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truth, her virginity would very likely be forsaken and gone forever. Just as she was about
to open her mouth and talk to him reasonably, he lowered his mouth to kiss her. His hard
chest muscles pressed against her breasts, and he ground his rigid member against her,
letting her know that he was fully ready.
She was powerless to deny him, and she swirled in a heavenly cloud of euphoria.
His hands reached above her head to clasp hers in a gentle display of power and
possession. His head angled to one side as he deepened the already sensual kiss. They
both breathed heavily and trembled from the onslaught of emotions and desire.
Elizabeth felt him reach down and unfasten his breeches in what she surmised
was the final preparation for his entry into her body. She broke the kiss, as fear and
concern overrode her feelings.
What is it, beautiful Elizabeth? I thought you wanted me to dominate you? Your
blonde friend told me you preferred to be taken with strength and force.
You must listen to me, my lord. I am not who you think I am. Let us talk first,
please, she gently implored. I do not know what Eileen told you, my lord, but I am not
the experienced seductress you think I am. I neither asked for you to dominate me nor
take me by force. In truth, I ve never been taken at all.
His head slumped forward, and he pressed his forehead to hers, and very slowly
he slid off of her. He handed her the satin sheet and waited until she had positioned
herself against the headboard and securely gripped the covering up to her chin.
He then positioned himself comfortably on the edge of the bed with one elbow
HANDSOME DEVIL Donna McAteer 32
resting nonchalantly atop the leg that lay lazily positioned upon the bed. Releasing a
huge sigh, he waited.
You already know that my name is Elizabeth Forbes, my lord, she said.
He nodded.
I am from the small town of Berwick, she said. My father is of British
heritage, while my mother was a Scot. Oddly, she thought she noticed a slight
narrowing of his eyes. She decided to divulge only enough information to ensure his
cooperation. There was no need to disclose the embarrassing history of her drunken
father and his blatant disregard for his two daughters and their inheritance.
My father thought it best that I stay in London for my coming-out into society. I
am staying with relatives. Their mansion at Covent Gardens was where the ball was held
last night. I came to London hoping to meet a man with enough income to run my
family s manors. But then my year long quest to find my missing brother overshadowed
everything else. Aidan disappeared in Edinburgh one year ago. I beseech you to tell me
all that you know of the mysterious murders, my lord.
He slowly nodded his head. Feeling that she was making some headway, she
continued.
I am thoroughly confused by the events that took place last night, my lord. You
seemed to have arranged the meeting between us, even before I could arrange it. I only
just learned from the Bow Street runners that you were the very person I needed to seek
out to give me precious information regarding my missing brother. She stared hopefully
at him, hoping to see some understanding in his eyes. I only arrived in London a day or
two before the ball. I m quite sure this whole sexual fantasy idea is a big
misunderstanding, my lord.
A look of skepticism crossed his face.
And what of the little blonde who approached me, my sweet? Did she seek you
out of the crowded ballroom in order to arrange a clandestine meeting? A meeting truly
arranged by you for the sole purpose of enticing me to pursue you in this naughty little
game, he snapped.
Her jaw dropped, and she could feel her eyes widen as realization dawned on her
that he thought she was fabricating her story.
I assure you, my lord, her intentions were nothing but dishonorable. She harbors
resentment for a past event in Berwick. This is nothing more than her way of paying me
back.
Elizabeth s worst fears were now confirmed. The pieces of the puzzle finally fell
into place. Burying her head in her hands, the events of years prior came flooding back,
and the memories of Eileen Drummond s threat to ruin her life. She obviously never
forgot the pain and anguish of losing her love, John Selwyn.
What better way to ruin a virgin s reputation than to place her directly into the
hands of London s most infamous rake? Elizabeth had made it easy for her to deliver her
retaliation by following her to the study, then allowing Lord Marston to take such
liberties.
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