Infamous by Virginia Henley Read Free Book Online

not.”
    Perhaps she has never heard the dark whispers about me.
    â€œMen do not frighten me, my lord. Gentlemen are always extremely courteous and gallant toward me.”
    He gazed at her heart-shaped face. “That’s because you are ethereal. You look so delicate and fragile, it evokes an urge to protect you…even in a brute like me.”
    Her laughter sounded like silver bells and it enchanted him. She smiled often and it made her look radiant, as if she were lit with an inner glow. Her skin was flawless, and her wide green eyes were the color of pale Chinese jade.
    He stood up and held out his hand to her. Without hesitation she placed her hand in his and allowed him to draw her before the small fire that burned in the hearth. Warwick had been able to control his body until she touched him; then his desire ignited, burning hotter than the flames of any fire. He gazed down at her upturned face. She was so very young, perhaps without much sexual experience. “You should fear me—I am naked beneath this robe.”
    â€œI have already seen you naked, my lord.”
    His brows drew together. “How…where?”
    Her laughter floated around him. “I was watching from atop the Round Tower when you rode in. You stood out from all the rest. Even from that great distance you made my knees grow weak. I had an overwhelming desire to see you naked, so I went to the bathhouse. When I gazed at your body, I was mesmerized. I had no idea who you were, but I had chosen you, and I was determined to find you.” Her fingers traced the golden bear and the words embroidered on his black velvet robe. “Non Sans Droit.” She made an attempt to translate the French motto. “Not without honor?”
    â€œNot without right.” He immediately breached the ancient chivalric principle of Warwick and took possession of her lips.
    The kiss was so profound, almost mystical; it felt as if they had claimed each other. She placed her hands against his chest to steady herself; then her fingers slid beneath the velvet, parting the robe. “I want to see you again,” she said breathlessly.
    The garment fell to the carpet and she stepped back so that she could view his full naked splendor as he towered before her. The firelight turned his skin to polished bronze, enticing her to touch his flesh to learn if his body was as hard and as strong as it looked. She moved just close enough to reach out and let her fingertips trace the solid muscles that rippled across his powerful chest and shoulders. She feathered her fingers through the black curls, then laid her palm over his heart, feeling its heavy, pulsing beat quicken at her touch to mingle with her own.
    Her gaze dropped to his flat belly, then lowered to his groin. She watched his shaft harden and lengthen until it became fully erect. Its velvet head almost reached his navel. Her eyes filled with wonder as she raised them to meet his. “Guy de Beauchamp, you are truly magnificent. I have made the perfect choice.”
    â€œI have a towering pride, and value myself above all other men, but you must not delude yourself, little one. Far from being perfect, I am flawed in every way.”
    To add credence to his words, his bold fingers unfastened the laces of her tunic and slipped it from her shoulders. The loose garment pooled at her feet, revealing that she wore neither petticoat nor hose, but stood before him naked. She glanced down at her upthrust breasts and the laughter that spilled from her was filled with unconcerned delight. “I was abed when I decided to come to you.”
    â€œAnd bed is where I shall take you.” His deep voice was husky with desire. He swept her into his arms and held her high against his heart. Her head fell back, the white linen cloth fluttered to the floor, and her glorious silver-gilt hair spilled over his arm.
    Warwick stared in disbelief at the exquisite creature he held in his arms. Splendor of