Tender Torment by Alicia Meadowes Read Free Book Online Page B

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     and began to eat furiously. Others started conversing eagerly with their neighbors hoping the old fool would have the sense
     to silence himself.
    The earl looked at Marisa Loftus, wishing to study her reaction. It did not matter to him what this assemblage of cits believed
     since they were beneath his contempt.
    The girl’s face betrayed no emotion—no curiosity or shame or fear—only calm repose. He liked that.
    But she was watching him too, studying his reaction as well. Her blue eyes which were slightly tilted at the corners were
     regarding him steadily, and he was surprised to perceive a lurking disapproval in their depths.
    Be damned with her disapproval! The girl piqued his curiosity. For all she was the daughter of a merchant, she presented a
     picture of aristocratic beauty. The features ofher face were well-defined—her brow smooth, her gaze forthright, her lips and cheeks sweetly curved.
    The words of the troublesome old man penetrated Straeford’s thoughts once more.
    “… only capable of abusing helpless natives.”
    The old devil was growing louder and more quarrelsome, and since no one answered him, he added one more thrust.
    “Seems our military are bravest when ordering executions and slaughtering helpless prisoners, don’t it?” He was staring directly
     at Straeford.
    “Why, Uncle Reggie, with all this talk about the military, of which we know very little, you have not eaten your dessert,
     and I know it is your favorite.” Marisa Loftus intervened, attempting to cover her uncle’s breach of etiquette. He had insulted
     a guest in her father’s home!
    Although Straeford appreciated Marisa Loftus’s tactfulness, he felt little gratitude for her intervention. He had no wish
     to be defended by this woman. He had outfaced worse than this old coot in the past, but it was time he silenced the fool once
     and for all and put the girl in her place. Let them know how insignificant their opinions were to him.
    “My good man, my only regret is that I have not the authority to order similar measures here at the seat of Britannia’s rule
     and rid our kingdom of a passel of fools. I would greatly enjoy lining them up and giving the order to send them to perdition.”
    Forks clattered to their plates, and gasps were heard before silence grew heavy.
    Straeford ignored their reactions save for Miss Loftus’s, whose lurking disapproval had surfaced into open dislike.
    At this breakdown in decorum, Marisa rose, cast the earl a frigid glance, and led the ladies to the drawing room.
    Minx! Justin observed. This girl begins to interest me. Lady Maxwell was right. Without a doubt it will be the older daughter.
     No fledgling miss for me.
    Coming into the drawing room a short time later, the Earl of Straeford observed the rest of the family withill-concealed disdain. They had gathered into several small groups with the younger Miss Loftus already seated at the pianoforte,
     ready to play and sing. Her sister continued to pour coffee for the guests until the earl’s penetrating gaze caused her to
     raise her head.
    Again disapproval registered in her luminous blue eyes. He could handle that. It was no less than he was used to. And it might
     be worth a few nights’ effort to master the boldness of that direct look of hers. No shrinking virgin to contend with here,
     but a desirable woman indeed. He’d like to see her with those heavy honey coils loosened and falling free. Her heaving bosom
     promised a ripeness that teased his imagination, and the girl’s full red lips were tempting even though she held them stiff
     and prim when she looked his way—as she was doing now, as everyone was doing—father, brother, sister and guests.
    Straeford ignored the mixture of fear and alarm on their faces and boldly strode across the room to Marisa. Bowing stiffly
     he offered her his arm, saying loudly for those nearby to hear, “Come Miss Loftus, let us get acquainted. I did not have the
     opportunity to