Lord Heartless by Tessa Berkley Read Free Book Online Page A

flowers filled his nostrils, urging his rakish habits to come to life.
    The box shifted. Amos scooted to the edge of his seat. With a nod, he departed the carriage, taking with him Juliet’s new maid. For a moment, they were alone. Looking down, he watched her take a deep breath. Gently placing a finger beneath her chin, he tilted her chin and with her mouth exposed, leaned down to kiss her.
    Her lips remained passive. Landon increased the pressure and opened his hand to slide his fingers along her jaw. A soft moan followed as her lips began to stir, mimicking his motions. Her body awakened. Juliet raised her hand and rested her fingers along his forearms as he pulled back to watch her smoky lashes flutter, then rise. Confusion clouded the normally translucent color of her blue eyes. Then as quickly as it appeared a blink sent it scurrying away. “We’ve arrived?”
    “Yes.”
    She sat up and brushed the front of her gown down, then ran a careful hand over her head to make sure nothing was amiss. “I must look a fright.”
    “On the contrary,” he murmured, regretting the cold that replaced the warmth near his heart. “You look beautiful.”
    “Thank you.” She bent her head and stared out the window. “Every window ablaze, you must burn a lot of oil.”
    “It is only because we have returned home. Come. I’m sure you’d like to get out and stretch your legs. Perhaps freshen up before dinner.”
    “Yes.”
    Landon gathered his things and stepped from the carriage. Across the small walkway, he could see Black introducing the maid to the staff, and then his housekeeper led her inside. Behind him, the carriage creaked; he stepped back and held out his hand as Juliet alighted from the box. He helped her down, then draped her hand over his arm.
    “Nervous?” he asked.
    “No.”
    “Liar,” he whispered and to his delight, she laughed.
    “Evening, Lord Montague.” The butler snapped to attention and bowed.
    “Simmons, I’d like to introduce you to my wife, Lady Juliet Montague.”
    The yard stilled and for a single beat of his heart, Landon heard nothing. Not the whine of gnat, or the chirp of a cricket, just an overwhelming wave of silence that engulfed them.
    Simmons recovered first. “Forgive my lack of manners, milady. Welcome to Broadmoor.”
    “Thank you, Mr. Simmons. You are quite forgiven. I believe it is I who must tolerate the burden of impropriety, for I have come unannounced.” She cut her glance back toward the man resting his hand against the small of her back. “It seems my husband has a penchant for surprises.”
    Landon could see a faint smile turn the corners of his butler’s lips enjoying his chagrin. By god, with one sweet turn of her words, Juliet has won him over .
    “Aye, milady, I am afraid he has been like that since a child.”
    “And here I hoped I caused his lack of attention.” She leaned closer. A twinge of jealousy scratched his heart as he watched her place a hand upon the butler’s. “One day, you must enlighten me with all his tricks.”
    “Indeed, madam.”
    Landon led her into his home.
    “How beautiful,” she said as they stopped before a round cherrywood table that stood in the center of the foyer.
    He placed his hat and gloves next to the roses that nearly overpowered the Wedgewood bowl. “It is your home now. Feel free to make any changes you desire.”
    “Like going through a rabbit hole to another world.” She looked at him, her eyes round with wonder. “I cannot imagine changing a thing.”
    “It is early yet.” He pointed to the door on the right. “This door leads to the parlor where Mother usually holds court.”
    “And that door?”
    “My study. The dining room lies just beyond the stairway on the left.”
    “I hope I will not get lost.”
    “Staff is always about, Lady Montague. Do not hesitate to ask.” Simmons turned. “Lord Montague, if you would like, I will escort milady to her rooms and allow her to freshen up before