The Lady's Disgrace by Callie Hutton Read Free Book Online

gentlemanly.”
    “What?”
    “Nothing. You will not sleep in the chair.” He surrendered his battle to remain upright, and sat on the bed, swaying, trying hard to focus on her. “Stand still.”
    Abigail sighed. She’d seen her brother in his cups a few times, so she knew there was no point in attempting a conversation. She strode to the bed and poked him in his chest. As she expected, he fell backward. Kneeling, she tugged his boots off, then stood, hands on her hips and regarded him. He was already snoring.
    She shook her head in disgust as she moved around the room, blowing out what was left of the candles. With the pale moonlight filtering in through the window, she climbed into bed, and pulled up the blanket. She lay on her back, her hands clasped on her stomach.
    No doubt she’d made a mistake in asking for time before they made love. On the other hand, in doing so, she’d learned what prompted Joseph to marry her. And it was certainly not any great desire to take her to bed. She thumped the pillow and turned onto her stomach. It didn’t matter. As long as they were intimate enough times for her to conceive a child, she would be happy.
    Or at least content.
    …
    Abigail shifted, snuggling closer to the warmth. There was a thumping in her ear, the soothing cadence almost lulling her back to sleep until she became aware of her surroundings. She was lying in bed, but she was not alone. She moved her fingers and the tips came into contact with warm skin.
    Her knee was bent, but also lying atop warm skin. Warm and hairy. A leg. Goodness gracious, a man’s leg. Joseph! She slowly moved her head, tilting her chin until she looked into two deep brown eyes staring back at her. “Oh.”
    She was sprawled all over her husband’s body in a most unladylike fashion. Her husband’s naked body! She scooted back, immediately feeling bereft at the loss of warmth. “Why are you undressed?”
    “Because I sleep that way.”
    “But you were dressed last night. All I did was remove your boots.”
    “Yes, well I awoke a few hours ago and divested myself of my clothing.” He extended his hand. “Come here, Abigail.”
    She shook her head, pulling the covers up to her chin. Joseph slid closer, tracing circles on her cheek with his finger. “So soft.” He cupped her face, rubbing his thumb along her lips.
    Heat began to rise in her middle, spreading upward, causing tingles in her breasts. Was he preparing to do now what she’d denied him last night? Perhaps it would be best to get it over with, so she wouldn’t have to worry about it all day.
    His warm fingers traced her jawline, moving down to her throat, where they circled, then lower to her chest, to the top of her breasts. Her breathing hitched, and she waited for what he would do next.
    She licked her lips and dragged her gaze from the mesmerizing sight of his fingers to his face. His brown eyes had darkened to almost black, his eyelids heavy. He wrapped his palm around her neck and tugged her toward him.
    Abigail began to move forward, then jerked back and quickly rolled over, away from him, her feet landing squarely on the floor. “I need to clean my mouth.”
    His unamused chuckle followed her as she hurried to the wash bowl sitting on the dresser across the room. She eyed him in the mirror, leaning against the pillows, his hands tucked behind his head as he watched her. He was devastatingly handsome with his tumbled hair resting on his forehead, a slight smile teasing his lips. His bare chest was more muscular than she would have thought a rector’s chest ought to be. Light brown hairs dusted the center area, snaking down to disappear under the blanket at his waist.
    A distinct bulge raised the sheet over his lap. When he noticed her staring at that spot, he grinned. Flustered, she drew her eyes away and did a quick wash of her face and hands, and brushed her teeth. She grabbed her frock and under things and bolted behind the dressing screen. Within seconds she