Ruthless by Anne Stuart Read Free Book Online

“She doesn’t understand us, does she? Her French was atrocious.”
    â€œOh, I think she understands us well enough, looking at her face. And I think we’ll have to forgo the pleasure of your company.” He dismissed them.
    â€œWhen you’re done with her then, Francis?” the woman said, looking at her avidly. “I could have a lovely time schooling a lamb who has strayed.”
    â€œI think you’ll have to find another stray lamb, madame,” he said, placing one hand over Elinor’s. “You’re already aware of the motto of the Rohans—what I have I keep. Reading can find you another innocent.”
    â€œHard to do when you won’t let us invite children,” Veronique said with a pout.
    â€œA foolish inconstancy on my part,” he drawled. “But it’s not up for discussion. I’m certain the two of you will find adequate distraction back in the green room.”
    Veronique spat a very nasty word, one that Elinor had only heard a few times and then from the worst gutter whore in Paris, and she started with shock as the door slid open again, and the woman flounced through, her straight back expressing her disapproval.
    The man, Reading, paused a moment longer. “Best be careful, Francis,” he said.
    â€œI’m hardly afraid of Veronique.”
    â€œShe’s not the woman I think you should worry about,” Reading murmured. And a moment later the door slid shut, leaving them in cocooning darkness once more.
    Rohan looked down at her. “You see, my dove. There are creatures far more terrifying than rats who wander these corridors.”
    â€œYou’re known as the King of Hell, Monsieur le Comte,” she said. “What else would I expect from your guests?”
    He laughed softly, but she had the sense she’d annoyed him. “Next time you wish to call me names you might consider what I’ve saved you from. Veronique is not very nice to girls—she is one who takes pleasure from hurting people, where most of the whores simply fake their distress.”
    â€œI’m ever so grateful,” she said with cloying sweetness.
    â€œOf course you are, love. Unfortunately I desire that you show your gratitude before I release you. Just a small token is all that’s needed.”
    â€œI beg your pardon?” she said in an icy voice.
    They’d reached what appeared to be a blank wall. The rest of the corridor disappeared into darkness, and there were no embarrassing animal sounds. He moved, and suddenly she felt her body pressed up against the wall, quite firmly, his hands on her arms. And then a moment later, before she realized what he intended, he moved closer, his tall body covering hers in shadows, and all she could do was feel him, hip to hip, his chest against hers, his heart, slow and lazy against her racing one, as he filled all her senses, and she was drowning.
    Endure, she reminded herself, and closed her eyes, holding very still. He moved his head down, to the spot at the base of her neck, and she felt his mouth, his teeth, just the lightest of bites against her skin, and she quivered. Endure, she reminded herself again, trying to breathe normally. He was much too strong to fight.
    His body held her still, and he released her arms toslide his hands up, the fingers stroking the pulse at her neck that was racing so wildly. “Ah, child,” he murmured. “If only you’d been lying.”
    A second later he pulled back, no longer touching her, and she knew she should run. And run she would, as soon as her senses regained their proper order.
    â€œI…I do not lie, monsieur.” The stammer was faint, and she couldn’t help it. Those few seconds in the darkness had been…overwhelming.
    â€œAlas, you don’t,” he said. “I had hoped you were more like your dear mother. That you’d seized upon this opportunity to find a protector, as Lady Caroline was