Strictly Forbidden by Shayla Black Read Free Book Online Page A

someday?
    “Lord Vance says he has full carnal knowledge of your fiancée. Certainly you can see— ”
    “He lies, I am sure of it! I have no notion why he would make such outrageous claims.
     Kira says he asked her to elope with him, and because she cared for him and believed
     him to be a gentleman, she agreed. She learned most painfully that Vance is not a
     man of honor.” James grimaced. “Perhaps the tale sounds farfetched, but I have prayed
     on this. I know she is innocent.”
    Impatience nagged at Gavin. “Vance has details. For instance, he claims Miss Melbourne has a very unique birthmark on her…person.
     I—I have it on good authority that is indeed true. There is but one way he could know
     that.”
    From his expression, Gavin saw that his disclosure had not swayed James. “I can only
     assume you learned such information from her lady’s maid. If you did so, Lord Vance
     could easily have done the same.”
    Gavin could hardly refute his cousin’s assumption without implicating himself. But
     he wondered if Vance might have paid a servant for the knowledge. Still, why would
     he? So far, the blackguard had accomplished nothing but ruining Kira’s reputation,
     and Gavin saw no gain for Vance in that.
    “Miss Melbourne is a kind and honest woman, Gavin. I know she would not do such a
     sinful thing.”
    And apparently James had just fallen off the apple cart. James was Kira Melbourne’s
     avenue to respectability and comfortable living. Couldn’t he see that? “Why would
     you believe a woman you’ve scarce known for three weeks over evidence? Do you love
     her?”
    “I love all of God’s children.”
    Sighing, Gavin dug deep for patience. “Do you love her in the man-woman, I-must-marry-her way?”
    James hesitated. “I greatly esteem her.”
    An odd relief ploughed through him. “But you don’t love her.” Before he had a chance
     to become too pleased, another distasteful thought hit Gavin. “You—you didn’t compromise— ”
    “Heavens, no!” James pulled on his stiff lapels, looking stunned. “I would never demean
     her in that insulting way, nor would she allow such a thing.” Then he sighed and softened.
     “Gavin, I can save Miss Melbourne from further ruination. I require a wife who will
     be as committed to my cause as I. She is most eager to nourish the souls of my new
     parishioners with me. We look forward to our lives together, in God’s service.”
    The woman washing her breasts before the mirror a scant three hours ago hadn’t appeared
     as if she’d been contemplating a life in God’s service. “I understand that you think
     marriage will protect her from the ugly gossip, but that will not stop tongues from
     wagging.”
    “We plan to have a small ceremony here, then retire to my new parish where we shall
     lead very quiet country lives. The gossip will die eventually, I am certain.”
    “For you and Miss Melbourne perhaps. But in London, no. What of my sisters?  Anne
     is only having her first season. And what of your mother? I do not think she can bear
     another torrid scandal.”
    “Romans, chapter five, verse three, says, ‘ And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh
     patience . ’”
    To hell with patience. Clearly it , like proof , would not work in the face of obstinance such as James’s.
    “Mother is strong.” James looked at Gavin as if he were a misguided soul. “I feel
     certain this shall pass.”
    Perhaps, but not before it kills her. “As head of this household, I could demand you forsake her.”
    “Gavin, no! Give yourself a chance to truly know Miss Melbourne, please. For I would
     hate to lose the cousin I have always considered a brother. That would bring me such
     pain.”
    James would choose the sensual strumpet over his own family? Such an assertion was
     appalling—unthinkable! The thought made Gavin ruthless.
    “What will you do when you come home someday to find another man in bed