Seduction by Amanda Quick Read Free Book Online Page A

form of forcing yourself on a woman. It is a man's way of concealing the truth of his motives."
    Julian was stunned at the vehemence in her voice. "You have had experience of it, then?" he countered coldly.
    "The results of a seduction are the same for a woman as the use of force, are they not?"
    She scrambled awkwardly off his thighs, the wool skirts of her traveling dress twisting awkwardly around her in the process. The broken feather in her bonnet drooped further until it hung over one wary eye. She reached up and snatched it out of the way, leaving a broken feather shaft behind.
    Julian shot out his hand and snagged her wrist. "Answer me, Sophy. Have you had experience of seduction?"
    "It is a little late to ask me now, is it not? You ought to have made your inquiries into the matter before you offered for me."
    And he knew quite suddenly that she had never lain in a man's arms. He could see the answer he wanted in her eyes. But he felt compelled to make her admit the truth. She had to learn that he would tolerate no evasions, half-truths, or any of the myriad other shapes a woman's lies could take.
    "You will answer me, Sophy."
    "If I do, will you answer all my questions about your past amours?"
    "Of course not."
    "Oh, you are so grossly unfair, my lord."
    "I am your husband."
    "And that gives you a right to be unfair?"
    "It gives me a right and a duty to do what is best for you. Discussing my past liaisons with you would serve no good purpose and we both know it."
    "I am not so certain. I think it would provide me with greater insight into your character."
    He gave a crack of laughter at that. "I think you have enough insight as it is. Too much at times. Now tell me about your experience with the fine art of seduction, Sophy. Did some country squire attempt to tumble you in the woods?"
    "If he had, what would you do about it?"
    "See that he paid for it," Julian said simply.
    Her mouth fell open. "You would conduct a duel because of a past indiscretion?"
    "We stray from the topic, Sophy." His fingers closed more firmly around her wrist. He could feel the small, delicate bones there and took care not to tighten his hold too far.
    Her eyes fell away from his. "You need not worry about avenging my lost honor, my lord. I assure you I have led an extremely quiet and unexciting existence. A somewhat boring existence, to be precise."
    "I rather thought so." He released her hand and relaxed back against the cushion. "Now tell me why you equate seduction with force?"
    "This is hardly a proper conversation for us to be conducting," she said in muffled tones.
    "I have the impression you and I will have many such improper conversations. There are times, my dear, when you are a most improper young woman." He reached up and plucked the broken feather shaft from her bonnet.
    She glanced at the shaft with an expression of resignation. "You should have considered my improper tendencies before you insisted on offering for me."
    Julian turned the feather shaft between thumb and forefinger. "I did. I decided they were all quite manageable. Stop trying to distract me, Sophy. Tell me why you fear seduction as much as force."
    "It is a private matter, my lord. I do not speak of it."
    "You will speak of it to me. I am afraid I must insist, Sophy. I am your husband."
    "Do stop using that fact as an excuse for indulging your curiosity," she snapped.
    He slanted her a considering glance and considered the defiant tilt of her chin. "You insult me, madam."
    She shifted uneasily, attempting to straighten her skirts. "You are easily insulted, my lord."
    "Ah, yes, my excessive arrogance. I fear we must both learn to live with it, Sophy. Just as we must learn to live with my excessive curiosity." Julian studied the broken feather shaft and waited.
    Silence descended on the swaying coach. The sound of creaking wheels and harness leather and the steady beat of the horses' hooves suddenly became very loud.
    "It was not a matter that affected me,