His Wicked Embrace by Adrienne Basso Read Free Book Online Page A

incident. For once the busy room was deserted, except for the cook, who was sitting in a large rocking chair in front of the fireplace, snoring softly.
    Isabella could scarcely believe her good fortune. She had neither the time nor the desire to exchange lengthy farewells with the household’s servants and now it appeared she would escape the house without anyone seeing her at all. Silently she lifted the kitchen door handle and gingerly stepped outside into the small courtyard facing the rear of the house.
    Isabella paused a moment, debating which direction to take. She would have preferred going straight ahead, walking through the Brauns’ formal gardens, crossing the neighboring property, and emerging onto the street behind the Brauns’ house. But a rather high fence divided the two properties and Isabella was uncertain she could scale it.
    Instead, she turned to her right and rapidly walked along the shortest section of the house, crouching low to avoid being seen through any of the windows. Turning again, she followed the narrow brick footpath along the side of the mansion, heading toward the street front. She struggled for a moment with the iron latch on the gate guarding the entrance to the Brauns’ yard but successfully swung it open on her third attempt.
    â€œGoing somewhere, Emmeline?”
    Isabella was so startled by the earl’s voice that she dropped her satchel. She jerked her head around and saw him standing in front of the house only a few feet away. He was leaning casually against the brick facade, his arms crossed over his broad chest. He looked very pleased with himself.
    Drat the man, must he be everywhere? Isabella bent down to retrieve her satchel and slowly stood upright. She simply stared at the earl for a few minutes, feeling completely lost. His superior attitude grated on her nerves. She gritted her teeth and considered a variety of actions. Isabella glanced briefly down at the earl’s strong, muscular legs and knew for certain she could never outrun him. Perhaps it was possible to outwit him.
    â€œAhh, I can almost see the wheels turning in that devious head of yours, Emmeline.” The earl pushed himself off the wall and took a step toward her.
    Isabella decided it was time to take a stand against him. She thrust her chin in the air.
    â€œI give you fair warning, sir. If you do not allow me past you, I shall scream. Very loudly.”
    â€œYou will?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œI see.” The earl stroked his chin thoughtfully. He appeared singularly unimpressed by Isabella’s threats. Desperately, she tried again.
    â€œI am not going with you, sir.”
    â€œYou are going to do precisely what I tell you to do, Emmeline.”
    â€œFor the last time, I am not Emmeline!”
    Isabella shrieked loudly, but the fight soon left her. She brought her hand to her head and rubbed her temple vigorously. It was no use. No matter how many times she shouted the truth at this man, he would not relent. He would never relent. He would hound her until he got his way.
    â€œWhat do you want from me?” she finally whispered.
    Damien’s eyes narrowed in suspicion as he observed her abrupt change of attitude. She had dropped her defiant stance and her eyes were lowered in classic feminine submission.
    â€œAccompany me to your brother’s house, Emmeline. I want to see his face when I confront him with you standing by my side.”
    â€œIf I do as you ask, will you then leave me in peace?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œEven if it does not turn out as you anticipate? Do you promise, do you swear to me on your word of honor, you will leave me alone?”
    â€œI have already stated that I agree,” Damien growled softly. “And I, unlike yourself, abide by my word.”
    â€œAll right,” Isabella sighed in defeat. “I will accompany you.”
    The earl gave a masculine grunt of satisfaction and moved forward to grab her arm. Isabella