Kidnapped and Bound: Kidnapped, Book 2 by Blushing Books Read Free Book Online Page B

whispering, and his amused expression turned to one of such seriousness I became anxious.
    “There was news that the man who shot you, James, had not been found.  The Viscount was also rescued by club members on his way to the jail.  The Viscount’s club does a heavy trade in bride sales and we have disrupted his business by rescuing his stock.  Both the Viscount and the man, Mr. James Duncan, have lost a lot of money.  As a virgin, you were a rare prize and would have been the star of the auction that is to take place on Saturday, tomorrow.  All club members and the men who serve them, including Lord Grange, are searching for you.  When they find you, they will parade you for sale to the highest bidder and you will be lost in marriage.  I cannot let that happen, madam.”
    I stared at him.  He sat up, clearly convinced I was too stunned to move, and folded his arms.  I could not help remarking to myself how handsome Lord Drake appeared in his light brown vest and shirt, although his clothing was somewhat creased.  His hair was ruffled and he looked as if he had been sleeping in his clothes.  As I considered my fate, I glanced past him to the side and saw a chair drawn up to the side of my bed.  My eyelashes lowered and fluttered as my heart melted when I realised Lord Drake had slept in the chair to watch over me in the night yet again.  But I wanted to be at home with my aunt.  I also craved privacy to lick my wounds from being so badly treated and hurt by my former fiancé.  Then there was my own behavior at the Viscount’s house to consider.
    My reputation may have been damaged and now being made to stay at Lord Drake’s home made me appear suspect.  Angry tears gathered unseen at the backs of my eyes when I imagined the stares of disgust from my friends and for the shunning of polite society I would have to endure.  The situation was intolerable, and worst of all, it was a scandal.  I would be forced to leave.
    Lord Drake frowned at me, obviously perturbed by my silence.
    “What do you think of that disturbs you so much, Lady Gerard?  You appear distressed.  I simply had you brought here to keep you safe.”  He put his hand on his heart.  “I owe you at least that much after you saved my life,” he told me without emotion.
    Unexpected anger stabbed at my heart.
    “So it is guilt that motivates you to save me, Lord Drake?  Do not trouble yourself on my account, sir.  You owe me nothing.”
    Lord Drake unfolded his arms and raised one surprised eyebrow.  I made to turn away, unable to meet his eyes, memories of that night and the way he made me orgasm so passionately entering my mind.  I was embarrassed and hurt that I now found myself in his power and unable to hide.  Now I look back, I know my real hurt was because I had felt something occur between us in that sordid room.  A connection I had not anticipated.  By the way Lord Drake continued to look upon me I believed it was still there, yet he spoke to me in a matter-of-fact voice that did little to soothe me or confirm our mutual attraction.
    Lord Drake might have been my rescuer, but he was a rake.  There was no doubt about it from his skillful behaviour and easy acceptance at the Viscount’s home.  I would have to ignore my passions for the man and accept I should not entertain such a man in my life.  I was very easily duped by love.  My contract to be married to the scandalous Lord Grange was clear proof of my stupidity.
    Turning over caused me pain but I was stubborn and determined to manage the feat.  No longer could I look upon the insufferable man without anger at my stupidity.  No other man would take advantage of me again.
    I felt Lord Drake remove the bedclothes and slip his hands under my back.  He did not speak but simply and carefully lifted me up to sitting.  He repositioned the white and primrose silk and cotton covers, ignoring the way I sighed and pouted at him with annoyance. 
    “What is it that puts you