Possessing Allura by Reese Gabriel Read Free Book Online Page B

Allura felt the gut-wrenching tear of guilt. Were she and Veeta so very different? Wasn’t it Allura who’d wanted that kiss from Porfino so badly? Hadn’t she practically thrown herself at the boy not once, but again and again? Had she not offered him everything, the full obedience of her body in a vain effort to distract him from Saraveeta, his true love? And knowing herself second best in the end, had she not falsely accused an innocent girl in order to appease her own bruised ego? It was more than Allura could bear.
    â€˜Is something wrong, princess?’
    She was on her feet, bracing herself at the edge of the table. ‘I… I am in need of some air,’ she stammered, ‘that is all.’
    â€˜Baron,’ the grand duke called from the far end of the table, ‘would you kindly escort the princess to the balcony?’
    â€˜I am fine, uncle,’ she declined. ‘I should like to go alone.’
    The baron grasped her elbow. ‘I will not be cheated of my end of the bargain, whether or not you leave,’ he growled.
    â€˜Of course,’ she hissed, ‘being the son of a demon as you are, I fully expect you to try and collect. Only it seems you have failed to honor your end of the bargain; I have been disgraced, after all.’
    â€˜Only if you make a scene now,’ he countered. ‘Come quietly and all will be well.’
    The man was right and for the moment she had no choice but to cede her arm – and a measure of her pride. So consoling herself with all the nasty things she would do to him when she became queen, she allowed him to lead her from the state dining room out to the balcony overlooking the manicured gardens below.
    Allura forced from her mind the feelings of comfort at having someone to lean on – a man to take the reins. She could not entertain such a thought now, for it was enough to confront the weakness in her knees, the heat passing from her body to his, so powerful beside her.
    â€˜You may leave me,’ she dismissed him at the balustrade. ‘I am in no mood for company.’
    â€˜I shall wait till I am assured that you are well.’
    Well enough to run him through with a blade had she the strength of a man, she thought bitterly. ‘I think you’ve foisted yourself on me more than sufficiently for—’
    The baron helped himself to another kiss, abruptly silencing her, this second even more intoxicating than the first, his hands at her bare back pressing her close, holding her prisoner. She nearly fainted at the feel of his hardness, the man aroused, as he had been with Veeta, only this time he wanted her. Allura felt her resistance ebbing, and as his hands moved down to grasp her buttocks she could muster no objection, no will to oppose him.
    Her eyes closed, and the princess forgot for the moment her loathing of the man, praying it would go on, forever.
    â€˜Allura! By the gods and goddesses, what is the meaning of this?’
    The princess gasped, panic supplanting her lurid desire. It was the grand duke. ‘Uncle, I… I…’
    â€˜No,’ he silenced her spluttering. ‘It is clear enough what has occurred here.’
    â€˜The young lady has compromised my integrity,’ declared the baron. ‘I demand satisfaction.’
    â€˜Me?’ she shrieked indignantly. ‘But it is you who grabbed me and—’
    â€˜And what, Allura?’ he interrupted. ‘Can you prove to your uncle how I forced myself upon you? Or would you rather tell him the truth, how you put yourself upon me, appealing to my natural male desires?’
    â€˜Is this true, Allura?’ her uncle quizzed, and her pulse raced. She knew well the laws and customs of her people. Without clear and overwhelming proof of abuse the woman was wrong, guilty no matter what the circumstances. Hadn’t she condemned Saraveeta in this very manner having no evidence whatsoever?
    It was not a fair system, but