Mischief by Unknown Read Free Book Online Page A

man of Vanneck's nature."
    I assure you, I can and will handle him. But I am beginning to think that you are correct in one regard, sir. Perhaps I do not require your services. When I initially formed my plan, I thought you would be extremely useful, but now I begin to wonder if you might prove more of a hindrance than a help."
    For some reason that Matthias could not fathom, Imogen's scathing retort served only to further fan the flames of his anger.
    Indeed?"
    Obviously you are not the man I had believed you to be, my lord."
    Hell and damnation. Just what sort of man did you believe me to be?"
    I had assumed, incorrectly it seems, that you were a man of action, the sort of man who does not flinch from danger. A man capable of going forth into adventure without a second's hesitation."
    Where did you gain that peculiar notion?"

    From your articles on ancient Zamar. I concluded from the thrilling accounts of your travels and explorations that you had actually lived through those adventures." She gave him a scornful smile. Perhaps I was mistaken."
    Miss Waterstone, are you implying that I base my articles on secondhand researches, as that damnable L. A. Stone does?"
    L. A. Stone is entirely honest about the sources of his information, sir. He does not claim to have observed firsthand all that he writes about. You do. You pass yourself off as a man of action, but now it seems that you are not that sort of man at all."
    I do not pass myself off as anything but what I am, you exasperating little"
    Apparently you write fiction rather than fact, sir. Bad enough that I thought you to be a clever, resourceful gentleman given to feats of daring. I have also been laboring under the equally mistaken assumption that you are a man who would put matters of honor ahead of petty considerations of inconvenience."
    Are you calling my honor as well as my manhood into question?"
    Why shouldn't I? You are clearly indebted to me, sir, yet you obviously wish to avoid making payment on that debt."
    I was indebted to your uncle, not to you."
    I have explained to you that I inherited the debt," she retorted.
    Matthias took another gliding step into the grim chamber. Miss Waterstone, you try my patience."
    I would not dream of doing so," she said, her voice dangerously sweet. I have concluded that you will not do at all as an associate in my scheme. I hereby release you from your promise. Be gone, sir."
    Bloody hell, woman. You are not going to get rid of me so easily." Matthias crossed the remaining distance between them with two long strides and clamped his hands around her shoulders.
    Touching her was a mistake. Anger metamorphosed into desire in the wink of an eye.
    For an instant he could not move. His insides seemed to have been seized by a powerful fist. Matthias tried to breathe, but Imogen's scent filled his head, clouding his brain. He looked down into the bottomless depths of her blue-green eyes and wondered if he would drown. He opened his mouth to conclude the argument with a suitably repressive remark, but the words died in his
    throat.
    The outrage vanished from Imogen's gaze. It was replaced by sudden concern. My lord? Is something wrong?"
    Yes." It was all he could do to get the word past his teeth.
    What is it?" She began to look alarmed. Are you ill?"
    Quite possibly."
    Good heavens. I had not realized. That no doubt explains your odd behavior."
    No doubt."
    Would you care to lie down on the bed for a few minutes?"
    I do not think that would be a wise move at this juncture." She was so soft. He could feel the warmth of her skin through the sleeves of her prim, practical gown. He realized that he longed to discover if she made love with the same impassioned spirit she displayed in an argument. He forced himself to remove his hands from her shoulders. We had best finish this discussion at some other time."
    Nonsense," she said bracingly. I do not believe in putting matters off, my lord."
    Matthias shut his eyes for the space of two or