlot. I had no idea the earl was in financial straits and since I do know, my lord, you may rescind your offer of marriage if you would like. I would understand and hold no ill will toward you.”
    Simon smiled at the grace she had while bringing North down a peg. “My offer of marriage still stands.”
    “Thank you, my lord. If you need any assistance with your books, I am quite good with figures.”
    “Miss Featherstone, please accept my apology,” North said stiffly. “I was only—”
    “Watching out for a friend. I understand that completely, Your Grace. After all, I questioned Selina’s sanity when she accepted you as her lover and then as her husband. I suppose it’s only fair that you do the same.” She took a long breath in. “I believe the walk out here has tired me. Good day, gentlemen.”
    As she walked away, Simon shot North a stone-cold glare. “Don’t ever say another bad word about her.” He turned away. “Miss Featherstone, I shall escort you to the house.”
    Behind him, he heard North chuckle.
     
    Mia’s cheeks still felt heated from her exchange with the duke. Arrogant bastard. She had no idea how Selina could tolerate the man. She slid a glance to the man beside her and her heart swelled. Hart had defended her to his best friend. Her eyes welled with tears.
    “I am sorry you had to hear that,” Hart said as they reached the house.
    “As I told him, I understand his reasoning.”
    “But... ?”
    Mia smiled. “But he is wrong. I just don’t know how to prove it to you,” she added wistfully. They walked inside and he led her to the salon. Slowly, she lowered herself to the emerald velvet chair by the fireplace. She winced as a shard of pain sliced her rib again.
    “Are you all right?”
    “Yes, it felt quite good to get out of bed. I was hoping to dine with you tonight.”
    “I would like that.” He took the seat across from her.
    “I also wanted to apologize again for my actions.” She stared down at her hands. “After hearing the duke’s words, I feel even more like a strumpet for criticizing your kiss.”
    Hart rose from his chair and then gently eased her to a standing position. “If my betrothed would like another kiss, all she has to do is ask.”
    Mia’s lips parted but before she could ask, his lips were on hers. This time, it was anything but tame. His tongue took full advantage of her parted lips and forced her mouth to open for him. As he kissed her, she wanted to put her arms around him but the bindings on her ribs kept her from doing that. Instead, she clung to the lapels of his jacket as the heat of his kiss scorched her.
    Her heart pounded against her chest and the urge to rub her hips against his became almost too much to bear. Moisture pooled between her folds as she wondered how his mouth would feel on her breasts. He might be a gentleman, but he kissed like a rake.
    Slowly, he lifted his head up and stared down at her. His gray eyes were filled with desire for her. She trembled from the passion he brought out in her. She had never felt anything like it with either of the men she’d been with and suddenly wished her monthlies would come quickly. She wasn’t terribly worried about being with child. Her mother had taught her how to prevent conception but it wasn’t