Seducing the Viscount by Alexandra Ivy Read Free Book Online Page B

comprehend a woman of her age being so painfully innocent.
    â€œThat I have never been kissed until you did so earlier today,” she finished for him, unwittingly squaring her shoulders as she waited for his laughter. Who wouldn’t be amused by a four-and-twenty-year-old woman who could not entice the slightest interest in men?
    Instead, a frown touched his brow, an unexpected wariness darkening his whiskey gold eyes.
    â€œAre the gentlemen in your village truly such dolts?”
    She shrugged. “I suppose there are a few dolts as well as any number of fine gentlemen.”
    â€œNo, I refuse to believe that there could be a one of them with any sense if they have failed to notice a wood sprite in their midst.”
    A silly warmth filled her heart at his hint of outrage. Whether it was genuine or not, it was still nice to think that someone had not readily placed her upon the shelf.
    â€œI fear I am rather easy to ignore when I never attend the local functions and only travel to the nearby village to visit the butcher and greengrocer. The only occasion that I am in the company of gentlemen is during church, and most of them possess the manners to resist the temptation to seduce the vicar’s daughter in such a holy setting.”
    â€œGood . . . God.”

Chapter 4
    For once Ian Breckford found himself at a loss. Oh, he understood his shock at her stark confession of never having been kissed. How the devil did any woman reach her age without having stolen into a dark garden with at least one eager gentleman? He even understood his continued erection despite the fact they stood a near acre apart. That soft, husky voice would make him randy if she were halfway across the world.
    What he did not understand was the unnerving disappointment that clenched his heart.
    Could it be that he still possessed enough of his tattered morals to resist despoiling such lovely innocence?
    The devil take it, the chit was the most beautiful creature he had ever encountered. As exquisite as a Renaissance angel. And the mere thought of having her naked beneath him was enough to make his cock twitch with savage excitement. To actually think about forgoing the pleasure she could offer was a sin against nature.
    Unfortunately, he could not shake a measure of queasiness at the idea of tarnishing such pure virtue.
    When he had made his promise to his aunt not to force Miss Simpson into an affair, it had been with the full belief that it would be an easy matter to seduce her into offering what he desired. A belief that had been confirmed during the brief moments he had leaned against her trembling body. Her desire had been potent enough to perfume the air.
    The woman was ripe and longing to be plucked.
    But by the gods, Miss Mercy Simpson was not just another female. She was intelligent and kind and prepared to sacrifice her entire life for those who depended upon her. She deserved more than a meaningless tumble by a jaded wreck of a man.
    It would be like leading a lamb to slaughter.
    Unaware of his tangled thoughts, Mercy shifted uneasily beneath his brooding gaze, her expression one of unwitting challenge.
    â€œI do not need your pity, Mr.—” Her eyes flashed as he held up a warning hand. “Ian.”
    Strolling forward, Ian offered a short, mirthless laugh. “If I was pitying anyone, it is myself.”
    She blinked. “Why?”
    â€œBecause it is not often that I do not simply take what I desire and damn the consequences.” He ran a longing gaze over her delicate form, excruciatingly aware of how the firelight outlined her soft curves beneath the thin muslin gown. If he did not get to his chambers so he could relieve his throbbing erection, he was going to burst. “In truth, I cannot remember the last occasion I have not done so.”
    A smile that could have launched those damnable ships curved her lips. Devil take her, for all her innocence she was clearly a born siren.
    â€œAnd what is