In the Devil's Bed (Sins of the Duke Book 1) by Eva Devon Read Free Book Online

moment. “That is an understatement, my lady.”
    Lady Regan lifted her eyes to his. They glowed with warmth; a warmth that didn’t match the family she’d been born to or the trauma that had occurred this night.
    Her lips parted, revealing her perfect white teeth and, in that moment, Jack knew he was the one who had to be wary. Because even though he had every intention of controlling everything that passed between them, right now, with those beckoning eyes and enigmatic smile, she was leading this dance.

Chapter 7
    Regan’s heart pounded against her ribs. She stood in his clothes, his spiced male scent teasing her senses. The soft folds of Captain Hazard’s own cream-colored shirt hung open on his broad chest. The subtle indentation of his throat meeting his chest startled Regan. Power and grace rippled in that single spot. A spot forbidden to the eyes of women.
    Clearing her throat, Regan murmured, “I am so sorry to disturb you after hours.”
    “A visit from you could never disturb me. I only wish we could meet under. . . more pleasant circumstances.” His voice spilled over her like taunting silk. Seductive. Offering. Strong.
    Focusing on the “v” of his unlaced shirt, Regan noticed a hint of smooth skin and hard muscles. She felt a shocking desire to touch him and feel that hardness under her fingertips. Instead, she looked away.
    He lifted a hand to hers and gently pulled her back towards the settee.
    Regan shuffled forward in his clothes, half afraid the rolled up pants would plummet to the floor and expose whatever decency she had left. Captain Hazard walked slowly, as if aware of her discomfort. He waited for her to sit. Regan lowered herself, relishing the heat of the fire and the distance between them for the moment.
    And then he sat beside her.
    Every nerve in her body took in the strange new experience. His thigh, muscular and almost as broad as her corseted waist, rested a few inches from her own leg. The heat of him warmed her body more than the fire before them.
    Regan drew her hands from his and placed them back in her lap. “Thank you. I am better now.”
    “No.” He shook his dark head. “You are not better.”
    “I beg your pardon?”
    “You’ve just had a ruddy scare that would put most prissy gents in a fainting fit. And yet, here you sit starch still in your feathers.” 
    “Exactly so.” Regan stared at him. If she did not have to talk about it, she didn’t have to think about it. “ I am better .”
    “No.” His full sensual lips curled in a knowing smile. “You want me to think you are.”
    Regan clenched her hands into tight fists ready to tell him off for his impertinence. No one had the right to tell her what she thought or felt. Especially this man. But one glance into his sooty, black eyes and the words died on her lips. He knew. Somehow, the damned man knew exactly how she felt. As if he could look into her soul and understand. Tears stung her eyes. She looked away.
    Raising a hand to her upper arm, he whispered low, “I can see it in you.”
    He paused, his touch stroking kindly over her arm. “It’s bloody hard to be strong, isn’t it?”
    Regan burned under his touch, but she didn’t move away. His words, though gently put, hurt. The trueness of them drove straight to her heart. But how was that possible? He was violent, rough, ambitious, and full of power.
    Regan turned to him and looked up into his strong face. The lines at his eyes and mouth had been carved by pain and hardship. It made her want to tell him everything.
    “I see it in you, too,” she murmured.
    He lifted his hand to her chin. His lips parted into a smile. A strange, sympathetic smile. It calmed her and she remained still as he tilted her face so that the firelight flickered over it. The warm tips of his fingers caressed her cheek.
    Regan’s breath caught in her throat. “What are you doing?”
    A soft, gravelly laugh rumbled from his chest. “I wager you would question St. Peter at the