The Sins of Viscount Sutherland by Samantha James Read Free Book Online Page A

honest.”
    “That is your intent, then?” she asked. “To seduce me?”
    He said nothing. That wicked smile merely widened.
    “Are you as roguish as everyone says?” A voice inside was screaming a warning. Grayson Sutherland was far beyond her experience.
    He pretended to consider. “There is roguish. And there is . . . charmingly roguish.”
    “Charming? An insipid term for you, I suspect.” A part of her was aghast at her bravado, for that’s what it was. Sheer bravado.
    He threw back his head and laughed. “I agree. ‘Charming’ is not a word one usually associates with me. I daresay, my mother would agree. But tell me, what kind of man do you think I am?”
    Oh, but he would not want to know . . .
    ‘Ere the thought went through her mind, he shook his head. “Faith, don’t answer that.”
    “I believe we both know the answer to that. From your own lips, you’re a rogue. Are you a jaded rogue?”
    He was amused. “Is there any other kind?”
    Claire caught her breath, trying hard not to tremble. Faith, when he laughed, he was breathtakingly handsome.
    “The question has been posed,” she said almost primly.
    “Good Lord, if you knew my reputation, you would scarcely ask.”
    “Sometimes we are not always what we seem.” Even as she spoke, a little sliver of guilt needled her.
    “Perhaps you’re a woman of mystery, then.”
    “And perhaps you are a man of mystery.”
    Thus they continued to parry.
    “Come. Sit with me.” He extended a hand and saw her seated on the divan in front of the fireplace. It was hot, so no fire burned on the grate.
    But Claire felt as if it did. And her entire body seemed to burn. Shadows flickered on the walls; she hoped Gray couldn’t see her face.
    But she felt as if he did. He sat so near, their knees were nearly touching.
    She watched as he poured another glass of wine for both of them. She sipped it nervously, aware of his eyes on her profile. He did not speak.
    Finally he set aside his glass, and hers as well. He caught at her hand.
    “Come here, Claire.”
    She didn’t want to. She had to remind herself she had a role to play.
    But then . . . oh, but then an arm slid around her back, bringing her into his chest. Her shoulder fit perfectly into the notch between his shoulder. It was as if she was made for him.
    His eyes slid over her face. “Do you know what I want, Claire?”
    Her hands were trapped between their bodies. “I—”
    His mouth covered hers. Her fingers splayed wide on his chest. It was a kiss that gained fervor with every second. A kiss that gave rise to a dozen confusing feelings racing throughout her body. A kiss of almost blinding sweetness, pleasure such as she had never known—and fear of what would come next.
    Their lips parted. Warm breath rushed over her cheek. “God,” he muttered against the corner of her mouth. “I’ve been waiting to do that all day.”
    His mouth returned. It was Gray who controlled the tempo of the kiss. Controlled it—and thus controlled her. The fanciful daydreams she’d envisioned as a young girl hadn’t prepared her for this. His hold on her was commanding. Masterful. His kiss was far beyond any imagining she might have had.
    She was trembling when he finally raised his head. The moment seemed to stretch out forever.
    “What’s wrong, Claire?”
    Speech was beyond her.
    He released her abruptly. “You’re shaking! What are you frightened of?”
    She leaned back. There was a shimmer of tears in her eyes. She tried to blink them back.
    “Tell me what the devil is going on.” His voice was very low.
    The truth was that she was afraid. There was an intensity about him that almost terrified her.
    He wasn’t a man to trifle with. In that moment, she realized just how true it was. If he’d wanted, he could have laid her back, stripped her clothes from her, and taken her at his will.
    And there wasn’t a thing she could have done to stop him.
    But above all, she couldn’t allow that to happen.