Once Upon A Wedding Night by Sophie Jordan Read Free Book Online Page A

mother's corpse was dead.
    "But you reject Him," she finished for him.
    Nick clenched his jaw, her judgment angering him. Or was it disappointment he heard in her voice? Either way, it bothered him more than it should. He didn't need her good opinion. In fact, he would much rather have her disgust. It would keep things in perspective.
    "How did Edmund ever end up with such a sweet innocent like you?" he mocked, stepping closer to brush her cheek with the back of his hand. "Shocking that such a prim little thing let him into your life, much less your bed."
    Gasping, she tried to step back, but his hand slid behind her neck, holding her fast. The nape of her neck felt soft as silk. He inhaled the scent of her. Mint and honey. Delicious. Her eyes dilated and her lips parted as she gazed up at him. A primal growl welled up in him and he inched closer, his eyes fixed on her lush mouth. Then the thought came, unbidden, unwanted.
This woman could have been his. She could be his now
. Nick stepped back, dropping his hands to his sides. Had he sunk so low he craved the woman carrying his brother's child? Could he be that perverse?
    Her trembling voice rolled through him like warm brandy. "This has been a trying day. Especially for you. I'm sure old ghosts abound tonight. We best retire."
    "I remember little of my life here. It was long ago," he lied, rubbing the back of his neck as if he could rid the silken feel of her from his hand.
    "The downstairs library boasts a large selection. Sometimes I read when my mind is overwhelmed." She waved her book in a nervous little circle, watching him warily.
    "A worthy suggestion. Tell me, what overwhelms you?" He reached for the book, unable to stop himself from stroking the soft inside of her wrist. As if burned, she quickly released the book. Reading the title, he asked, "You think
Gulliver's Travels
will provide distraction from your worries?"
    "I'm not worried, my lord." Her voice lifted a notch as she worked to rub his touch from her skin.
    "You're a poor liar, my lady."
    Her eyes widened into luminous pools of green. "Of course I'm not."
    He chuckled. "Indeed?"
    Shaking her head, she quickly corrected, "Not a liar, I mean—poor or otherwise."
    "It's not a crime to confess that my arrival has discomfited you."
    "Your arrival has not discomfited me. Why should it?" she asked, fidgeting and looking nervous again.
    Nick observed her curiously. Most women would have been glad to have a man step in and take charge. Not this one. From the moment he arrived, it was evident she wanted him gone. He handed the book back.
    She gave a single curt nod. "Good night, my lord."
    "Good night." He watched as she turned and walked down the corridor, scowling when he caught himself appreciating the natural sway of her hips. He remained where he was until she entered her room. The door closed behind her with a soft click.
    Strange woman. Not the prig he initially thought. No woman could be too priggish with hair that inspired fantasies and a mouth that begged to be kissed. He stared at Lady Brook-shire's door for several moments, convinced of one thing. There was more to her than she would have him see.

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Chapter 5

     
    Meredith needed to escape. Two days of staying tucked away while Nicholas Caul-field surveyed her domain proved difficult to abide. She saw him at evening meals where he exhibited a polite reserve, never again revealing so much of himself as he had that night outside the nursery, never again being so bold as to touch her—for which she felt a small pang of relief and regret. She extended only the required hospitality and was neither warm nor effusive. It would only encourage him to remain, and the last thing she wanted was him underfoot, continually measuring Oak Run and herself for worth. After glimpsing the wounded soul within him, she felt a curious urge to help him find the peace so obviously eluding him. A dangerous inclination. She could not bear to harbor a soft spot for the man